Everything You Need to Know About Relocating to The Gambia

Many people dream of owning their own home in a beautiful location. And what better way to achieve that by living in one of the most awe-inspiring countries in the world? If you’re an expat looking to move to the wonderful region of Gambia, there may be a few things you wish to consider. Get to know where you’re potentially thinking about moving to in our guide to relocating to The Gambia.

Why Move to Gambia?

Anyone who has moved home before will understand how difficult and challenging the entire process can be. However, it’s also an exciting time in anyone’s life - especially if that move is to a home that’s overseas. The Gambia is a place bursting with culture, exciting wildlife and plenty of history. Located in West Africa, The Gambia - other than its western coastline - is surrounded by the Republic of Senegal. The Gambie River flows throughout the region and is one of the finest waterways in the whole of Africa. 700 miles of water runs from the Republic of Guinea right through to the Atlantic Ocean.
 
Relocating to The Gambia will provide you with a chance to live in a unique setting boasting with both beauty and charm. With a tropical climate and a number of exotic plants and animals, living in Gambia means you’ll more than likely get to enjoy new experiences on a daily basis. 
 
If you’re still on the lookout for a property in Gambia, take a look at the places available for sale at Blue Ocean Properties > here

What Are Gambian People Like?

There’s a reason why Gambia is referred to as The Smiling Coast of West Africa. Not only does the entrance of the River Gambia bear a resemblance to a smiling face, but the hospitalities of Gambians knows no limits and is something truly extraordinary. It’s said that Gambians are among some of the friendliest people you’ll ever come across, all thanks to their positive way of life. With life being taken at a relaxed pace, you’ll find that strangers welcome you with a warm hello and a beaming smile.

Find out more about Gambia culture in our blog post: https://www.blueocean.gm/news/article/10/gambia-culture-language-religion

What is the Climate Like in The Gambia?

Thanks to its sub-tropical climate, The Gambia enjoys plenty of sunshine and warm weather throughout the year. Average highs are between 29°C and 34°C, with there being two distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season generally starts in October and lasts until June, with the humidity decreasing. When the Sahara’s summer heat rises, areas of low pressure can cause monsoons to occur. This rainy period starts around mid-June, and allows the dry land to soak up water which then results in it becoming a lush, green oasis for all kinds of wildlife.

Do I Need a Visa for The Gambia?

In most cases, those who hold a British passport will not need to apply for a visa to gain entry into The Gambia. Those who are citizens of France, Portugal, Spain and Estonia do need a visa, however. US citizens will require a visa for entry, alongside a yellow fever vaccination and a blank page of their passport to carry the Gambian stamp. What’s more, citizens of member countries of the Economic Community of West African States do not require a visa, though they must visit the Department of Immigration for regularisation of their stay if they are in The Gambia for longer than 90 days. If a visa is required, you can obtain one from the Gambian embassy within your country. It’s always recommended that you check with one of the local embassies of Gambia before you travel.
 
If you’re a British citizen simply travelling back and forth to Gambia, you must make sure that your passport is valid. When relocating to The Gambia - meaning you wish to reside there without a return flight - you must make sure that you travel with the correct documentation. This again can be checked at the embassy.

Packing Tips for Gambia

Packing up your belongings and moving them to a new home, even if it’s just down the road, can be a tricky task. So how do you pack for moving to Gambia? You should think about the items you need and consider what can be left behind. Simply ask yourself whether or not you need to take everything you own with you. Remember, The Gambia is more than likely going to provide you with a different way of life, so you may not need to take all of your clothes, shoes, accessories, toiletries and furniture with you.
 
Casual, comfortable clothing and footwear will be a must, so make sure you pack these away. It’s also recommended that you strategically pack your belongings, with larger items acting as a protective barrier for those smaller pieces.

What is There to do in Gambia?

With plenty to offer, The Gambia is an ideal location for those who enjoy keeping themselves busy and learning new things. From immersing yourself into the Gambian way of life to visiting one of the many attractions, there will be a wide range of things for you to do while living in Gambia. Some of the most popular things to do include:
 

• Relaxing on an unspoilt beach
• Visiting a nature reserve
• Exploring the capital city of Banjul
• Going birdwatching
• Soaking up the winter sun
• Walking around the local markets
• Cruising on the Gambia River
• Discover more top things to do in Gambia

If you need any further advice about relocating to Gambia or finding a property there, don’t hesitate to get in contact with the team at Blue Ocean Properties.

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