Border passport-stamping bribe demands in Gambia: how to avoid it

How it works

Military personnel may demand a bribe to stamp your passport. Refusing can lead to insults or further pressure.

Warning signs

An official demands an unofficial payment to stamp your passport.
Refusing payment leads to personal insults or pressure.

How to avoid it

Do not offer or pay bribes.
Keep your response calm and brief.
Do not threaten to call your embassy during the confrontation.

If it happens to you

Avoid arguing or making threats. If safe, ask for the reason for the charge and an official receipt. Once away from the confrontation, record what happened and seek advice from your embassy.

Get to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
Check what is missing. If cards or a phone were taken, freeze cards and secure your accounts as soon as possible.
Write down what happened, including the time, place, amount lost and descriptions. Save receipts, messages and booking details.
Report theft, robbery or fraud to police when safe. Ask for a written report or reference number for insurance.
Contact your embassy if your passport is missing, you are detained or you need help finding legal support. Avoid using an embassy call as a threat during a confrontation.
Notify your insurer and any relevant bank or booking provider. Keep copies of reports and records, and do not pay anyone promising guaranteed recovery.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

Questions

What is the border passport-stamping bribe demands scam in Gambia?

Military personnel may demand a bribe to stamp your passport. Refusing can lead to insults or further pressure.

How can I spot it early?

An official demands an unofficial payment to stamp your passport. Refusing payment leads to personal insults or pressure.

How do I avoid border passport-stamping bribe demands in Gambia?

Do not offer or pay bribes. Keep your response calm and brief. Do not threaten to call your embassy during the confrontation.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Avoid arguing or making threats. If safe, ask for the reason for the charge and an official receipt. Once away from the confrontation, record what happened and seek advice from your embassy.

Where in Gambia does this happen?

Border crossings

How common is this scam in Gambia?

Very common. Tourists in The Gambia can face persistent touts, requests for money, fake hotel staff and offers of help that lead to unexpected fees. Other risks include drug-related bribe traps, demands for passport-stamping bribes at borders, and pickpocketing or bag snatching in crowded parts of Banjul.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, robbery or suspected fraud once you are safe. Give the location, time, loss and any evidence. Ask for a written report or reference number. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or verified contact details to freeze stolen cards and report any unauthorised transactions. Your embassy or consulate: use official contact details for help with a missing passport, detention or finding legal support. Seek help safely after a confrontation rather than threatening officials with an embassy call. Travel insurer: contact the claims service using your policy details. Keep receipts, police records and evidence of the loss. Hotel reception: contact reception directly to check anyone claiming to work for the hotel. Tell staff if someone is using the hotel's name to approach guests.