Gambia entry requirements for Chile passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to Gambia. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Chilean citizens, so you need to apply through a Gambian embassy or consulate. Start the process well in advance to ensure your travel plans are not disrupted.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Gambian visaYou cannot get this visa on arrival or online; you must visit an embassy or consulate.
Obtain before travel
A visa is required for Chilean citizens. Since Chile is not eligible for Gambia's eVisa program, you must apply for a visa at a Gambian embassy or consulate before departure. Submit your application well in advance of your travel date.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling.
At least 6 months
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Gambia.Required
Blank passport pagesBlank pages are needed for border officials to stamp your passport.
At least 1 page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary or booking confirmation ready to show at the border.
Proof of departure
Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Gambia before your visa or permitted stay expires.Required
Proof of fundsBorder officials may ask how you'll support yourself during your visit.
Sufficient for stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Gambia, such as bank statements or cash.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for Chile citizens entering Gambia.Not required
No eVisa or visa on arrival for Chileans
Even though some nationalities can get an eVisa for Gambia, Chilean passport holders are not eligible. Do not rely on eVisa portals — you must go through an embassy or consulate.
Plan ahead for embassy logistics
Since there's no Gambian embassy in Chile, you may need to mail your passport or use a visa service. This adds time, so start the process at least 2 months before your trip.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Gambian diplomatic mission that handles visa applications. Since Chile has no Gambian embassy, you may need to apply through the Gambian embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., Brazil or the United States) or use a visa processing service. Call or email them to confirm requirements, fees, and appointment procedures.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and any additional documents the embassy requests. Make copies of everything for your records.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your complete application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee as instructed. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary by embassy. Ask the embassy for an estimated timeline. It could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, so apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure.
5
Collect your visa and check the details
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that your name, passport number, validity dates, and number of entries are correct. If anything is wrong, notify the embassy immediately.
6
Arrive in Gambia and go through immigration
At Banjul International Airport (or other entry points), present your passport with the visa to immigration officers. They may ask about your stay and purpose of visit. Have your return ticket and accommodation details handy.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Multiple entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$150 (approx.)

Apply at Gambian embassy or high commission.

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$120 (approx.)

Requires invitation letter from Gambian company.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Gambia entry visa (single entry, issued on arrival or at embassy)Fee varies by nationality; check with Gambian embassy before travel.$100 (approx.)
Gambia visa extension (per month)Available from the Immigration Department in Banjul.$50 (approx.)
Airport departure taxUsually included in airline ticket; confirm at check-in.$20 (approx.)

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

Transit visa required

Chilean citizens transiting through Gambia require a visa unless they remain airside and do not pass immigration.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders
  • Holders of a valid residence permit for Gambia
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. Chilean passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa before traveling.
No, the Gambian eVisa system does not include Chilean citizens. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
There is no Gambian embassy in Chile. You may need to apply through the Gambian embassy in a neighboring country, such as Brazil or the United States, or use a visa service. Contact the Gambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for guidance.
Processing times vary by embassy. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees are set by the Gambian government and may vary by embassy. Contact the specific embassy or consulate for the current fee. Expect to pay in local currency or US dollars, depending on the office.
If you are transiting through Gambia and need to leave the airport, you will need a visa. If you stay airside, you may not need one, but confirm with your airline and the embassy.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.