Gambia Ensures Safe Travel with Necessary Airport Security Levy, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on January 15, 2026

The Minister of Information & Broadcasting for Gambia, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has assured that it is not a scam but a wise investment by passengers to ensure that Gambia is safe and reputable to travel to worldwide. On a conversation on West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time with host Peter Gomez, issues relating to passengers’ complaints about paying security charges at Gambian airports have been openly questioned by Dr. Ceesay. Many passengers feel that payment of this fee may have a negative effect on tourism visits to Gambia.

Minister Ceesay Responds to Growing Public Frustration

As tourism becomes an increasingly important sector for Gambia’s economy, questions surrounding the airport security levy have emerged. Some have argued that the fee could drive tourists away, particularly because passengers must pay it separately at the airport, unlike in neighboring countries where the fee is typically included in the ticket price. However, Dr. Ceesay vehemently rejected such claims, citing that despite the introduction of the levy, Gambia has experienced a significant increase in tourist arrivals this year.

“We have not received any data indicating that tourists are staying away due to the security fee,” Dr. Ceesay remarked. The minister emphasized that Gambia’s tourism sector continues to see a positive trajectory in terms of visitor numbers, with this year’s arrivals surpassing expectations, despite the additional fee. This suggests that the levy has not negatively impacted the tourism appeal of the country, and travelers are still keen on exploring Gambia’s offerings.

The International Context: Security Fees Are Not Unique to Gambia

Dr. Ceesay clarified that Gambia is not alone in imposing security fees on travelers. He pointed out that other countries, including regional neighbors such as Senegal and Sierra Leone, also charge similar levies to enhance airport security. The main difference, however, is how the fee is collected. In many countries, including Gambia’s neighbors, the security fee is often embedded directly into the ticket price, reducing the inconvenience for passengers. In Gambia, however, passengers are still required to pay the fee directly at the airport, which has caused frustration among travelers.

Acknowledging the inconvenience this creates for passengers, Dr. Ceesay assured that the government is actively working to include the security fee in the ticket price to streamline the process. This would not eliminate the need for the fee but would make it more convenient for travelers, as they would no longer have to make a separate payment at the airport.

The Necessity of the Security Fee for Airport Safety

Dr. Ceesay stressed that the security fee plays a crucial role in ensuring that Banjul International Airport meets international safety standards. He explained that without the security levy, Gambia’s airport could face reputational challenges, being viewed as unsafe, which would damage its standing as a travel destination.

“This is something we must pay for,” he remarked. “If we didn’t have the fee, Banjul International Airport could be considered unsafe, and that could severely hurt our reputation as a tourist destination.” The minister emphasized that the security levy ensures Gambia’s airports remain among the safest in Africa, a critical factor in attracting international travelers.

The revenue generated from the security fee contributes to upgrading and maintaining state-of-the-art security systems that help track who enters the country and their background, ensuring that only safe passengers are allowed to travel. This makes the security system not only a protective measure for travelers but also a key part of Gambia’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment for visitors and residents alike.

Transparency in the Security Fee Revenue Allocation

Addressing concerns over transparency, Dr. Ceesay explained that the revenue collected from the security fee is managed through a public-private partnership between the government and the private sector partner responsible for airport operations. The funds generated from the levy are shared between the government and the private partner, with a significant portion reinvested into improving and upgrading the airport’s security infrastructure.

To further clarify how the security fee works and how the funds are utilized, Dr. Ceesay mentioned that he had personally commissioned a short documentary. Although the documentary is not yet published, the film explains how the security systems function and why they are vital for the safety of travelers. Once available, the documentary will provide the public with a clear understanding of where their money is going and why the fee is essential for the continued success of Gambia’s tourism sector.

Regional Developments: Air Travel Costs and ECOWAS Collaboration

In addition to addressing the local concerns surrounding the security fee, Dr. Ceesay acknowledged the broader regional developments that might influence future air travel costs. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is currently in discussions to explore ways to reduce the cost of air travel across the region. This is a critical issue, as the cost of air travel is a major concern for many travelers, especially those in the West African region.

However, the minister emphasized that even with these ongoing discussions, the cost of airport security is an unavoidable necessity. He confirmed that Gambia, along with other ECOWAS member states, is actively engaged in these talks to ensure that any solutions reached benefit both travelers and the tourism sector across West Africa. Despite the potential changes to air travel costs, Dr. Ceesay remained firm on one point: airport security must be paid for by someone, whether it’s through ticket prices or security fees collected at the airport.

The Future of Gambia’s Tourism Industry

As Gambia’s tourism industry continues to evolve, the airport security levy is expected to remain a key element of the country’s strategy to provide a safe and welcoming environment for travelers. While the collection process may be adjusted to increase convenience, the minister’s comments underscore the importance of maintaining high security standards to preserve Gambia’s reputation as a secure destination for international visitors.