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Travel health · sourced from ITM Antwerp

The Gambia

The vaccines usually advised for The Gambia when departing from Belgium, with the lead times to respect, based on the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM).

Yellow feverRecommendedMalariaHigh risk
emmunity editorial team · sourced & datedLast updated 17 August 2026

Overview

The Gambia is entirely high-risk for malaria, with no spared zone, which sets it apart from several neighbours. Yellow fever is recommended for all travellers to risk areas, and dengue, chikungunya and sleeping sickness add to the insect-related risks.

Recommended vaccines

VaccineCategoryWhen
Yellow feverRecommended≥10 days before arrival; approved centre; lifelong certificate
Hepatitis ARecommendedas early as possible (1st dose already protective)
Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTPa)Recommendedkeep the booster current (every 10 years)
PolioRecommendedbooster for 16+ to Asia/Africa; sometimes compulsory (long stays)
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommendedbe up to date (2 doses) before departure
Typhoid feverConsider≥14 days before departure
RabiesConsiderpre-exposure: 2 doses, start early enough
Meningococcal ACWYConsider≥10 days before; compulsory for Hajj/Umrah
Hepatitis BConsiderstart early (multi-week schedule)

Malaria by region

Bite protection and preventive tablets are advised. If fever develops, get tested for malaria promptly.

High risk countrywide

Malaria risk is regional, concentrated in the areas detailed below.

High risk

The whole country, year-round.

Other health risks

Dengue
Dengue is present; protect against mosquito bites.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is present; protect against mosquito bites.
Sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis)
Sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) is spread by insect bites; protect against insect bites.
Tick-bite fever
African tick-bite fever is spread by tick bites; cover up and check for ticks.
Rabies
Rabies is present in dogs and other mammals; avoid contact and seek care after a bite.
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
Bilharzia is possible when swimming or bathing in lakes and rivers.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is present; avoid prolonged close contact with unwell people in enclosed spaces.

Prepare your trip

8 weeks
Book a travel clinic
10 days
Yellow fever (if required)
Departure
Certificates & reminders ready

Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.

Frequently asked questions

Is any vaccine required for The Gambia?

No vaccine is required for entry from Belgium, but yellow fever is strongly recommended for risk regions.

Is there a malaria risk?

Malaria: high risk depending on the region. Bite protection and preventive tablets are advised. If fever develops, get tested for malaria promptly.

How far ahead of departure should I start?

Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.

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Our sources

Last updated 17 August 2026

Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.

Entry formalities: see FPS Foreign Affairs ↗

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