What to do if someone dies in The Gambia

When Someone Dies in The Gambia

The Gambia is one of the more manageable West African repatriation destinations for UK families. English is the official language. The British High Commission is resident in Banjul. Documentation is in English throughout. Direct charter flights operate to UK airports during the tourist season.

Most British deaths occur in coastal hotels on the Senegambia strip south of Banjul. Cardiac events in older package holiday tourists are the most common cause. Road accidents on the South Bank Road, drownings in hotel pools, and deaths following illness are also regular presentations.

Step 1: Immediate Notifications

1. British High Commission Banjul — first consular contact.
2. FCDO Emergency Travel Line: 020 7008 5000 (available 24 hours).
3. Your travel insurer — if the deceased had travel insurance, notify them immediately.
4. Appoint a specialist UK repatriation company.

Step 2: Natural Death in a Coastal Hotel

For a natural death in a hotel — which is the majority of cases — the hotel management will usually contact local police as a matter of procedure. A local doctor or the hotel doctor certifies the death.

The body goes to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul for formal certification if there is any doubt about cause of death, or if the family’s insurance requires a post-mortem. EFSTH is the national referral hospital and has the only forensic pathology capacity in the country. Its resources are limited, and complex cases take time.

The death is then registered at the local civil registry and a Gambian death certificate issued.

Step 3: Unnatural Deaths and the Coroner

All unnatural deaths — accidents, drownings, sudden deaths without a doctor in attendance — go to the coroner. A coroner’s inquest is required before the body can be released. This adds 3 to 5 weeks to the process.

The repatriation company and the British High Commission monitor the coroner’s timeline.

Step 4: Upcountry Deaths

Deaths in the Central River Region, Upper River Region, or North Bank Region involve slow road transfer to Banjul. The country’s road network is basic outside the coastal zone, and the Gambia River ferry crossing adds further delay for North Bank cases. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for upcountry deaths.

Step 5: Documentation

1. Death certificate from the local civil registry.
2. Police report (unnatural deaths).
3. Coroner’s release order (unnatural deaths).
4. Post-mortem report from EFSTH.
5. Ministry of Health export permit.
6. Embalming certificate to IATA standards.

All documentation is in English.

Step 6: Cargo Routing

Banjul International Airport (BJL) receives direct UK charter flights from Manchester, Birmingham, Gatwick, and Bristol during the tourist season (November to April). Outside peak season, some consignments route via Dakar (DSS) in Senegal. The repatriation company handles cargo booking.

A Note on Cremation

The Gambia is a Muslim-majority country. Cremation is not widely available and is not compatible with Islamic burial practice. UK families who had intended cremation should discuss the practicalities with the repatriation company before committing to that option.

Further Information

• Repatriation from The Gambia overview
• British High Commission Banjul — contact details