Gambia entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders can enter Gambia without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026. Just have your documents ready at Banjul International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Gambia. Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport check this at the booth before stamping you in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Airlines boarding in India also check this before letting you fly. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation ready. Officers at Banjul airport sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked place. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash or a card statement showing enough funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but having $500–$1,000 available covers you if they do. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before you board. If it's less than 6 months from your entry date, you'll be denied boarding — no exceptions. Double-check before you book.
Keep a copy of your documents
Make photocopies or take photos of your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them separate from the originals. This helps if you lose your documents or need to prove your status.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
You'll land at Banjul International Airport (BJL). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. The queue moves reasonably fast, but expect a 15–30 minute wait during peak hours.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may also ask for your accommodation booking. Answer any questions clearly — they're usually routine.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. Confirm the stamp shows the correct date. That's it — you're in. No visa fee, no forms to fill.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost2,000 GMD (~$35 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a formal entry permit.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost5,000 GMD (~$85 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost10,000 GMD (~$170 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Gambian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed daily; maximum cap may apply. | 500 GMD (~$8 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Indian passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is present throughout Gambia; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease with outbreaks in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 for visitors in the greater Banjul area.
Practical information for IN 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 = 74.18 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, you don't. Indian citizens can enter Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The stamp you get at immigration will show the exact date you must leave by. Overstaying can result in fines or problems at departure.
Extensions are not available for visa-free entries. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or check with the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul for any special circumstances.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — it's the most common reason for travel problems.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Even if not required, it's recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But medical facilities are limited and costs can be high for serious issues. Insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical evacuation, which can cost thousands.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). Indian rupees are not accepted anywhere. Bring euros, US dollars, or British pounds to exchange at banks or forex bureaus in Banjul. ATMs are available but unreliable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.