The Gambia

Specific Information

Processing fee and ECOWAS tax: All shipments are subject to a 1.5% CIF processing fee plus a 0.55% ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) tax. These apply even to otherwise duty-free shipments and are based on the CIF value.

Customs inspection: Most removal shipments are opened and physically checked by Customs. Clients should be advised that this is standard procedure, not an indication of a problem.

Diplomatic shipments: The destination agent must receive all required customs documents prior to the shipment's arrival to obtain free entry clearance. This applies to both household goods and vehicles.

ECOWAS membership: The Gambia is a member of ECOWAS. The Common External Tariff (CET) applies to imports from outside the ECOWAS zone. Goods from other ECOWAS member states may benefit from preferential tariff treatment.

Language: English is the official language. All documents should be in English.

Currency: Gambian dalasi (GMD).

ISPM 15: Wood packaging materials (pallets, crates, dunnage) should comply with ISPM 15 standards. Non-compliant wood packaging may cause delays.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Used household goods are imported tax-free with the exception of all electrical and hi-fi appliances, which are subject to duties regardless of age or condition. New items purchased less than 6 months before import require original invoices and are subject to full duties.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Copy of passport
• Original registration card
• Original invoice / letter of sale (for used cars)
• Original bill of lading / air waybill
• Residence / work permit / letter of employment
• Non-sale certificate

Specific Information

Vehicle import duties are substantial. The following taxes and duties apply, calculated cumulatively on the CIF value:

• 35% revenue tax (on CIF value)
• 18% duty (on CIF value)
• 10% sales tax (calculated on the combined duty + CIF value)
• 1.5% CIF processing fee
• 0.05% ECOWAS levy

The effective total tax burden on a vehicle import is approximately 65-70% of the CIF value when all components are combined. This makes The Gambia one of the more expensive West African destinations for vehicle imports.

Driving: Driving is on the RIGHT-hand side of the road.

Pets

• ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip (REQUIRED per PetTravel.com; not mentioned in the IAM guide) Per PetTravel.com (February 2026) and the IAM guide:
• Rabies vaccination certificate (vaccination administered between 30 days and 12 months before arrival) Per PetTravel.com (February 2026) and the IAM guide:
• Rabies titer (serology) test, unless arriving from a country classified as rabies-free by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Must be administered at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Per PetTravel.com (February 2026) and the IAM guide:
• Veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origin country shortly before travel, endorsed by the government authority responsible for animal exports Per PetTravel.com (February 2026) and the IAM guide:
• Import permit: obtained from the Gambian Veterinary Department upon arrival (not required in advance) Per PetTravel.com (February 2026) and the IAM guide:

Microchip required: PetTravel.com (February 2026) states all dogs and cats entering The Gambia must be identified with an ISO-compliant microchip. The IAM guide (2016) does not mention microchipping. Use the PetTravel.com guidance as the more current requirement.

Rabies titer test required: Unlike many West African countries, The Gambia requires a rabies titer test for pets arriving from countries that are not classified as rabies-free. The test must be administered at least 30 days after the primary or booster rabies vaccination.

Minimum age of import: 5 months. Puppies and kittens under 3 months cannot be vaccinated for rabies, and must then wait 30 days after vaccination plus complete the titer test. The effective minimum import age is 5 months. This is stricter than most West African countries.

Registration required on arrival: All pets must be registered with the Gambian Veterinary Department upon entry into the country. This registration functions as the import permit.

No quarantine: The Gambia does not quarantine pets that meet all documentation requirements. Pets that do not conform may be quarantined (if facilities available), returned to origin, or euthanized at the importer's expense.

No banned breeds: The Gambia does not publish a list of banned dog breeds.

CDC high-risk rabies country: The Gambia IS on the U.S. CDC's list of high-risk countries for dog rabies. This affects anyone returning to the U.S. with a dog. U.S.-vaccinated dogs must have a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form completed before departing the U.S. Source: CDC High-Risk Countries List -- verified, Gambia listed.

Port of entry: Banjul International Airport. Pets can arrive as cabin baggage, checked baggage, or air cargo depending on airline policies.

Common mistakes: Not having the microchip implanted before vaccinations begin (the IAM guide omits this requirement entirely). Not allowing enough time for the rabies titer test (30 days post-vaccination, plus lab processing time). Attempting to import puppies or kittens under 5 months of age. Not planning for the CDC requirements when returning a dog to the U.S. from The Gambia.