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Gambia Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghanistan citizens require a visa to enter The Gambia; options include e-Visa or Visa on Arrival, with fees varying by type and duration. Apply well in advance.

Guide last updated July 17, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in The Gambia.
  • Visa Application Form: For e-Visa, this is completed online. For Visa on Arrival, a form will be provided.
  • Financial Proof: Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your stay (e.g., USD 100 per day of stay is a common benchmark, though no explicit amount is mandated by the official portal).
  • Accommodation: Proof of booked accommodation (hotel reservation) or an invitation letter if staying with friends/family.
  • Return Ticket: A confirmed return or onward ticket is mandatory.
  • Photo: For e-Visa, digital photos are uploaded. Specifications: 2x2 inches, white background, neutral expression.
  • Biometrics: Not explicitly stated for e-Visa but may be required upon arrival for certain nationalities. For sticker visas (if applicable via embassy), fingerprinting might be part of the process at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
  • Travel Health Insurance: Recommended, but not explicitly mandated for visa application on the official portal. It is advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation.

Visa Types

  • Tourist Visa: For leisure and sightseeing.
  • Official Name: Tourist Visa.
  • Validity: Typically 90 days from issuance.
  • Max Stay: Up to 30 days per entry.
  • Entry: Single entry.
  • Approximate Fee: USD 100.
  • Business Visa: For short-term business activities, meetings, or conferences.
  • Official Name: Business Visa.
  • Validity: Typically 90 days from issuance.
  • Max Stay: Up to 30 days per entry.
  • Entry: Single entry.
  • Approximate Fee: USD 150.
  • Other Visa Categories (e.g., Student, Work): These often require sponsorship and a longer application process, likely through an embassy or consulate abroad, and may not be available through the e-Visa portal. Details should be confirmed with the Gambian immigration authorities or a Gambian embassy.

How to apply online (e-Visa)

  • Visit the official Gambian visa portal: https://www.visa.gm/
  • Click on 'Apply for Visa' or similar.
  • Select 'Afghanistan' as your nationality and 'Tourist Visa' or 'Business Visa' as the visa type.
  • Complete the online application form accurately, providing all required details.
  • Upload scanned copies of your passport, photo, return ticket, and accommodation proof.
  • Pay the visa fee using a valid credit or debit card. The fee is displayed in USD.
  • Submit your application.
  • Processing time: Typically 3-5 working days for standard processing.
  • Approval: If approved, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. Print this document and present it upon arrival in The Gambia. Note: The final decision on entry is always at the discretion of immigration officers at the port of entry.

Visa on Arrival

  • Available at Banjul International Airport (BJL) and other major border crossings.
  • Requirements: Ensure you have your passport (valid for 6+ months), return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. Have a printed copy of your e-Visa approval if you applied online and received one beforehand. If not, you will complete an application form on arrival.
  • Steps: Proceed to the immigration counter, present your documents, and await processing. Biometrics may be collected.
  • Fee: For a Tourist Visa, approximately USD 100. For a Business Visa, approximately USD 150. Fees are payable in USD or sometimes in Gambian Dalasi (GMD) at the prevailing rate. It's advisable to carry USD in smaller denominations.
  • Accepted Currencies: Primarily USD. Credit card acceptance can be unreliable.
  • Queue Tips: Arrive at off-peak times if possible. Be patient, as queues can form.

Fees & Processing Time

  • e-Visa Fee (Tourist): Approximately USD 100.
  • e-Visa Fee (Business): Approximately USD 150.
  • Visa on Arrival Fee: Similar to e-Visa fees (USD 100 for Tourist, USD 150 for Business).
  • Service Fee: No separate VFS/BLS service fee for e-Visa or Visa on Arrival. If applying through an embassy for a sticker visa, a service fee would apply, but this is not the primary route for Afghanistan citizens.
  • Total Cost Estimate: For a Tourist e-Visa, expect around USD 100.
  • Standard Processing Time (e-Visa): 3-5 working days.
  • Express/Priority Option: Not explicitly advertised on the official e-Visa portal. For urgent cases, contacting the Gambian Department of Immigration directly might be an option, but e-Visa processing is generally efficient.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Application Timing: Apply for your e-Visa at least 10-14 days before your intended travel date to allow for unforeseen delays.
  • Common Rejection Reasons: Incomplete application, insufficient financial proof, lack of a confirmed return ticket, unclear purpose of visit, or previous immigration violations in other countries can lead to rejection. For Afghanistan citizens, demonstrating strong ties to their home country or country of residence might be crucial.
  • e-Visa vs. Embassy: The e-Visa system is the most straightforward and recommended method for Afghanistan citizens. Direct application at a Gambian embassy or consulate abroad is less common and may have longer processing times. Visa on Arrival is an option but carries the risk of being denied entry if requirements are not perfectly met.
  • Travel Advisories: Always check current travel advisories from your home country regarding The Gambia. As of recent information, The Gambia is generally considered safe for tourists, but general precautions against petty crime are advised.
  • Extension Options: Visa extensions within The Gambia are possible but must be applied for at the Department of Immigration in Banjul before your current visa expires. This process often requires substantial justification and may involve additional fees. It is generally advisable to obtain the correct visa duration at the point of application.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.