Immigration Info - Gambia
Immigration Services in The Gambia
Information on Immigration Services in the Gambia
The Gambia Immigration Department is responsible for the issuance of entry clearances and stamping of foreign national passports and residency papers, work permits and visa extensions.
ECOWAS nationals visiting The Gambia are under the agreement of free movement of goods and persons. Entry clearance is granted at border posts, which is valid for 90days multiple entry. ECOWAS nationals can travel with either their passports or ID cards. Travelers with a passport will have an entry clearance stamped on their passports. Travelers with ID cards are issued a Laissez Faire document.
ECOWAS nationals can also apply for a residence/work permit as appropriate after the entry clearance validity has elapsed.
About Visa requirements in different Countries
British Citizens
British passport holders do not require visas to gain entry into The Gambia. They are required to travel on a valid passport, valid at minimum until the day of your flight arrival back to the UK. Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are valid for both entry and exit at Banjul International Airport. Proper documentation is necessary for British passport holders who wish to travel on a one way flight to Banjul Airport, without correct documentation you may be barred entry.
Commonwealth member Countries
These citizens do not require a visa but must present a valid passport or other official identification documents.
European Union Citizens
EU nationals from the following countries do not require a visa to gain entry into The Gambia: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
*Nationals from France, Portugal, Slovakia and Estonia do require one to gain entry.
*Nationals from, France, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Estonia do require one to gain entry.
**Note: The above information is always subject to change. Check with your local country's Gambian embassy, consulate, travel company or the Department of Immigration for the latest details.
US Citizens
Nationals from the US require an entry visa with at least 1 blank page on their passport for the stamp, as well as evidence of yellow fever vaccination. They can apply for a visa at the Embassy of The Gambia in Washington DC. They may be allowed entry without a visa, provided they obtain one from the Immigration Department in Banjul within 2 working days.
Other Countries
People from other countries should check with one of the local embassies of Gambia to see what the visa requirements are.
Please note that if you are travelling from yellow fever zone country then you are required to produce a vaccination certificate, irrespective of your country of residence.
Last minute arrivals:
Those travelers who arrive on short-notice may be allowed entry into the country however, they are required to submit their passport in Banjul at the Immigration Department in less than 48 hours to be issued a visa. Please note that nationals of some countries not listed above are not eligible to be issued a visa on arrival at the airport.
Length of authorized stay:
Visitors who do not require a visa are normally issued with a stamp on arrival at Banjul Airport which is valid for 28 days. Should you want to extend the 28 days this can be done in the capital of Banjul at the Immigration Department on OAU Boulevard or at the Tourist Police Stations in the Tourism Development Area. If you are planning to enter The Gambia for longer than 3 months, check entry requirements with one of the embassies of Gambia. There is a small fee for this .
Important to note:
Fees, rules & regulations on visas, entry requirements & restrictions do change from time to time, so you are advised to seek clarification from within your own country from your travel agent, tour operator or at one of the Gambia's embassies or consulates, before making any travel decisions.