Gambia entry requirements for Chile passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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

Chilean passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must apply for a visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Chilean citizens as of 2026. Plan ahead, as the application process can take a couple of weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
VisaYou must obtain a visa prior to arriving in Gambia.
Required in advance
A visa is required for entry. Apply at the Gambian embassy or consulate before travel.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival.
6 months beyond intended stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Gambia.Required
Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration stamp upon arrival.
At least 1 page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticketHaving a confirmed departure ticket helps avoid delays at border control.
May be requested
Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Carry a printed itinerary or e-ticket.Recommended
Proof of fundsYou do not need to show bank statements or cash upon entry.
Not officially required
No specific proof of funds is required by Gambian immigration for Chilean passport holders.Not required
Arrival declarationYou do not need to submit any online or paper arrival declaration.
Not required
No arrival declaration form is needed for entry into Gambia.Not required
Visa required — apply well in advance
Chilean passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply before you travel. Processing can take 1–2 weeks, so start the process at least 3 weeks before your trip.
Yellow fever vaccination
If you are traveling from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended. Carry the certificate with your passport.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a Gambian visa
You must apply for a visa before traveling. Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate in your region (or the nearest one that handles Gambian visas) to submit your application. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks. Provide your passport, a completed application form, passport photos, and proof of travel arrangements.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, gather your passport with the visa, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
3
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip — answer clearly. Once stamped in, you're free to enter.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost$150

Requires invitation letter from Gambian company.

Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$100

Must provide enrollment letter from recognized institution.

Work permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$500

Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Single-entry tourist visa (up to 90 days)Non-refundable application fee$100
Multiple-entry visa (valid 1 year)For frequent travelers$200
Visa extension (per month)Apply at Immigration Office in Banjul$30
Exit fee (departure tax)Included in most airline tickets; check with carrier$20

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Insufficient funds proof25%
Lack of return/onward ticket20%

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

Chilean passport holders transiting through Banjul International Airport (BJL) do not need a visa if staying airside and not leaving the transit area.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If you need to clear immigration or collect luggage, a visa is required.
Transit hubsBanjul International Airport (BJL)

Health & vaccines for Gambia

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk; Chile is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.

CholeraLow risk

Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation.

Malaria risk: high

Chloroquine-resistant; use atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline for prophylaxis.

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
Marina Parade, Banjul
Mon-Thu 8:00-16:00, Fri 8:00-13:00
Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Off Kairaba Avenue, Serrekunda
Mon-Thu 8:00-16:00, Fri 8:00-13:00

Practical information for CL 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police117
Medical116
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Chilean citizens. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 1–2 weeks, but it can vary. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
You apply through the Gambian embassy or consulate that covers your country. If there is no Gambian embassy in Chile, you may need to apply through the nearest embassy (e.g., in Brazil or the UK) or via a visa service. Check the official Gambian government website for the latest instructions.
Typically: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport-sized photos, proof of return/onward travel, and proof of accommodation. Some embassies may also ask for a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Contact the embassy for the exact fee.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Even if not required, it's recommended. Check with your doctor.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost a fee. It's best to arrange before your visa expires.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.