The Republic of the Gambia is an amazing country located in West Africa. It has a population of 2.5 million people that has a unique culture. The country of Gambia is known for the breathtaking beaches along the Atlantic, being home to the famous city of Juffure, and nine different tribes.
Foreigners who want to visit the country must first check if they need a Gambia visa. Read the article below for further information regarding the Gambia visa policy, requirements, and visa types.
Who Needs a Visa for the Gambia?
Citizens of the following countries need a visa to enter the Gambia:
- Western Sahara
- Japan
- Panama
- Argentina
- Jordan
- Paraguay
- Brazil
- Kuwait
- Peru
- China
- Kyrgyzstan
- Qatar
- Colombia
- Lebanon
- Saudi Arabia
- Costa Rica
- Marshall Islands
- Thailand
- El Salvador
- Mexico
- Syria
- Georgia
- Mongolia
- United States
- Guatemala
- Myanmar
- Uruguay
- Iran
- Nicaragua
- Vietnam
- Iraq
- Oman
- Yemen
- Israel
- Palestine
Visa on Arrival
A visa on arrival is issued to the following countries:
- France
- Portugal
- Spain
- United States
To apply for a visa on arrival the applicant must have a valid passport and other additional documents (if applicable). The duration of a visa on arrival is 28 days.
| Important: Everyone else can enter the country by just having a valid passport. |
How to Apply for a Gambia Visa?
Here are the steps you need to follow to apply for a Gambia visa:
- Contact the nearest embassy/consulate of the Gambia in your home country and book a visa appointment.
- Fill out the Gambia visa application form.
- Gather all the necessary documents.
- Submit the necessary documents at the embassy or consulate of the Gambia in your home country.
- Wait for an answer.
Gambia Visa Requirements
Here are the documents you need to submit when applying for a Gambia visa:
- A valid passport. The travel document must be valid for at least six months after the return date.
- A fully completed and signed Gambia visa application form. Do not leave blank spaces. Any missing information can lead to your visa application being denied.
- A fee payment receipt. This document proves that you have finished the applicable visa fee payment.
- A travel itinerary. The travel itinerary must have information regarding all the places you plan to visit while being in the Gambia. Attach supporting documents as a Round Trip flight, a railroad booking or a document of a booked organized tour.
- A passport-sized photo. Photos should follow the required specification for Gambia visa photo.
- A valid travel health insurance. The health insurance must cover any medical expenses you have while in the Gambia.
- A return flight ticket. The return flight ticket proves that you will return back in your home country after your visa expires.
- A clean criminal record document. This is a document issued by the police authorisation of your home country. It must prove that you are not a threat to the Gambia country.
- A bank statement document. This is a document issued from the bank in your home country. This document shows that you are financially stable and that you can financially support yourself while in Gambia.
Note: The embassy/consulate of Gambia may request other additional documents to support your visa application, depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Any missing document can lead to your visa denial.
Gambia Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Gambia visa is seven working days. The processing time can be extended depending on several factors, such as the time you submit the documents, your case, and the country you are applying from.
You will receive a response from the embassy or consulate regarding your visa application result via text message or email.
Duration of a Gambia Visa
The duration of a Gambia visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are applying from. The embassy/consulate of Gambia will inform you regarding the duration of your visa once your visa has been granted.
Gambia Visa Fees
The Gambia visa fees depend on the type of visa you are applying for. Therefore, the embassy/consulate will inform you about the visa fee amount you must finish when submitting your visa application form.
Gambia Visa Types
Here are the Gambia visa types:
- Tourist visa. A tourist visa is issued to foreigners who want to visit the country for visits and tourism purposes.
- Work visa. Foreigners who want to work in the Gambia must apply for a work visa and work permit before entering the country.
- Study visa. International students who want to study in the Gambia must apply for a study visa. The study visa is valid for as long as your study course lasts.
- Business visa. A business visa is issued to foreigners who want to visit the Gambia for business purposes and must apply for a business visa.
Residence Permit for the Gambia
A Gambia residence permit will allow you to stay in the country for over three months. However, to apply for a Gambia Residence permit, you must:
- Stay in the country for three months.
- Visit the Gambia Immigration Office.
- Finish the application fee payment.
- Submit all the necessary documents at the Gambia Immigration Office, such as:
- Valid passport.
- Fully completed and signed application form.
- Two passport-size photographs.
- Two passport types for your ID card.
- Wait for an answer.
Note: The applying procedure for a Gambia residence permit can change if you apply for a Gambia work or study residence permit. So, before applying for a residence permit contact the Immigration Office in Gambia for further information.
Why Should You Visit Gambia?
Here are the top five reasons you should visit the Republic of Gambia:
Weather
The weather in the Gambia is almost always sunny. Winter in the Gambia is also sunny, especially if you are in a place near the beach. The perfect time to visit the country is between November and June.
Accommodation
Everything that you need you can find in the Gambia. You can find all the types of accommodation options you are looking for. You can enjoy a good time in 5-star luxury holidays, 2-star comfort etc.
People
The locals in the Gambia are very friendly, respectful and helpful. They will always be willing to help, talk with you and show you around.
Beaches
The beaches in the Gambia are breathtaking. The watter is crystal clear, and all that makes it better is the perfect weather. Some of the most famous beaches in the Gambia are Banjul, Serrekunda and Bakau.
Food
The Republic of Gambia is known for its traditional food and drinks. Domoda is one of the most famous traditional dishes in the country; it is made with meat and fluffy rice. Some other famous dishes are Chewi Kong, Superkanja, Ebbeh, Fish Yassa and Tapalapa.
Some famous drinks in the Gambia are Attaya, Baobab Juice, Palm Wine and Wonjo Juice.