Apply for Gambia Visa

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Woow, No Tourist Visa required on your trip to Gambia.

Citizens of United States of America do not require visas for travel to Gambia and as it is one of the visa exempt countries.

Gambia

A visa is an official document issued by a country's government that allows a person to enter, stay or leave that country for a specified period. The Gambia, a small West African country known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife, requires most visitors to have a valid visa before they can enter the country.


In an effort to modernize and streamline the visa application process, the Gambian government has announced the introduction of the eVisa next year, an electronic visa that can be obtained online. The eVisa system is expected to simplify the visa application process and make it easier for tourists and business travelers to visit Gambia.

Different Types of Visas Available for Travel to The Gambia

To visit The Gambia, foreign nationals need a visa for business, tourism, or other purposes. Visas can be single or multiple entry with the validity of 6 or 12 months. Some nationalities can get a visa on arrival, while others can stay for up to 28 days without a visa. Extensions can be requested at the Immigration Department in Banjul.

 

  • Gambia Tourist Visa: The Gambia Tourist visa is for tourism and sightseeing purposes. You can apply for this visa to engage in tourist activities in The Gambia.
  • Gambia Business Visa: A Gambia Business visa allows you to enter The Gambia and engage in business-related activities for the duration of your visa validity.
  • Gambia Transit Visa: Foreign citizens requiring a Gambia visa can transit through the country for up to 2 hours within the airport transfer lounge, provided they remain in the same aircraft. For longer layovers or to leave the lounge, a valid visa is required.
  • Gambia Residence Permits: The Gambia Study Permit (Type A) is for foreign students planning to study in The Gambia. Foreigners wishing to work in The Gambia can apply for Type B Work Permit for ECOWAS citizens or Type C Work Permit for skilled workers and small traders. All Gambia permits are valid until December 31st and must be renewed annually.

Documents Required for Gambian eVisa Online / Visa on arrival / ETA / Invite letters

The requirements for obtaining a Gambian visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality but generally include:

  • A completed visa application form
  • A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
  • Two recent passport-sized photos
  • Proof of travel arrangements (flight itinerary, hotel reservation, etc.)
  • Proof of financial means to support your stay in The Gambia
  • Payment of the visa fee

Additional requirements may include a letter of invitation, a medical certificate, a police clearance certificate.

Validity of Gambia Visas: What You Need to Know

The validity of Gambia visas can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.

  • Gambia visas can be single or multiple entry.
  • Single entry visas are typically valid for 3 months, while multiple entry visas are valid for 6 or 12 months.
  • Some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, which is valid for up to 90 days.
  • Nationals from the USA, France, Portugal, and Spain can obtain visas on arrival that are valid for up to 28 days.
  • The validity of Gambia visas starts from the date of issue, not the date of entry.

Understanding the Online Gambia Visa Application Form

To apply for the Gambia eVisa, applicants will need to fill out an online application form. The form will require basic personal information such as name, address, and passport details. Applicants will also need to provide a digital copy of their passport photo page and pay the visa fee online. 

How to Apply for a Visa to The Gambia

There are two ways to apply for a visa to The Gambia: online (eVisa) or in-person at an embassy or consulate. 

Applying for a Gambia Visa Online (eVisa): Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you apply for a Gambia visa online (eVisa):

 

Visit the eVisa website for the Gambia eVisa application: Go to the eVisa website and select the eVisa option. 

Choose the type of visa you need: Select the type of visa you need, such as tourist or business visa. 

Fill in the application form: Fill in the application form with your personal information, travel details, and other required information. You will also need to upload a passport-sized photo and a scanned copy of your passport. 

Pay the visa fee: Once you have completed the application form, you will need to pay the visa fee online using a debit or credit card. 

Submit your application: After payment, submit your application and wait for a confirmation email. The email will include a reference number that you can use to track the status of your application. 

Wait for approval: Processing times for eVisas can vary, but you can usually expect to receive a response within a few days. Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email with your eVisa attached as a PDF document. 

Print your eVisa: Print a copy of your eVisa and keep it with your travel documents. You may be required to show your eVisa upon arrival in the Gambia.

Applying for a Gambian Visa at an Embassy or Consulate

If you prefer to apply for a Gambian visa in person, you can do so at a Gambian embassy or consulate. Here are the steps to apply for a Gambian visa at an embassy or consulate:

  • Find the Gambian embassy or consulate nearest to you. You can find a list of Gambian embassies and consulates on the Gambian government's website.
  • Gather the required documents. These may include a passport with at least six months validity, a completed visa application form, passport photos, and proof of travel plans.
  • Schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate. Many embassies and consulates require appointments for visa applications.
  • Attend your appointment and submit your application. You may need to pay a fee at this time as well.
  • Wait for your visa to be issued. Once your application is approved, your visa will be issued and you can pick it up at the embassy or consulate.

It is important to note that processing times may vary depending on the embassy or consulate. It is recommended to apply for a Gambian visa well in advance of your travel dates to allow for processing time.

Processing Time for Gambia Visas: What to Expect

The processing time for Gambia visas can vary depending on the type of visa and the application method. In general, it is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to avoid any delays or complications. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding processing times for Gambia visas:

  • Normal processing time: The normal processing time for a Gambia visa can take up to 10 business days.

  • Rush processing time: If you require your visa more urgently, you may be able to request rush processing for an additional fee. Rush processing can typically reduce the processing time to 3-5 business days.

  • Super rush processing time: In some cases, you may be able to request super rush processing for an even faster turnaround time. Super rush processing can often be completed within 1-2 business days, but it comes with a higher fee.

It's important to note that these processing times are only estimates and can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of visa, the applicant's nationality, and the volume of visa applications being processed at the time.

How to Expedite Your Gambia Visa Application

If you need your Gambia visa application processed quickly, there are options to expedite the process. The processing time can be expedited by paying an additional fee for expedited service. 

The processing time for each expedited service:

  • Rush: 3-5 business days
  • Super rush: 1-3 business days

It is important to note that the processing time does not include weekends or holidays. It is also important to submit a complete and accurate application to avoid delays in processing.

What to Do If Your Gambia Visa Has Expired

If your Gambia visa has expired, you should immediately leave the country to avoid any legal consequences. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, and deportation. It is important to note that obtaining a new visa while still in the country is not possible, and you must apply for a new visa from outside of Gambia.

If you have overstayed your visa, you should contact your embassy or consulate for assistance and guidance on how to leave the country legally. It is important to comply with immigration laws and regulations to avoid any legal complications or difficulties in the future.

Countries Eligible for the Gambia eVisa

The information regarding the list of countries that are eligible for the Gambia eVisa is not currently available. It will be released at a later date and updated as necessary. It is important to check with the eVisa Website to ensure that you are eligible to apply for the eVisa before making any travel plans to The Gambia. Stay informed about any updates or changes to the eligibility requirements for the Gambia eVisa by regularly checking official sources for the latest information.

Gambia Visa Policy Map

 
Gambia

 
Eligible Countries/Nationalities for e-visa/visa on arrival

 
Countries/Nationalities Required Regular/Paper Visa for travelling to

 
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for travelling to
Gambian visa policy map.

Visa Exempt Countries List

The Gambia offers visa exemptions to citizens of certain countries who wish to visit for tourism or business purposes. However, it is important to note that the exemption only applies for stays of up to 90 days and for certain purposes and that travelers may be required to show proof of return travel and sufficient funds for their stay.

Regular visasAll Countries / Nationalities that required regular visa for Gambia

Citizens of some countries may require an embassy or consular visa to enter The Gambia. It is important to check with the Gambian embassy or consulate in your country to determine if you need a visa, the type of visa required, and the application process. You may need to provide documentation such as a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and proof of travel arrangements. It is advisable to start the visa application process well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for any processing delays.

Gambia Visa Cost: How Much Will You Pay?

To determine the exact fee for a Gambia visa, applicants can use the fee tool provided above. The fee for a Gambia visa can vary depending on factors such as the type of visa, processing time, and the applicant's country of origin.

 It is important to check the fee requirements before beginning the visa application process to ensure that you have the necessary funds to complete the application. By using the fee tool provided, applicants can obtain the most up-to-date information regarding the cost of a Gambia visa and can plan accordingly for the next steps in the application process.

Gambia e-Visa vs Sticker Visa: Which One Do You Need?

If you are planning to visit Gambia, you may be wondering whether you need an e-Visa or a sticker visa. Here are the differences between the two and which one you may need:

e-Visa: An e-Visa is an electronic visa that you can apply for online. It is linked to your passport electronically, and you do not need a physical sticker in your passport. You can print out a copy of the e-Visa approval to carry with you when you travel. This option is available for tourists and business travelers.

Sticker Visa: A sticker visa is a physical visa sticker that is placed in your passport. You will need to apply for this type of visa in person at a Gambian embassy or consulate. This option is available for all types of visas, including tourist, business, and other visas.

So which one do you need? If you are eligible for an e-Visa, it may be the more convenient option as you can apply for it from anywhere with an internet connection. However, if you are not eligible for an e-Visa or prefer a physical sticker in your passport, you will need to apply for a sticker visa at an embassy or consulate.

Guide to Obtaining a Gambia Work Visa

To obtain a Gambia work visa, you must first obtain a job offer from a Gambian employer. The employer must then apply for a work permit from the Gambian Immigration Department. Once the work permit is approved, you can apply for a work visa at the Gambian embassy or consulate in your home country.

 The application will require a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of employment, and an approved work permit. The visa processing time can vary, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel. Once approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing you to enter Gambia and work legally.

FAQs about Gambian eVisa

 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies