Get Your Gambia Visa Online
Fast, secure visa processing for beaches, birdwatching, and authentic West African culture
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Gambia Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications approved within 3-5 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details, travel plans, and purpose of visit. Our intelligent validation system guides you through each section, checking for common errors and ensuring your application meets Gambian immigration requirements.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of accommodation. Our visa specialists review every document against Gambian Immigration standards before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
3
We process your visa
Your verified application is processed and submitted to Gambian immigration authorities. We monitor processing status and proactively communicate any updates, requests for additional documentation, or status changes via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa electronically
Your approved Gambia visa arrives as a PDF document. Print it clearly on A4 paper and present it at Gambian immigration along with your passport. Welcome to The Gambia — the Smiling Coast of Africa awaits!
Gambia Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Single entry for beaches and cultural tourism
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For commercial activities and meetings
Visa on Arrival
Up to 28 days
Available for select nationalities
Transit Visa
Up to 72 hours
For connecting through Banjul airport
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
- Passport photo 35x45mm, white background
- Hotel booking or accommodation confirmation
- Return flight or onward travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Tourist & Entry Visas
The Gambia, known as the Smiling Coast of Africa, welcomes visitors from around the world to experience its pristine beaches, abundant birdlife, and rich cultural heritage. The country offers several visa options depending on your nationality and purpose of visit.
Tourist Visa — Single Entry
The standard Gambia tourist visa allows stays up to 90 days — perfect for beach holidays along the Atlantic coast, birdwatching expeditions along the River Gambia, cultural tours to historic sites like Kunta Kinteh Island, and exploring vibrant markets in Banjul and Serrekunda. This visa suits most leisure travelers visiting The Gambia. You can engage in tourism activities, visit friends and family, and attend non-commercial events.
Visa-Free & Visa on Arrival
Citizens of ECOWAS member states can enter The Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days. Additionally, nationals from several Commonwealth countries and other nations may be eligible for visa on arrival for stays up to 28 days, obtainable at Banjul International Airport. Check current requirements for your specific nationality as policies may change.
Business & Special Visas
Business Visa
The Gambia business visa caters to professionals conducting commercial activities within the country. This includes attending business meetings, trade fairs, and conferences; exploring investment opportunities; establishing trade contacts; conducting market research; and negotiating contracts. Business visas allow stays up to 90 days. Required documentation includes an invitation letter from a Gambian company, your company's registration documents, and a detailed business itinerary.
Transit Visa
For travelers connecting through Banjul International Airport en route to other destinations, The Gambia offers a transit visa allowing stays up to 72 hours. This is ideal for passengers who want to exit the airport during layovers to explore Banjul or relax at nearby beaches before continuing their journey.
Multiple Entry Visa
Frequent visitors to The Gambia can apply for multiple entry visas valid for 6-12 months, allowing flexibility for business travelers and those with regular connections to the country.
Entry Requirements
Essential Requirements
All Gambia visa applicants must meet these fundamental requirements:
• Passport validity: Minimum 6 months beyond your intended arrival date with at least two blank pages for entry stamps
• Yellow fever vaccination: Required for all travelers arriving from yellow fever endemic countries. The International Certificate of Vaccination must be presented at immigration.
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm) with white background, taken within the last 6 months
• Accommodation proof: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter if staying with friends/family
• Travel itinerary: Flight bookings showing entry and exit from The Gambia
• Sufficient funds: Evidence of financial means to support your stay
Health Considerations
Malaria is present in The Gambia — consult a travel health clinic about prophylaxis. The dry season (November-May) is the most popular time to visit, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall.
Entry Points & Processing
Entry Points & Immigration
The Gambia visas are valid at all official entry points including:
• Airports: Banjul International Airport (BJL), the country's main international gateway located approximately 24km from the capital
• Land borders: Multiple crossing points with Senegal including Amdallai, Farafenni, and Karang — essential for travelers combining Gambia and Senegal trips
• Seaports: Banjul Port for cruise ship arrivals and ferry crossings
Processing Times & Application Timing
Standard visa processing takes 3-7 business days, though most applications receive decisions within 3-5 business days. During peak tourist season (November-April) and around holiday periods, processing may take slightly longer. We recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow buffer time for any additional documentation requests.
Travel Tips
The Gambia is a narrow country surrounded almost entirely by Senegal. Many visitors combine trips to both countries. If planning to visit Senegal, ensure you have the appropriate visa documentation for both nations.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.6Customer rating
97%Approval rate
"Fantastic service for my Gambia visa! The application was straightforward and I received approval within 4 days. The birdwatching along the river was incredible!"
"First time visiting West Africa and DoVisa made the visa process completely stress-free. The beaches in The Gambia are stunning and the people so welcoming!"
"Applied for a business visa and received it within a week. The document checklist was very helpful. Immigration at Banjul airport was smooth."
"Excellent experience! The support team helped me with questions about yellow fever requirements. Got my visa in 3 days and had an amazing holiday."
"Good service overall. Processing took 5 days which was within the expected timeframe. Customer support was responsive when I had questions."
"Visited The Gambia for a birdwatching tour. The visa process was simple and straightforward. Saw over 150 species in just one week!"
"Family trip to The Gambia was wonderful. DoVisa processed all our applications together and everyone was approved. The Smiling Coast lived up to its name!"
"Business visa for meetings in Banjul sorted quickly. The invitation letter guidance was helpful. Professional service from start to finish."
"Combined my Gambia trip with Senegal. DoVisa helped with both visa applications. The cultural heritage sites and Kunta Kinteh Island were unforgettable."
"Third time using DoVisa for African destinations. Consistently excellent service. The Gambia exceeded all my expectations - beautiful country!"
Gambia Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for The Gambia?
The Gambia offers several visa categories depending on your purpose of visit. Tourist visa allows stays up to 90 days for holidays, beach vacations, birdwatching, cultural tourism, and visiting friends or family. Business visa permits commercial activities including meetings, conferences, and exploring investment opportunities for up to 90 days. Transit visa allows stays up to 72 hours for travelers passing through to other destinations. Visa on arrival is available for certain nationalities for stays up to 28 days. Multiple entry visas are available for frequent visitors requiring regular access over 6-12 months. The appropriate visa depends on your travel purpose, duration, and nationality.
Who needs a visa to visit The Gambia?
Visa requirements for The Gambia depend on your nationality. Visa-free entry: Citizens of ECOWAS member states (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, etc.) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Some Commonwealth countries also enjoy visa-free access. Visa on arrival: Available for citizens of certain countries including several European nations for stays up to 28 days — obtainable at Banjul International Airport. Visa required in advance: Most other nationalities need to obtain a visa before travel. Requirements can change, so we recommend checking current regulations for your specific passport. DoVisa can help determine the requirements for your nationality and guide you through the application process.
What documents do I need for a Gambia visa application?
Essential documents for all applications: Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival with minimum two blank pages; recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm, white background, taken within 6 months); completed application form with accurate travel details. Additional requirements by visa type: Tourist visa: Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter), round-trip flight itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, yellow fever vaccination certificate if applicable. Business visa: Invitation letter from Gambian company on letterhead, employer support letter, company registration documents, detailed business itinerary. Documents should be clear, legible scans in PDF or JPEG format.
How long does Gambia visa processing take?
Gambia visa processing typically takes 3-7 business days, with most applications receiving decisions within 3-5 business days. Processing times can vary based on several factors: Peak season (November-April when tourists flock to the beaches) may experience slightly longer processing. Application completeness significantly impacts speed — applications with clear documents and accurate information process faster. Business visas may take longer due to verification of invitation letters. Recommendations: Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel; ensure all documents meet requirements; respond promptly to any additional information requests. DoVisa's pre-submission review helps ensure applications are complete.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for The Gambia?
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country — this includes most of sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. You must present your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. The vaccination should be administered at least 10 days before arrival for full protection. Travelers from non-endemic countries (Europe, North America, Asia, Australia) may not be required to show yellow fever vaccination, but it is highly recommended as yellow fever risk exists in The Gambia. Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. The vaccination provides lifetime protection.
How long can I stay in The Gambia with a tourist visa?
A standard tourist visa for The Gambia allows stays up to 90 days. For those obtaining visa on arrival, the initial stay is typically up to 28 days. ECOWAS citizens can stay up to 90 days visa-free. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul. Extensions are generally granted for an additional period depending on your circumstances and the discretion of immigration officials. Always ensure you don't overstay your visa as this can result in fines and complications with future travel.
Can I extend my Gambia visa once I arrive?
Yes, Gambia visas can be extended by visiting the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul. Requirements: Valid passport, completed extension application form, passport photographs, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation confirmation for the extended period, and the extension fee. Process: Applications are typically processed within a few days. Important: Apply before your current visa expires — overstaying is taken seriously and can result in fines. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officials. If you know you'll need a longer stay, consider applying for a longer-validity visa from the outset.
Can I work in The Gambia with a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas do not permit employment in The Gambia. Tourist visas are strictly for leisure activities, sightseeing, beach holidays, birdwatching, visiting cultural sites, and attending non-commercial events. Business visas allow commercial activities like meetings and conferences but not paid employment. Legal employment requires a work permit, which must be arranged through a Gambian employer before arrival. This involves sponsorship from a registered Gambian company and approval from the Labour Department. Volunteer work: If you plan to volunteer with a registered organization, consult with them about the appropriate visa category. Working illegally risks fines, deportation, and future visa difficulties.
Do I need to print my Gambia visa?
Yes, you should print your approved visa document. When arriving at Banjul International Airport or any other entry point, you'll need to present a clear printed copy of your visa approval along with your passport to immigration officers. Print on A4 paper in color if possible, though black and white is acceptable if all details are clearly legible. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup, but the printed version is essential for immigration clearance. Also retain a copy of your visa throughout your stay as you may need to present it when departing or if requested by authorities.
What happens if my Gambia visa application is rejected?
Gambia visa rejections are uncommon but can occur. Common rejection reasons: Incomplete documentation, unclear passport scans or photos, passport validity issues, insufficient proof of funds, missing accommodation confirmation, or concerns about purpose of visit. If rejected: You can reapply immediately with improved documentation addressing the issues. There's no formal appeals process, but new applications are considered independently. Prevention: Ensure documents are complete and clear; verify passport validity; provide comprehensive travel plans; include proof of funds. DoVisa guarantee: If rejection results from our processing error, we provide a full refund of service fees and complimentary reapplication assistance.
When is the best time to visit The Gambia?
The Gambia has a tropical climate with distinct seasons. Dry season (November-May): The best time for most visitors. Sunny skies, minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures around 24-30°C, and peak birdwatching season as migratory birds arrive from Europe. This is high tourist season with the best beach weather. Wet season (June-October): Hot and humid with regular rainfall, especially July-September. Fewer tourists, lower prices, lush green landscapes. Some birdwatching remains excellent. Roads may be difficult in rural areas. Peak birdwatching: November-February when European migratory birds join resident species. Beach holidays: December-April offers the most reliable sunny weather. The Gambia's beaches remain pleasant year-round, though humidity is higher in the wet season.
What is Kunta Kinteh Island and can I visit?
Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the River Gambia, about 30km from the river mouth. It holds profound historical significance as a key site in the transatlantic slave trade. History: The island features the ruins of a fort established in 1651, used as a holding point for captured Africans before transportation to the Americas. It's named after Kunta Kinte, the ancestor of author Alex Haley, whose story was told in the book and TV series Roots. Visiting: Yes, you can visit Kunta Kinteh Island as part of the Roots Heritage Trail tour from Banjul or Jufureh village. Tours include boat trips up the River Gambia, visits to Jufureh (Kunta Kinte's ancestral village), and exploration of the island's historical ruins. Most tours require a full day.
Is The Gambia safe for tourists?
The Gambia is generally safe for tourists and is known as the Smiling Coast due to its welcoming population. Safe areas: Tourist areas including Kololi, Kotu, Bakau, Banjul, and coastal resorts have good security. The country has a strong tourism police presence in popular areas. Standard precautions: Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas; keep valuables secure; use registered taxis and tour operators; don't display expensive jewelry or electronics. Health considerations: Malaria prophylaxis is recommended — consult a travel clinic. Drink bottled water. Ensure vaccinations are up to date. Beach safety: Be aware of beach vendors who can be persistent, though generally friendly. Use hotel beaches or designated tourist areas for swimming.
Can I combine my Gambia trip with visiting Senegal?
Yes, combining The Gambia with Senegal is very popular as The Gambia is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal. Many travelers visit both countries on a single trip. Visa requirements: You'll need separate visas for each country. Senegal has different visa requirements than The Gambia — check what applies to your nationality. Border crossings: Multiple land border points connect the countries including Amdallai and Farafenni. Border crossings are generally straightforward with proper documentation. Popular combinations: Banjul to Dakar (Senegal's capital); Casamance region of Senegal combined with Gambian beach holidays; overland travel between both countries. Planning tip: Ensure you have multiple entry visas or re-entry capability if you plan to cross borders multiple times.
What currency is used in The Gambia?
The official currency is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). Cash: Dalasi is required for most local transactions. Bring US Dollars, Euros, or British Pounds to exchange at banks, forex bureaus, or your hotel. ATMs are available in Banjul, Serrekunda, and tourist areas — they dispense Dalasi and accept major international cards (Visa, Mastercard). Card acceptance: Limited to larger hotels, some restaurants, and tourist establishments. Most local shops, markets, and smaller businesses are cash-only. Exchange: Banks offer better rates than hotels. Avoid street money changers. Tipping: Appreciated but not mandatory. 10% in restaurants is customary for good service. Tips in local currency are preferred. Budget: The Gambia is relatively affordable for tourists. Carry small denominations for taxis and market purchases.
Do children need their own Gambia visa?
Yes, every traveler including infants and children requires their own visa for The Gambia. There are no family visas. Requirements for children: Valid passport in the child's own name with 6+ months validity; passport-sized photograph meeting specifications; completed application with child's details. Additional documentation: If a child travels with only one parent or without parents, additional documentation may be required such as parental consent letters and birth certificates. Application process: Parents typically apply for children's visas alongside their own. Each visa is processed separately. Fees: Children pay the same visa fees as adults. DoVisa allows family applications to be processed together for convenience.
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