Embassy
Embassy of the United States, Banjul
Banjul
Kairaba Avenue, Fajara
Gambia visa requirements for American citizens
American citizens get a visa on arrival in the Gambia, for up to 30 days.
Passport
USA
United States
Going to
GMB
Gambia
Visa on arrival
Some travellers without a Gambian embassy nearby can request a visa at the airport.
- Visa
- On arrival
- Max stay
- 30 days
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Bring the arrival fee in cash, in a widely accepted currency, plus a passport photo.
Have your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
Queue at the visa-on-arrival desk before immigration in the Gambia.
Ways into Gambia
Some visitors need visas. Check your country's rules before booking.
Visa required For your passportUS passport visaThis visa covers tourism, business, study and official visits for US passport users.
- Fee
- US$200
- Processing
- 5–10 days
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Check the embassy's rules.
- Fill in the visa form.
- Submit the form, passport, papers and fee.
Documents required
- Valid passport
- Regular service costs 200 USD and takes 5–10 working days.
- Express service costs 250 USD and takes 3 working days.
- Same-day service costs 275 USD; fees are not refunded.
- Submit a signed form, photo, money order and prepaid return envelope.
Visa on arrivalAirport arrival visaSome travellers without a Gambian embassy nearby can request a visa at the airport.
How to apply
- Ask a Gambian embassy whether you qualify.
- Get approval before travel if required.
- Request your visa at Banjul International Airport.
Documents required
- Valid passport
- Yellow fever vaccine card
- Entry approval, if required
- This route is not confirmed for every nationality.
- The guide gives no fixed fee or allowed stay.
Visa requiredSingle-entry tourist visaThis visa lets tourists enter The Gambia once.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Processing
- 2 days
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Check the embassy's visa rules.
- Fill in the visa form.
- Submit your passport, papers and fee.
Documents required
- Passport
- Visa form
- Medical certificate
- Return ticket or onward travel proof
- 2 blank pages
- Hotel booking
- Yellow fever vaccination card vaccine
- Apply in the country where you normally live.
- You cannot take a job with a visitor visa.
Visa requiredMultiple-entry visitor visaThis visa lets visitors enter The Gambia more than once.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Processing
- 2 days
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Ask the embassy for a multiple-entry visa.
- Fill in the form.
- Submit your passport, papers and fee.
Documents required
- Passport
- Visa form
- Host invitation
- Host ID or residence permit
- Return ticket or cash equivalent
- 2 blank pages
- Hotel booking
- Yellow fever vaccination card vaccine
- Check your visa's end date and allowed stay; they are separate limits.
- You cannot take a job with a visitor visa.
Sources (12)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Gambia Immigration Department: Visa Services
- Gambia Immigration Department: Residential Permits
- Government of The Gambia: Immigration and Visas
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Official Website; no general visa application page verified
- High Commission in Senegal: Visas
- High Commission in Senegal: Entry Requirements and New Visa Policy; contains conflicting and potentially dated material
- High Commission in London: Visa Application
- High Commission in London: Visa Form and Requirements
- High Commission in London: Fees
- Embassy in Washington: Consular Services
- Embassy in Washington: American Passport Holders Visa Application
- Government Directory: Gambian Missions, Including India
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Coming from United States
- Plugs GAdapter needed
- MoneyGMD D
- Time+12h
- DrivingOn the rightSame as home
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency117 police116 ambulance
Planning your Gambia trip
Best time to go: November to May is the cooler, dry season. June to November is hot and rainy.
- Abuko Nature ReserveNear Lamin and Yundum, this reserve offers an introduction to Gambian wildlife. It has monkeys, crocodiles and about 300 bird species.
- Bijilo Forest ParkThis park at Kokoli has birds and monkeys.
- Makasutu Culture ForestThis 1,000-hectare reserve in Brikama has mangroves, palm groves and savannah. Wildlife includes baboons, monkeys, birds and monitor lizards.
- Sanyang BeachNorth of Gunjur, this is described as one of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
Scams to watch for in Gambia
- Fake hotel worker and robbery invitationSomeone claims to remember you from your hotel and says they work there. They may invite you to another hotel, where the aim could be to rob you.
- Unasked-for help followed by a payment requestSomeone offers directions, assistance or a favour without being asked. They may then expect money, even though you never agreed to pay.
- Border passport-stamping bribe demandsMilitary personnel may demand a bribe to stamp your passport. Refusing can lead to insults or further pressure.
About Gambia
The Gambia is a West African republic on a narrow strip of river land enclosed by Senegal.
- Capital
- Banjul
- Money
- Gambian dalasi (D)
- Languages
- English
- Time zone
- UTC+00:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +220
Other Americas passports
Going to Gambia
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Gambia with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do american citizens need a visa for the Gambia?
American citizens get a visa on arrival in the Gambia, for up to 30 days.
How long can american citizens stay in the Gambia?
Up to 30 days each visit with the visa on arrival rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Can I get the Gambia visa at the airport?
Yes. American citizens get the visa when they land in the Gambia. Carry cash for the fee, a passport photo, your return ticket and hotel details.
Do gambian citizens need a visa for the United States?
Gambian citizens need a visa for the United States, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Americas passports get easier entry to the Gambia?
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize Canada, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Gambia are easier for american citizens?
Cape Verde, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone Angola, and 3 more let american citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to the Gambia?
Bring the arrival fee in cash, in a widely accepted currency, plus a passport photo. Have your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
What money is used in the Gambia?
Gambian dalasi (D). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in the Gambia?
English.
How strong is the United States passport?
It ranks #12 and reaches 150 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck