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Gambia Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

United States citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in The Gambia at Banjul International Airport; the visa on arrival fee is about USD 60 (roughly 3,600 Gambian Dalasi), with an initial stay of up to 30 days per entry and possible extension at the Department of Immigration.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least 1 blank page for a Gambian visa stamp.
  • Specific forms: No pre-arrival visa application is required for visa on arrival. You may be asked to complete an arrival/declaration form at the port of entry.
  • Financial proof: Not strictly mandatory for visa on arrival, but you should have sufficient funds to cover your stay. Carry recent bank statements or cash; authorities may ask for proof of funds.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Proof of onward or return travel and a confirmed reservation or address of your Gambian accommodation is recommended and may be requested by immigration.
  • Photo specification: One recent color passport photo (35x45 mm) or 2x2 inches with a white background might be requested if the port of entry requires it.
  • Biometrics: No pre-arrival biometrics are required for VOA; immigration officers at the port of entry may collect biometrics if applicable.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory, but strongly recommended to have travel health insurance covering medical costs during your stay.

Visa types

  • Tourist Visa: Official name Tourist Visa. Validity up to 90 days from issue; stay up to 30 days per entry; single or multiple entry as issued; approximate fee USD 60–80.
  • Business Visa: Official name Business Visa. Validity up to 90 days from issue; stay up to 30 days per entry; single or multiple entry; approximate fee USD 60–80.
  • Student Visa: Official name Student Visa. Validity up to 1 year per entry; extension possible; requires acceptance letter from Gambian educational institution; approximate fee USD 60–80.
  • Work Visa: Official name Work Visa. Validity up to 1 year per entry; requires work permit from relevant Gambian authorities; approximate fee USD 60–80.
  • Transit Visa: Official name Transit Visa. Validity up to 7 days; single entry; approximate fee USD 60–80.
  • Diplomatic/Official Visa: For holders of official DG/ diplomatic status; specific arrangements may apply.

Visa on arrival

  • Which ports: Primary port is Banjul International Airport (Yundum). Some land border posts may offer VOA subject to pre-approval; check with the Gambian embassy if unsure.
  • How to apply: Upon arrival, proceed to the immigration desk after passport control; present your passport (valid 6+ months) and any required documents; fill an arrival form if provided; pay the visa fee in USD or Gambian Dalasi; provide hotel/address in The Gambia and your return/onward ticket; immigration will stamp your passport with the visa.
  • Fee and currencies: Visa on arrival fee is about USD 60 (roughly 3,600 Gambian Dalasi); accepted currencies typically USD and Gambian Dalasi. Keep cash in small denominations for the line.
  • Queue tips: Arrive early to avoid peak times; have all documents ready; separate lines may exist for visa-on-arrival applicants; if lines are long, stay patient and follow official guidance.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (on arrival): USD 60; approx. 3,600 Gambian Dalasi (dependent on current rate).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for visa on arrival; there is no separate consular processing for VOA.
  • Total cost estimate: About USD 60 per entry (plus any incidental costs at the airport).
  • Standard processing time: At the port of entry, processing is typically 15–60 minutes depending on queue and document checks.
  • Express/priority option: Not available for visa on arrival through the official port; timelines vary with border traffic.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Plan ahead: Visa on arrival is possible, but you may also consider applying online for an e-visa through the official portal visa.gm to obtain approval before travel if you want to minimize on-site processing.
  • Common rejection reasons for US applicants: Passport validity less than 6 months, lack of onward ticket or hotel details, insufficient funds or proof of funds, incomplete forms, or missing required documents.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For VOA you go directly to the port of entry; there is no requirement to use VFS/BLS for VOA. If you prefer pre-processing, contact the Gambian embassy/consulate about an e-visa or embassy visa in advance.
  • Travel advisories: Check the U.S. State Department travel advisory for The Gambia before you travel; exercise usual caution as you would in any travel, especially at night in certain areas against petty crime; stay in well-trafficked areas and keep copies of passport.
  • Extension options inside Gambia: If you need more time, visa extensions may be possible at the Department of Immigration in Banjul prior to your visa expiry; extensions are subject to approval and may incur additional fees.

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.