Cross-border route

Senegal Gambia

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Senegal into Gambia: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Gambia expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.

Get my permit for Gambia Gambia requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromSenegal

ToGambia

IDP in GambiaStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in GambiaGMD

Emergency number117 (police), 116 (ambulance)

Top speed limit70 km/h open roads

Senegal → Gambia

Crossing the border

Senegal and Gambia share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in Gambia

Drive on the right.
Watch for pedestrians and carts.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Once you're driving in Gambia

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Tourists can drive on a valid home licence if it is in English; if it is not, or to satisfy rental agencies, an International Driving Permit is required and should be carried alongside the national licence.

Tolls & road charges

The Gambia has no toll roads or vignette scheme; the main highways and the Senegambia bridge over the river are used without tolls for cars.

Parking in the cities

Parking in Banjul, Serrekunda and the tourist coast is informal and on-street, frequently overseen by attendants who expect a few dalasi; there are no formal paid zones, but poorly lit, narrow streets make double-parking and obstruction a towing or clamping risk near markets.

Fines & camera enforcement

Police roadblocks are common throughout the country and ID and vehicle documents are routinely requested; expect on-the-spot cash fines for speeding, seatbelt or phone offences, and rental firms recover any unpaid fines from your deposit.

If you have an accident

Drive on the left; for any injury, dispute or more than a trivial scratch you must call the Gambia Police Force on 117 and obtain a police report before moving the vehicles, which insurers and rental firms require.

Driving in the capital

The Serrekunda-to-Banjul corridor and the Coastal Road / Coastal Road flyover are the notorious congestion and accident points, with the single-lane Denton Bridge into Banjul a frequent bottleneck.

Sources: travel.gc.ca · smartraveller.gov.au · qeeq.com · internationaldriversassociation.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Senegal to Gambia?

Yes — Gambia commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Gambia recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Senegal and Gambia?

No. Both Senegal and Gambia drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Gambia?

In Gambia, dial 117 (police), 116 (ambulance) for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 70 km/h open roads, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Gambia?

The Gambia has no toll roads or vignette scheme; the main highways and the Senegambia bridge over the river are used without tolls for cars.

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.