Exercise Increased Caution
“There was no change to the advisory level. The “Other” risk indicator was removed, and the “Unrest” risk indicator was added.”
Updated Fri, 16 Jan 2026
Full advisory →Is Banjul safe? 🇬🇲
Gambia · Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, Banjul scores 63/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Banjul is moderately safe for travelers, requiring increased caution due to potential civil unrest and petty crime. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Banjul 🇬🇲
The Gambia · Assessed 30 September 2026
63
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~62% of countries
What drives this score
Crime60/100FairHomicide 7.9 / 100k
Sentiment63/100FairMixed
Advisories72Good
Stability65Fair
Health68Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“No advisory against travel”
Updated 2018-08-03T12:34:10+01:00
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Gambia, The: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:34.022443-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
62
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
55 / 100 (Mixed)
55
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
37k residents
92
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
7.9 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
52
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile specific data for Banjul is limited, the homicide rate for The Gambia is higher than many developed nations, and petty crime is a known issue.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded areas such as markets and bus stations.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Reported feel55Mixed
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
While there are efforts to boost tourism, recent reports of protests and civil unrest suggest a degree of public dissatisfaction that could impact the visitor experience.
Banjul is moderately safe for travelers, requiring increased caution due to potential civil unrest and petty crime.
While Banjul has a moderate composite safety index, official advisories from the US and Canada recommend exercising increased caution. Recent protests over power cuts highlight potential for civil unrest, and petty crime remains a concern for visitors.
Recent developments
- Sep 2026Protests over power cuts turned violent, with vandalism, arson, and looting occurring in the Greater Banjul area.— The Point Newspaper
- Sep 2026Gambia banned protests without permits following unrest over power cuts.— Reuters
- May 2025Gambian youth protested state corruption and faced mass arrests.— Peoples Dispatch
- Jul 2026Gambia's president addressed the need for deepened security cooperation to tackle terrorism and crime.— THISDAYLIVE
Common scams
- Overpriced goods and services, especially in tourist areas.
- Requests for money from 'orphans' or 'students' needing school fees.
- Fake guides or touts offering unsolicited assistance.
Full briefing
Banjul, The Gambia, presents a mixed safety profile for travelers. While the country has a moderate composite safety index, official advisories from the United States and Canada recommend exercising a high degree of caution. These warnings are underscored by recent events, including protests that have turned violent due to issues like power cuts, indicating a potential for civil unrest in the Greater Banjul area.
Travelers should be aware of the risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, particularly in crowded public spaces like markets and transportation hubs. While specific robbery statistics for Banjul are not detailed, the homicide rate for The Gambia is higher than many Western countries, suggesting a moderate risk of more serious crime. Scams targeting tourists, such as inflated prices and requests for money, are also common.
Recent incidents highlight the volatile nature of public sentiment. In September 2026, widespread protests erupted over rolling blackouts, leading to vandalism and unrest in the Greater Banjul region. Authorities subsequently banned protests without permits. Earlier, in May 2025, youth protests against state corruption resulted in mass arrests. These events suggest that travelers should remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.
To ensure a safe trip, it is advisable to stay informed about local conditions, avoid displaying wealth, and use reputable transportation. Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Adhering to these precautions will help mitigate risks and allow for a more secure travel experience in Banjul.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Banjul districts for visitors: 3 safer, 4 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Banjul safety map.
Serrekunda Market and surrounding streetsavoidHigh congestion and frequent reports of pickpocketing and petty theft; avoid carrying valuables and visiting after dark.
Banjul Central (around Albert Market and Independence Drive)cautionModerate pickpocketing and theft risk in crowded markets; avoid displaying valuables, especially after dark.
Kanifing (Kombo St. Mary area, including Serrekunda)cautionBusy urban zone with moderate mugging risk; exercise increased caution at night and in less-lit areas.
Greater Banjul outskirts (e.g., parts of Lamin and Bundung)cautionLess-patrolled residential zones; increased risk of opportunistic crime, particularly during power outages and protests.
Banjul Port and ferry terminal areacautionHigh foot traffic with moderate theft risk; monitor belongings closely, especially during ferry arrivals/departures.
Fajara (hotel and diplomatic zone along Atlantic Boulevard)saferGenerally secure area with hotels and embassies; lower crime incidence but remain alert to opportunistic theft.
Bakau (coastal residential and tourist area)saferPopular with visitors; good infrastructure and visible patrols, but guard against bag snatching on beaches.
Cape Point (beach and leisure area south of Banjul)saferWell-visited tourist spot with generally safe conditions; avoid isolated stretches after sunset.
07 · After Dark
Is Banjul safe at night?
While specific data for Banjul is limited, the homicide rate for The Gambia is higher than many developed nations, and petty crime is a known issue.
After dark, be most careful around Serrekunda Market and surrounding streets, Banjul Central (around Albert Market and Independence Drive), Kanifing (Kombo St. Mary area, including Serrekunda), Greater Banjul outskirts (e.g., parts of Lamin and Bundung). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Banjul safety FAQ
Is Banjul safe for tourists right now?
Banjul is moderately safe for travelers, requiring increased caution due to potential civil unrest and petty crime. While Banjul has a moderate composite safety index, official advisories from the US and Canada recommend exercising increased caution. Recent protests over power cuts highlight potential for civil unrest, and petty crime remains a concern for visitors. (Assessed 30 September 2026.)
Which areas of Banjul should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Serrekunda Market and surrounding streets as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Banjul?
- Overpriced goods and services, especially in tourist areas.
- Requests for money from 'orphans' or 'students' needing school fees.
- Fake guides or touts offering unsolicited assistance.
How does Banjul compare with other places in Gambia?
Banjul scores 63/100 — see the Gambia safety overview for country-level data.
How is this Banjul safety score calculated?
The score blends 10+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Nearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Gambia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: banjul.json (CC BY 4.0).