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Gambia Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Free

UK citizens must obtain a Gambian visa (primarily via the online e-Visa) before travel; apply at https://www.visa.gm/; visa fees start from USD 60 and processing is typically 2-3 working days.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into The Gambia, and it must have at least one blank visa page.
  • Specific forms: There is no separate Gambian visa form for UK applicants; you apply online via the official e-Visa portal at visa.gm (no DS-160 or VAF1A).
  • Financial proof: The e-Visa application does not require uploading bank statements; you should have access to sufficient funds for your stay (no fixed threshold published).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Have hotel bookings or an invitation letter and a return/onward ticket ready; border officials may request proof on arrival.
  • Photo specification: A recent passport-style photo (35x45 mm, 3.5x4.5 cm) with a plain white background; full-face, neutral expression; no glasses or headwear unless for religious reasons; upload with the online application.
  • Biometrics: The online e-Visa application does not require you to submit biometrics; biometric data may be collected at entry or at an immigration office if required.
  • Travel health insurance: Recommended for all travelers; not strictly required for visa approval, but advisable.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Tourist Visa; e-Visa): Validity up to 6 months from issue; max stay 90 days per entry; single entry; approx fee USD 60 (GMD about 3,540).
  • Business visa (Business Visa; e-Visa): Validity up to 6 months; max stay 90 days per entry; single entry; approx fee USD 100 (GMD about 5,900).
  • Student visa (Student Visa; e-Visa): Validity up to 1 year; stay up to the duration of study as allowed by the immigration authorities; typically single entry; approx fee USD 60 (GMD about 3,540).
  • Work visa (Work Visa; e-Visa): Validity up to 1 year; stay up to 12 months; single entry; approx fee USD 100 (GMD about 5,900).
  • Transit visa (Transit Visa; e-Visa): Validity up to 7 days; single entry; approx fee USD 20 (GMD about 1,180).

Application process

  • How to apply online: Use the official portal https://www.visa.gm/ to submit an e-Visa application.
  • Steps: 1) Create an account; 2) Select visa type (Tourist, Business, etc.); 3) Complete the online form with personal and travel details; 4) Upload required documents (passport data page, passport photo, travel itinerary/hotel booking or invitation letter); 5) Pay the visa fee online (USD or local currency where supported); 6) Receive the e-Visa decision by email and/or in your visa.gm account; print the e-Visa to present on arrival.
  • Processing time and delivery: Standard processing usually 2-3 working days; optional express processing available for an additional fee (check the portal for current options and costs).
  • Visa on arrival: The Gambian online portal emphasizes online e-Visa; there is no guaranteed visa-on-arrival service listed for UK citizens. If arrival with a visa on arrival is considered, you must verify in advance at the nearest Gambian embassy/consulate.
  • Sticker visa: Not applicable for UK travellers in most cases; Gambian e-Visa is issued electronically; if a sticker is required for a specialized purpose, consult the Gambian Embassy and the visa.gm portal.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (Tourist): USD 60; GMD ≈ 3,540; total in local currency shown during application.
  • Visa fee (Business): USD 100; GMD ≈ 5,900.
  • Visa fee (Student): USD 60; GMD ≈ 3,540.
  • Visa fee (Work): USD 100; GMD ≈ 5,900.
  • Transit visa: USD 20; GMD ≈ 1,180.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for online e-Visa through visa.gm; all payments go through the online portal.
  • Total cost estimate: Depending on visa type; e.g., Tourist visa ≈ USD 60 (≈ GMD 3,540).
  • Standard processing time: 2-3 working days for online e-Visa applications.
  • Express/priority option: Available for select visa types on the portal for an additional fee (exact amount shown at application).

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Apply at least 7-10 days before travel to allow for processing and potential delays, especially during peak seasons.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants: Passport validity less than 6 months from entry; passport with fewer than 2 blank pages; mismatched travel details or lack of supporting documents; inconsistent purpose of visit; incomplete application; insufficient funds or missing hotel/invitation details when requested.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: The Gambian e-Visa is handled online via visa.gm; there is no need to use VFS/BLS in the UK for standard tourist/business applications; verify any exceptions on the official site.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice for The Gambia and comply with any vaccination, health, or entry recommendations; malaria prophylaxis and routine immunizations are advised.
  • Extension options inside The Gambia: Visa extensions can be sought from The Gambia Department of Immigration in Banjul before your current visa expires; extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration and typically depend on purpose of stay and local conditions.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.