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Gambia Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Banjul International Airport for The Gambia; it costs around USD 100 and pre-registration at visa.gm speeds up processing.

Guide last updated October 1, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Pre-registration confirmation from visa.gm (recommended, not always mandatory)
  • Proof of onward/return ticket
  • Evidence of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or transiting a yellow fever risk country
  • Passport photo (2x2 inches, white background) for the arrival form
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken at the immigration desk on arrival
  • Travel health insurance recommended but not required

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: single entry, valid for 30 days, approx. USD 100
  • Business visa on arrival: single entry, 30 days, approx. USD 100, requires an invitation letter from a Gambian company
  • Transit visa: issued for travelers continuing to a third country within 72 hours, approx. USD 50

Visa on arrival

  • Available at Banjul International Airport (Gambia International Airport) only; not at land borders
  • Pre-register your trip details at visa.gm before departure to get an approval reference number and shorten the airport queue
  • On arrival, proceed to the visa desk before immigration control, submit your passport, photo, and pre-registration reference
  • Pay the fee in cash (USD or GMD) or by card where available
  • Fingerprints and a photo are taken, and the visa sticker/stamp is issued on the spot
  • Processing at the airport typically takes 20-40 minutes depending on flight volume

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist visa on arrival: approx. USD 100 (GMD equivalent accepted)
  • Business visa on arrival: approx. USD 100
  • No separate service fee if paid directly at the airport desk
  • Processing time: 20-40 minutes at the airport desk
  • Pre-registration online (visa.gm) takes 1-3 business days for approval but does not replace the on-arrival fee

Tips for United States travelers

  • Complete the visa.gm pre-registration at least a week before departure to avoid long airport queues
  • Carry exact USD cash since change may not always be available at the airport
  • Common delay reason: missing proof of onward travel or accommodation details
  • Keep a printed and digital copy of your pre-registration confirmation
  • Extensions beyond 30 days can be requested at the Gambia Immigration Department headquarters in Banjul before the visa expires

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United States passport holders

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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.