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Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Gambia Intercountry Adoption Information

Intercountry Adoption

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Country Information

Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Gambia Intercountry Adoption Information

Gambia

The Gambia
Republic of The Gambia
Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to crime, unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure.

There was no change to the advisory level. The “Other” risk indicator was removed, and the “Unrest” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to crime, unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure. 

Advisory summary

Crime
Petty street crime and home burglaries happen often in The Gambia. This is most common in the Banjul area and tourist spots.

Do not display cash and valuable personal property. Avoid walking alone, including on beaches, in tourist areas, and after dark.

Unrest
A separatist rebel group operates in the Casamance region of southern Senegal. There has been sporadic fighting along The Gambia’s southern border in the recent past. Stay on main roads and do not travel at night if travelling near or across the southern border.

Health
The Gambia’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe.

If you decide to travel to The Gambia:

  • Review our information on Crime Abroad and Victims of Crime.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
  • Be sure to bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip.
  • Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to The Gambia. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for The Gambia.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for The Gambia.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for The Gambia.
  • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
  • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
... [READ MORE]

Presidential Proclamation 10998 on Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 10998 on “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026, the United States is suspending or limiting entry and visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries as well as individuals applying using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. With Presidential Proclamation 10998, as of the effective date of January 1, 2026, the following categorical exceptions provided in Presidential Proclamation 10949 for nationals subject to the suspension on entry are no longer available under Presidential Proclamation 10998: immediate family immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5); adoption visas (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4); and Afghan Special Immigrant Visas.

In his discretion, the Secretary of State or his designee, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may find, on a case-by-case basis, that travel by an individual would serve the U.S. national interest. The Secretary of Homeland Security or her designee, in coordination with the Secretary of State, may also find, on a case-by-case basis, that travel by an individual would serve the U.S. national interest.

Applicants who are subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998 may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States. For additional details, visit travel.state.gov here.

Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
No
ALL / ALL /

Hague Convention Information

The Gambia is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).

Below is the limited adoption information that the Department has obtained from the adoption authority of the Gambia. U.S. citizens adopting children in rare adoption cases from the Gambia, as well as U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in The Gambia who would like to adopt from the United States or from a third country, should contact the adoption authority of the Gambia to inquire about applicable laws and procedures. See contact information below.

Foreigners are allowed to adopt Gambian children only in exceptional circumstances. Prospective adoptive parents usually must be resident in The Gambia at least six months prior to applying to adopt.

PLEASE NOTE: The U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal issues immigrant visas for Gambian citizens, including adopted orphans.

Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children's homes are adoptable. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children's home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)'s adoption.

Please visit the Department of State's Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to The Gambia and the U.S. Embassy Dakar website for information on consular services.

THE GAMBIAN ADOPTION AUTHORITY:
The Kanifing Children's Court
Address: Mamadi Maniyang Highway, Kanifing, KMC, The Gambia
Tel: +(220) 437-4525 or 439-2202
Fax: None
Email: None
Internet: None

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from The Gambia, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.

Last Updated: January 2, 2024

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Banjul
92 Kairaba Avenue, Fajara
Banjul
The Gambia
Telephone
+(220) 439-2856
Emergency
+(220) 439-2856
Fax
+(220) 439-2475
Email
ConsularBanjul@state.gov
Website
https://gm.usembassy.gov/

The Gambia Map

View Larger Map

Adoption Statistics

Adoptions from Gambia to U.S. by Year:
SEE ALL STATISTICS
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