Gambia entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. Apply in advance through the Gambian embassy or the official e-visa portal, if available. Processing can take several days to weeks, so plan ahead.
Apply for Gambia eVisaOfficial portal: Gambia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application eVisa required | Apply for a Gambia eVisa at the official Immigration Department portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for single entry and covers stays up to 90 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Bahrain passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Gambia. Gambia does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but your airline may check for at least 6 months — confirm with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Gambia helps speed through immigration. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) or a credit card to cover your stay — roughly $50–$100 per day. Immigration may ask for evidence of financial means, especially if you lack a return ticket. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Bahraini passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Gambia. There is no visa on arrival. Start the application process at least 3-4 weeks ahead to avoid delays.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Gambia, not from your departure date. Check your passport's expiry before booking anything.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Submit your visa application to the Gambian embassy or through the official e-visa portal if available. Include your passport, photo, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Processing can take several days to weeks, so apply well before your trip.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), printed visa approval, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep copies on your phone and in your bag.
3
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
At the airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, visa approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in. The process is usually straightforward if your documents are in order.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're free to go once cleared.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostGMD 2,500 (~$45 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostGMD 5,000 (~$90 USD)
Allows multiple entries for tourism.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostGMD 3,000 (~$54 USD)
For business-related visits; requires invitation letter.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
GMD 10,000 (~$180 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
GMD 5,000 (~$90 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Gambian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$900 USD) initial fee
For investors making significant economic contribution. Minimum investment of $100,000 USD required.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | GMD 2,500 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | GMD 5,000 (~$90 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond initial visa period. | GMD 1,500 (~$27 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | GMD 500 (~$9 USD) per day, max GMD 10,000 (~$180 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Gambia
No transit visa needed
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBanjul International Airport (BJL)
Health & vaccines for Gambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Banjul
Gambia Immigration Department Headquarters
Independence Drive, Banjul
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Serrekunda Market Area
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalBanjul
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyGambian dalasi (GMD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 74.3 GMD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs, British standard)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must apply in advance through the Gambian embassy or the official e-visa portal if available. There is no visa on arrival for Bahraini citizens.
Processing times vary. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your trip to be safe. Check the embassy or e-visa site for current timelines.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, a completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and sometimes proof of funds. Requirements can change, so confirm with the embassy.
Yes, extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'll need to visit the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul before your current visa expires. Fees and processing times vary.
It is not always required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, hospital stays, and repatriation.
Immigration may deny you entry if you cannot show a return or onward ticket. Airlines may also refuse boarding. Always have a booked ticket out of Gambia.
No, visa on arrival is not available for Bahraini passport holders. You must obtain a visa before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.