Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2025: Enhanced E-Visa System
The Gambia has streamlined its e-visa process for 2025, allowing online applications with faster processing times of 24-48 hours for most nationalities. The fee is around $50-100 depending on visa type, and it's mandatory for those requiring visas to avoid on-arrival delays at Banjul International Airport.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from The Gambia, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This ensures smooth processing at immigration checkpoints.
Always verify with your issuing country's guidelines, as some require additional validity periods for international travel to West Africa.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of ECOWAS member states, the US, EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Upon arrival, you'll receive a stamp allowing the stay; no pre-application is needed, but proof of onward travel is recommended.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply via the official Gambia Immigration e-visa portal (visa.gov.gm) with a fee of $50-100, submitting documents like a passport scan, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Processing typically takes 3-7 days; apply at least two weeks in advance to account for any issues, and print your approval letter for presentation at the border.
Border Crossings
Entry is primarily via Banjul International Airport, where immigration is straightforward for visa-exempt travelers; expect questions about your stay duration and accommodation.
Land borders with Senegal (e.g., via Farafenni) require similar checks, and regional travelers may need ECOWAS passports for seamless crossings.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas), trip delays, and activities like river safaris or beach excursions.
Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases; options start at $20-30 for a two-week trip from international providers.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 90 additional days by applying at the Immigration Office in Banjul with a fee of around $50, providing reasons like extended tourism or family visits.
Overstays incur fines of $10 per day; always apply before your initial period expires to avoid penalties or deportation risks.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
The Gambia uses the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Banjul by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street vendors or bukas for affordable meals like benachin under 200 GMD, avoiding resort restaurants to save up to 60% on food costs.
Local markets in Serekunda or Banjul offer fresh fruits, grilled fish, and spices at bargain prices for self-catering.
Public Transport Passes
Use shared gelly-gelly taxis or bush taxis for inter-town travel at 50-200 GMD per leg, far cheaper than private hires.
For longer stays, consider a local SIM with data bundles for ride-hailing apps, reducing navigation and transport costs.
Free Attractions
Explore beaches like Cape Point, Arch 22 in Banjul, and village walks along the Gambia River, all cost-free and rich in cultural immersion.
Many national parks offer free entry to birdwatching spots; join community events for authentic experiences without fees.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and Banjul, but carry cash (GMD) for markets, taxis, and rural areas where ATMs are scarce.
Exchange at banks or use ATMs in the capital for better rates; avoid airport exchanges to prevent high commissions.
Combo Tour Packages
Opt for multi-day packages covering river cruises, wildlife reserves, and cultural sites starting at 2000 GMD, which bundle transport and entry fees.
These often pay for themselves by including meals and guides, saving 20-40% compared to individual bookings.
Smart Packing for The Gambia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection and mosquito deterrence during evening outings.
Include modest attire like covered shoulders and knees for visiting mosques or rural villages to respect local customs.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type D/G/K plugs, a portable power bank for off-grid areas like river camps, and a waterproof phone case for boat trips.
Download offline maps of the Gambia River and translation apps for Wolof or Mandinka phrases to enhance navigation and interactions.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen (50+).
Pack DEET-based insect repellent, malaria prophylaxis if advised, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate as it's required for entry.
Travel Gear
Opt for a lightweight daypack for market visits, a reusable water bottle with purification tablets (tap water isn't safe), and a quick-dry microfiber towel.
Include passport copies, a money belt for cash security, and a torch/flashlight for power outages in rural lodges.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy sandals or closed-toe shoes for dusty roads and boat docks, plus lightweight hiking shoes for nature reserves like Kiang West.
Avoid high heels; opt for water shoes for beachcombing and river crossings to handle sandy and muddy terrains comfortably.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, high-humidity shampoo, moisturizer for dry harmattan winds, and wet wipes for limited facilities.
Include a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and a compact rain poncho for sudden showers, even in the dry season, to stay comfortable on the go.
When to Visit The Gambia
Dry Cool Season (November-February)
The best time for travel with comfortable temperatures of 20-30°C, low humidity, and minimal rain, ideal for birdwatching migrations and river cruises.
Fewer mosquitoes and vibrant festivals like the Roots Festival in January; book accommodations early as it's peak season for Europeans escaping winter.
Dry Hot Season (March-May)
Warm days around 30-35°C with clear skies, perfect for beach relaxation at Kololi and exploring mangroves without wet-season interruptions.
Lower crowds and prices than peak dry months, though heat can be intense—great for water activities like pirogue rides on the Gambia River.
Wet Season Start (June-August)
Shorter rains with temperatures of 25-32°C, lush greenery enhancing national parks like Abuko for wildlife viewing and fewer tourists.
Budget-friendly stays and vivid landscapes for photography, but prepare for afternoon showers; ideal for cultural immersion in villages.
Wet Peak & Transition (September-October)
Heavier rains tapering off with 25-30°C weather, offering dramatic sunsets and emerging harvest festivals with fresh local produce.
Very low season means deals on eco-lodges and private tours, though some roads may flood—best for adventurous travelers seeking solitude.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Gambian Dalasi (GMD). ATMs available in major towns; exchange euros or USD at banks for best rates. Cards accepted in tourist areas but cash is king elsewhere.
- Language: English is the official language. Local dialects include Mandinka, Wolof, and Fula; basic English suffices in tourist spots.
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0 year-round—no daylight saving.
- Electricity: 220-240V, 50Hz. Type D/G/K plugs (three-pin UK-style); power surges common, so surge protectors advised.
- Emergency Number: 999 for police, ambulance, or fire; 112 also works for EU-standard emergencies.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, 50-100 GMD for guides or drivers for good service.
- Water: Tap water is not safe—drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas to prevent stomach issues.
- Pharmacies: Available in Banjul and Serekunda; look for signs with a green cross. Stock up on basics before heading to remote areas.