Visa Types

Visa Types and Categories to Apply for Gambia

You can realize your planned trip to the Gambia by obtaining a Gambia visa. Foreign nationals can apply for Gambia visas for business, tourism, and other reasons. Gambia visas can be both single and multiple entry with the validity of 6 and 12 months respectively. Citizens from the USA, France, Portugal, and Spain can obtain visas on arrival. Nationals who can enter the Gambia without a visa can stay in the Gambia for the duration of 28 days. The extension is done at the Immigration Department in Banjul.

Gambia Tourist Visa

Gambia Tourist visa is issued for applicants intending to visit the Gambia for tourism and sightseeing. You can apply for a Gambia Tourist visa in order to realize your tourist activities.

 

Required Documents for Gambia Tourist Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Two duly completed and signed application forms

2. Two Photos

  • Two passport size and color photos
  • They must be attached to the application forms

3. Passport and the Main Page of the Passport

  • Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the departure date from the country
  • It must have at least 2 blank pages

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

  • It must be valid for at least 6 months upon return from the Gambia to the home country

5. Flight Ticket Reservation

  • Copy of round-trip flight ticket reservation

6. Proof of Financial Means

  • Bank statements for the last 3 months

7. Proof of Accommodation

  • Hotel reservation or
  • In case of staying in the host’s house:
    • Invitation letter from the host in the Gambia
    • The name and contact details of the host must be included
    • If the host is a resident in the Gambia, then the residence permit of the host must be presented
    • Bank statement of the host

8. Proof of the Purpose of Visit

  • Letter from the applicant indicating the purpose and duration of the visit

9. International Yellow Fever Vaccination (If required)

  • Travelers visiting from the countries with a high risk of transmission of yellow fever or infected area must present a vaccination certificate of yellow fever

10. Official Police Report

  • It must be translated into English

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Gambia Tourist Visa

The average processing time for a Gambia Tourist Visa is 3-7 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Gambia Tourist Visa Fee

Gambia Tourist Visa fee is 50-100 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Gambia Tourist Visa?

You will apply for a Gambia Tourist Visa in Gambia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Gambia Business Visa

A Gambia Business visa gives you the authorization to enter the Gambia and stay here for a maximum period of your visa validity, as permitted. It permits its holder to engage in business-related activities.

 

Required Documents for Gambia Business Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Two duly completed and signed application forms

2. Two Photos

  • Two passport size and color photos
  • They must be attached to the application forms

3. Passport and the Main Page of the Passport

  • Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the departure date from the country
  • It must have at least 2 blank pages

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

  • It must be valid for at least 6 months upon return from the Gambia to the home country

5. Flight Ticket Reservation

  • Copy of round-trip flight ticket reservation

6. Proof of Financial Means

  • Bank statements for the last 3 months

7. Proof of Accommodation

  • Hotel reservation or
  • In case of staying in the host’s house:
    • Invitation letter from the host in the Gambia
    • The name and contact details of the host must be included
    • If the host is a resident in the Gambia, then the residence permit of the host must be presented
    • Bank statement of the host

8. Proof of the Purpose of Visit

  • Invitation letter from the host company
  • Business letter
    • It must be on company letterhead
    • The letter should explain the duration and purpose of the visit
    • Information about the part which will cover the expenses for the applicant

9. International Yellow Fever Vaccination (If required)

  • Travelers visiting from the countries with a high risk of transmission of yellow fever or infected area must present a vaccination certificate of yellow fever

10. Official Police Report

  • It must be translated into English

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Gambia Business Visa

The average processing time for a Gambia Business Visa is 3-7 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Gambia Business Visa Fee

Gambia Business Visa fee is 50-100 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 
Where to Apply for Gambia Business Visa?

You will apply for a Gambia Business Visa in Gambia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Gambia Transit Visa

Foreign citizens who need a visa to enter the Gambia are able to transit through the Gambia without a visa for up to 2 hours, but only if they remain within the airport transfer lounge and proceed with the same aircraft. To transit in the Gambia for longer periods and to be able to leave the airport lounge, it will be necessary to hold an approved visa for the country.

 

Required Documents for Gambia Transit Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Two duly completed and signed application forms

2. Two Photos

  • Two passport size and color photos
  • They must be attached to the application forms

3. Passport and the Main Page of the Passport

  • Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the departure date from the country
  • It must have at least 2 blank pages

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

  • It must be valid for at least 6 months upon return from the Gambia to the home country

5. Flight Ticket Reservation

  • Copy of onward flight ticket reservation

6. Proof of Financial Means

  • Bank statements for the last 3 months

7. Proof of Accommodation

  • Hotel reservation or (if any)
  • In case of staying in the host’s house: (if any)
    • Invitation letter from the host in the Gambia
    • The name and contact details of the host must be included
    • If the host is a resident in the Gambia, then the residence permit of the host must be presented
    • Bank statement of the host

8. Proof of Purpose of the Visit

  • Visa for the destination country (if any)
  • If the applicant doesn’t need a visa for the destination country:
    • Documents confirming the purpose of the visit
    • Hotel reservation
    • Invitation letter

9. International Yellow Fever Vaccination (If required)

  • Travelers visiting from the countries with a high risk of transmission of yellow fever or infected area must present a vaccination certificate of yellow fever

10. Official Police Report

  • It must be translated into English

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Gambia Transit Visa

The average processing time for a Gambia Transit Visa is 3-7 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Gambia Transit Visa Fee

Gambia Transit Visa fee is 50-100 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Gambia Transit Visa?

You will apply for a Gambia Transit Visa in Gambia visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Gambia Residence Permits

Gambia Study Permit (Type A) applies to the foreign students who are planning to study in the Gambia. The foreigners who wish to work in the Gambia can apply for 2 types of permits. Type B Work Permit applies to those persons who are citizens of ECOWAS citizens. Skilled workers can apply for Type C Work Permit. Small traders also fall under the category of Type C Work Permit. All types of Gambia Permits are valid till the end of the calendar year (31 December). Gambia permits must be renewed every year. Gambia Residence Permit Fee is approximately 195 USD for ECOWAS nationals, 776 USD for non-ECOWAS nationals. Nationals from Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea, and Mali are exempted from paying residence permit fees. Generally, you will need to present the following documents to apply for Gambia Work Residence Permit.

  • Letter from the employer in the Gambia. It must include:
    • The undertaking of responsibility for the employee by the employer
    • Purpose of the travel
    • Business references

FAQ

Is vaccination mandatory for foreigners who wish to enter the Gambia?

A vaccination certificate of yellow fever is mandatory. However, vaccination against malaria is recommended.

Can I get my Gambia visa sooner than the expected processing time?

Yes, rush service is available. However, you will be charged additional fees for this service.

Can I extend the validity of my visa in the Gambia?

Yes. Extensions are done in Immigration Department in Banjul.

What is the local currency in the Gambia?

Gambian Dalasi is the local currency in the Gambia. 

 

I am from a country whose citizens do not need a visa to enter the Gambia. Can I experience any problems at the border, while entering the Gambia?

You must meet certain requirements to enter the Gambia, even if you are not required a visa:

  • The purpose of your trip to the Gambia must be plausible and comprehensible.
  • Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months
  • You must be able to finance your own living and travel costs.
  • You must hold a confirmed return flight to prove that you are prepared to leave the Gambia before the duration of the permitted stay ends.
  • You must not pose a threat to security or public order.

Will my fees be refunded if my visa is rejected?

All fees are non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa application is not successful.

Can the Embassy/Consulate request me to provide additional documents or information?

The embassy may request you to provide additional documents or information, according to your personal situation, even after you have submitted all the required documents mentioned on the official website of the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Application Center.

Do I have to participate in the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Administrative Center in person?

It depends on your country of residence or the embassy/consulate/Visa Administrative Center’s rules and obligations.  In some countries, sending your documents via courier is enough to the embassy/consulate/Visa Administrative Center.

What is the official language in the Gambia?

English is the official language in the Gambia.