Gambia entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 30, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
Valid for stay
No extra months required
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders can travel to Gambia visa-free for up to 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has one blank page. No visa, eVisa, or arrival declaration is needed—just arrive with your documents.
Apply for Gambia eVisaOfficial portal: Gambia eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Gambia. Airlines at check-in may ask for 6 months validity — carry a printout of the official Gambia Immigration policy if they push back. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Border officials can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card with a reasonable limit — $500 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Gambian immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Double-check your expiry date before booking flights—airlines enforce this too.
No visa extension available
The 30-day visa-free entry cannot be extended. If you overstay, you will face fines and possible detention. Plan your exit date carefully.
Yellow fever certificate—only if coming from risk areas
If you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you must show a valid vaccination certificate. Direct flights from Canada do not require it, but if you have been traveling elsewhere, get the shot.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you fly
Check your passport validity (6 months), print or download your return ticket and hotel booking. If you are coming from a yellow fever risk country, get the vaccination at least 10 days before travel and bring the certificate.
2
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
After landing, follow the signs to immigration. Join the queue for 'Foreigners' or 'Non-Gambians'. Have your passport, boarding pass, and any supporting documents ready.
3
Present your passport at the immigration desk
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your documents, may ask where you are staying and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly and politely. They will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You will exit into the arrivals hall where you can find taxis and currency exchange. Keep your passport safe—you will need it when you leave.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 30, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost2,000 GMD (~$30 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy abroad or on arrival if not visa-free. Requires passport photos and fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost5,000 GMD (~$75 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Must apply at embassy before travel.
Long-stay visa (business/residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost10,000 GMD (~$150 USD)
Requires sponsorship from a Gambian company or organization. Apply at immigration office in Banjul.
retirement visa
Gambia Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires application at Immigration Department in Banjul. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Includes residency rights and family dependents. Apply through Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap is 20,000 GMD (~$300 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | 500 GMD (~$7.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Banjul International Airport (BJL) 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; otherwise recommended.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; avoid bites especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, especially in rural areas. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (GMD).
Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Serrekunda Market Area
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Closer to tourist areas. Same services as Banjul but may have shorter queues.
Practical information for CA 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
No, Canadian passport holders can enter Gambia visa-free for up to 30 days. Just have a valid passport (6 months validity) and a return ticket.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you will need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a longer visa at a Gambian embassy before you travel.
No, Canadians are not eligible for Gambia's eVisa program. You do not need any visa for short stays, so just travel with your passport.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Banjul. Renew your passport before you travel—it is not worth the risk.
Only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you are flying directly from Canada, it is not required. But if you have been in Africa or South America recently, you will need the certificate.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). You can exchange US dollars or euros at the airport or in town. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but cash is king in most places.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Canadians. You just go through immigration and customs as usual.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.