Travel · Borders · The Gambia
Travelling between The Gambia and Senegal
The Gambia is surrounded on three sides by Senegal, so overland travel between the two is common and straightforward in principle. The main routes are north from Barra to Dakar, south from the Kombos towards Ziguinchor in the Casamance, and across the country on the Trans-Gambia Highway via the Senegambia Bridge. Entry rules depend on your nationality, so confirm visa requirements with official sources before you set off.
The main border crossings
| Gambian side | Senegalese side | Leads to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amdalai (north of Barra) | Karang | Kaolack and Dakar | The usual route to Dakar; reached via the Banjul–Barra ferry or the north bank road |
| Farafenni area (north bank) | Keur Ayib | Kaolack and northern Senegal | Northern end of the Trans-Gambia route |
| Soma area (south bank) | Towards the Casamance | Ziguinchor, Kolda | Southern end of the Trans-Gambia route, via the Senegambia Bridge |
| Seleti (south of the Kombos) | Towards Diouloulou and Bignona | Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring | The most direct route from the coast to the Casamance |
| Basse area (east) | Eastern Senegal | Vélingara, Tambacounda | Used mainly for regional trade and local travel |
There are other, smaller crossings along the long land border. Opening hours, procedures and the exact location of posts can change, so check locally before relying on a minor crossing, and always make sure you are stamped in and out where required.
Visas and entry rules
- ECOWAS citizens: both countries are members of the Economic Community of West African States, whose protocols allow citizens of member states to travel between them without a visa, with a valid passport or recognised ECOWAS travel document.
- Other nationalities: requirements differ by passport and change from time to time. Some nationalities can enter Senegal visa-free for short stays; others need a visa arranged in advance. Check the official government sources of Senegal and The Gambia, or their embassies, before travelling.
- Returning to The Gambia: if you leave The Gambia and come back, you enter again. Check whether your existing permission to stay still covers you — see the visa and entry guide.
- Documents: carry your passport, any visas, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate, which may be asked for at borders.
Getting to Dakar
From the Kombos, the usual overland route is to cross from Banjul to Barra on the ferry (see crossing the River Gambia), continue to the Amdalai–Karang border, and then travel north through Senegal via Kaolack to Dakar. The distance from Barra to Dakar is roughly 300 km, but with the ferry, border formalities and changes of vehicle, the whole trip commonly takes most of a day. Starting early is the best advice.
Flying between Banjul and Dakar is an alternative when routes are operating — see flights and arrivals.
Getting to Ziguinchor and the Casamance
The Casamance, Senegal's southern region, lies just south of The Gambia. From the Kombos, the most direct route is south via Brikama to the Seleti border and on to Ziguinchor, the regional capital. Travellers coming from northern Senegal cross The Gambia on the Trans-Gambia Highway, using the Senegambia Bridge between the Farafenni and Soma areas, which since its opening in January 2019 has made this route far quicker and more reliable than the ferry it replaced.
Safety note: the Casamance experienced a long-running, low-level separatist conflict. The security situation has improved considerably, and many people travel there, but some governments still advise caution in parts of the region, particularly away from main roads and near the borders. Check your own government's current travel advice before going, and note that it may affect your travel insurance.
Money: CFA francs and dalasi
Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (currency code XOF), shared by several West African countries. The Gambia uses the dalasi (GMD). Near the border and on cross-border transport you will often see both used, and informal money changers operate at crossings and garages. Rates vary, so know the approximate exchange rate before you change money, count notes carefully, and change only what you need. ATMs are easier to find in larger towns than at border posts. See money and payments for more.
Sept-place bush taxis and other transport
Most overland travel between the two countries is by shared transport:
- Sept-place: seven-seat estate cars, traditionally Peugeots, which leave from garages (stations) when full. They are the standard way to travel between towns in Senegal and are generally faster than minibuses.
- Minibuses and larger buses: cheaper and slower, with more stops.
- Changing at the border: it is common to take one vehicle to the border, cross on foot, and pick up another vehicle on the other side.
- Private car: driving across is possible, but you need the right vehicle papers, insurance valid in both countries, and — for a hired car — the rental company's written permission. See the driving guide.
Practical tips
- Start early; borders and transport slow down later in the day, and travelling after dark on rural roads is best avoided.
- French is the main official language in Senegal, while English is official in The Gambia; Wolof, Mandinka, Fula and Jola are widely spoken on both sides. See language and etiquette.
- Keep passport and documents easy to reach; there may be several checks.
- Be wary of unofficial "helpers" at borders; deal directly with officials in uniform.
- Your SIM may roam expensively; consider a local SIM — see the SIM guide.
Why the two countries are so intertwined
The Gambia and Senegal share peoples, languages, families and trade. The border was drawn in the colonial era between British and French territories, cutting across communities. The two countries formed the Senegambia Confederation from 1982 to 1989, and today they cooperate closely on the river, the bridge and cross-border trade. The history guide tells the story.
Frequently asked questions
Can you travel overland from The Gambia to Senegal?
Yes. The main routes are north from Barra to Dakar via the Amdalai–Karang border, south from the Kombos to Ziguinchor via Seleti, and across the country on the Trans-Gambia Highway via the Senegambia Bridge.
Do I need a visa to go from The Gambia to Senegal?
ECOWAS citizens can travel without a visa under the free movement protocols. For other nationalities it depends on your passport, so check official government sources or the Senegalese embassy before travelling.
How long does it take to get from Banjul to Dakar by road?
Allow most of a day. The route includes the Banjul–Barra ferry, the border at Amdalai and Karang, and roughly 300 km of road to Dakar, and ferry and border waits vary a lot.
Is the Casamance safe to visit?
Many people travel there and the situation has improved considerably, but some governments still advise caution in parts of the region. Check your own government's current travel advice before you go.
Can I use dalasi in Senegal?
Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). Dalasi may be accepted informally near the border, but you will need CFA francs for most purchases in Senegal.
What is a sept-place?
A sept-place is a seven-seat shared taxi, traditionally a Peugeot estate, that leaves the garage when full. It is the usual way to travel between towns in Senegal.
What to read next
- Visa and entry requirements — entering The Gambia.
- Crossing the River Gambia — the Barra ferry and Senegambia Bridge.
- Money and payments — dalasi, cash and cards.
- Getting around The Gambia — transport options.
- Basse Santa Su — the eastern gateway.
- Health and safety — staying well on the road.