Gambia entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can enter Gambia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free policy has been in effect since 2024 and covers tourism, business, and short visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
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. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, they will deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Banjul International Airport. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash available to show you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having around $500 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration at Banjul will turn you away if it's close. Don't risk it — renew early.
Keep cash for departure tax
The departure tax at Banjul Airport is about 500 GMD (around $10 USD). While it's often included in your ticket, it's smart to have that amount in local currency or US dollars just in case. ATMs inside the airport can be unreliable.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
You'll land at Banjul International Airport (BJL). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single hall. There are usually two queues: one for Gambian citizens and one for foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
2
Present your documents at the immigration counter
Hand over your passport and the completed arrival card (you'll get it on the plane or at the counter). The officer will check your passport validity, ask how long you're staying, and may ask to see your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly and politely.
3
Get your passport stamped
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the number of days you're allowed to stay (usually 90). Check the stamp before you walk away — make sure the dates are correct.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, head to the baggage claim area. Grab your bags and walk through the customs hall. There's usually a green channel for nothing to declare and a red channel for goods over the duty-free limit. If you have nothing to declare, walk straight through.
5
Exit the airport
Once through customs, you're free to exit the arrivals hall. Taxis and hotel shuttles wait outside. If you need a SIM, there are kiosks in the arrivals area — or use your pre-arranged eSIM.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Cost~$100 USD equivalent (varies)
Available at Gambian embassies; may allow longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD equivalent (varies)
For frequent travellers; apply at Gambian embassy.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200–500 USD (varies by employer)
For those with a job offer in Gambia. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of studies
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a recognized Gambian institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; no official maximum cap known. | 500 GMD (~$8 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Malta passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours and remaining airside.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Gambia. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 immigration matters.
Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Serrekunda Market Area
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Closer to tourist areas; may handle extensions.
Practical information for MT 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave Gambia and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul before your 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Malta is not a yellow fever country, so if you're flying directly from Malta, you don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to a risk country, get the shot and carry the certificate.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Banjul airport. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration will ask to see proof that you're leaving within the 90-day visa-free period. A one-way ticket is a red flag and could get you denied entry.
Yes, there's a departure tax of about 500 Gambian dalasi (around $10 USD) when you leave Banjul International Airport. It's usually included in your airline ticket, but check with your airline. If not, keep cash handy.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). US dollars and euros are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates exchanging at banks or official exchange bureaus. ATMs are available in Banjul and major towns, but don't rely on them — bring some cash as backup.
No, there's no online arrival declaration required for Malta passport holders. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The arrival card is filled out on the plane or at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.