Banjul Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, welcomes international visitors through Banjul International Airport (now officially Banjul International Airport, though often still referred to by its location near Yundum). The Gambia maintains a relatively welcoming visa policy, with many nationalities eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival. The country's tourism-friendly approach makes it an accessible destination for travelers from around the world. The immigration process at Banjul International Airport is generally straightforward, though it can be slower during peak tourist season (November to February). Travelers should be prepared with all necessary documentation, including a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. Yellow fever vaccination certification is mandatory for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and recommended for all visitors due to The Gambia's endemic status. Before traveling to Banjul, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Have accommodation details readily available, as immigration officers may request this information. The Gambia uses the dalasi (GMD) as its currency, and while major hotels accept foreign currency, having local currency for smaller transactions is advisable. Airport facilities include currency exchange services, though rates may be better in the city.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

The Gambia offers visa-free entry or visa on arrival to citizens of most countries. The country's visa policy is designed to facilitate tourism and business travel, making it one of the more accessible destinations in West Africa.

Visa-Free Entry

Unlimited for ECOWAS nationals; varies for others

Citizens of ECOWAS member states can enter The Gambia without a visa for unlimited stays as part of regional free movement protocols

Includes

Benin Burkina Faso Cape Verde Côte d'Ivoire Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Liberia Mali Niger Nigeria Senegal Sierra Leone Togo

ECOWAS nationals must present valid national ID or passport. Other visa-exempt nationals typically receive 21-90 days depending on bilateral agreements.

Visa on Arrival

Typically 28-56 days depending on nationality

Most international visitors can obtain a visa upon arrival at Banjul International Airport

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Most EU countries South Africa Kenya India China Japan South Korea Brazil Argentina Most Commonwealth countries Most European countries

How to Apply: Available immediately upon arrival at immigration. No advance application needed. Processing takes 10-30 minutes depending on queue length.
Cost: Approximately $50-100 USD (or equivalent in euros/pounds) depending on nationality and duration. Payment accepted in USD, EUR, GBP, or GMD.

Ensure you have exact payment or small bills. Extensions available through Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul. Some nationalities may receive free entry stamps for shorter stays.

Visa Required in Advance

Varies by visa type, typically 30-90 days

A small number of nationalities must obtain visa approval before traveling

How to Apply: Apply through nearest Gambian embassy or high commission at least 2-4 weeks before travel. Some countries may apply through Gambian missions in neighboring countries.

This applies to a limited number of countries. Check with the nearest Gambian diplomatic mission. Business and work visas always require advance application regardless of nationality.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Banjul International Airport, travelers proceed through health screening (if applicable), immigration control, baggage claim, and customs. The process is generally efficient, though delays can occur during peak hours when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously.

Health Screening

Present yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic country or if required. Temperature screening may be conducted. Health declaration forms may be required during disease outbreaks.

Immigration Control

Join the appropriate queue (ECOWAS nationals, visa on arrival, or other). Present your passport, completed arrival card, return/onward ticket, and accommodation details. Visa fee payment (if applicable) is collected here.

Visa Processing (if applicable)

Pay the visa fee and receive entry stamp. Officer may ask questions about your stay. Biometric data (fingerprints/photo) may be collected.

Baggage Claim

Collect checked luggage from the carousel. Report any missing baggage to airline representatives immediately.

Customs Declaration

Complete customs declaration form if carrying items to declare. Proceed through 'Nothing to Declare' (green channel) or 'Goods to Declare' (red channel). Random baggage inspections may occur.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

Exit to public area where taxis, hotel transfers, and currency exchange services are available. Official airport taxis are recommended.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from The Gambia. Can be flight confirmation, e-ticket, or booking reference. Immigration may deny entry without this.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Mandatory if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries. Strongly recommended for all travelers as The Gambia is endemic. Must be valid (given at least 10 days before arrival).

Accommodation Confirmation

Hotel booking, invitation letter from host, or address where you'll be staying. Immigration officers frequently ask for this information.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate ability to support yourself during your stay. Rarely requested but advisable to have available.

Arrival Card

Distributed on the flight or available at immigration. Complete before reaching immigration counter with passport number, accommodation details, and purpose of visit.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching immigration to speed up the process

Carry visa fee in USD, EUR, or GBP in small denominations as change may not always be available

Print physical copies of hotel bookings and return tickets as internet connectivity at the airport can be unreliable

Arrive during daylight hours if possible, as airport facilities and transport options are more limited at night

Keep your yellow fever certificate with your passport as it will be checked at health screening before immigration

Be patient and polite with immigration officers; maintain a friendly demeanor even if processing seems slow

Have contact details for your hotel or host readily available in case immigration needs to verify your accommodation

Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate expenses like taxi fare, though better rates are available in the city

Customs & Duty-Free

The Gambia Customs and Excise Department regulates the import and export of goods. Travelers must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances and are subject to inspection. The customs process is generally straightforward for tourists carrying personal items, but be aware of prohibited and restricted items.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or wine

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol should be for personal consumption only. Excessive quantities may be subject to duty or confiscation.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. For personal use only. Commercial quantities will be taxed.

Currency

No limit on foreign currency, but amounts exceeding $10,000 USD equivalent must be declared

Declaration required on arrival and departure for amounts over $10,000 USD. Local currency (dalasi) export is restricted to 200 GMD. Declare all currency on the customs form to avoid issues on departure.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to reasonable value for personal use

New items in commercial packaging may attract duty. Professional equipment (cameras, laptops) for personal use are generally exempt but may need to be declared and shown on departure.

Perfume

Reasonable quantities for personal use (typically up to 250ml)

Excessive amounts may be considered commercial and subject to duty

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - Severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment
Firearms and ammunition - Unless prior authorization obtained from Ministry of Interior
Counterfeit currency and goods - Subject to confiscation and prosecution
Obscene or pornographic materials - Confiscation and potential prosecution
Certain plants and plant materials - Without phytosanitary certificate
Endangered species products - CITES restrictions apply (ivory, certain animal products)
Hazardous materials - Explosives, flammable substances without proper authorization

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Carry in original packaging with prescription or doctor's letter; quantities should be reasonable for duration of stay
Drones and radio equipment - Require prior permission from Gambia Civil Aviation Authority and may need registration
Professional video/photography equipment - May require temporary import permit for commercial use
Meat and dairy products - Require health certificates and are generally discouraged
Live animals - Require import permits, health certificates, and vaccination records from veterinary authorities

Health Requirements

The Gambia has specific health requirements for entry, primarily focused on preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Yellow fever vaccination is the main mandatory requirement for certain travelers, but other vaccinations are strongly recommended for health protection.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Mandatory for travelers aged 1 year and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate must show vaccination was given at least 10 days before arrival. Strongly recommended for all travelers regardless of origin as The Gambia is endemic for yellow fever.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Malaria prophylaxis - The Gambia is a malaria-endemic country; antimalarial medication strongly recommended year-round
Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or animal contact
Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended, especially during dry season (November-June)
Routine vaccinations - Ensure MMR, DTP, and polio vaccinations are up to date

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. The Gambia has limited medical facilities, and serious conditions may require evacuation to Senegal or Europe. Insurance should cover medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. Verify that your policy covers activities you plan to undertake.

Current Health Requirements: Health requirements can change rapidly due to disease outbreaks (COVID-19, Ebola, etc.). Check current requirements 2-4 weeks before travel and again before departure. Visit your country's travel health website or consult a travel medicine clinic. COVID-19 requirements may include vaccination certificates, testing, or health declarations - verify current rules before travel. Monitor World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC travel health notices.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in The Gambia or the nearest accredited mission

Register with your embassy upon arrival for long stays. Check your government's travel advisory website for current safety information and embassy contact details. Many countries are represented through missions in Dakar, Senegal.

Gambia Immigration Department

For visa extensions and immigration matters: Located on OAU Boulevard, Banjul

Visit for visa extensions, registration, or immigration queries. Office hours typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Bring passport, photos, and extension fees.

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 117 (Police), 116 (Ambulance), 118 (Fire)

Response times may vary. For medical emergencies, consider private clinics or hospitals. Medical Rescue International (MRI) provides private ambulance services. Keep hotel/accommodation contact information for assistance.

Banjul International Airport

Airport information and inquiries

For flight information, lost baggage, or airport services. Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights.

Tourist Police

Specialized police unit for tourist assistance

Available in major tourist areas. Can assist with reporting crimes, lost documents, or tourist-related issues.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports not accepted). If traveling with one parent or without parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) authorizing the child's travel. This should include parent contact details and be in English. Unaccompanied minors require special documentation and airline arrangements. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Yellow fever vaccination required for children over 1 year if coming from endemic areas.

Traveling with Pets

Import permit required from Gambia Department of Livestock Services (apply at least 4 weeks before travel). Pets must have current rabies vaccination (given at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry). Valid health certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel. Microchip identification recommended. Dogs and cats from UK/EU may need additional documentation. Pet carriers must meet IATA standards. Certain breeds may be restricted. Contact the Department of Livestock Services well in advance.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas can typically be extended at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul. Apply before your current visa expires (at least one week before). Requirements: valid passport, passport photos, extension fee (varies by duration), proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and return ticket. Extensions usually granted for 1-3 months. For stays longer than 90 days, you may need to register with police. Work, business, or residence permits require separate applications with additional documentation including sponsorship letters, medical certificates, and police clearance.

Business Travelers

Business visitors may enter on tourist visa for short business meetings, conferences, or negotiations. For actual work or contracts, a business visa or work permit is required. Business visa requires invitation letter from Gambian company, company registration documents, and purpose statement. Work permits require job offer, employer sponsorship, qualifications verification, and medical examination. Apply through Gambian embassy before travel or through employer in The Gambia.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Banjul International Airport without leaving the airport generally do not need a visa if staying less than 24 hours and holding confirmed onward tickets. If you wish to leave the airport or stay longer, normal visa requirements apply. Confirm transit visa requirements with your airline as policies can vary by nationality.

Dual Nationals

Travelers holding dual nationality should enter and exit The Gambia using the same passport. If one nationality qualifies for visa-free entry and the other doesn't, use the more advantageous passport. Some countries don't recognize dual nationality - check requirements for both countries. Gambian nationals, even with dual citizenship, must enter The Gambia on their Gambian passport.