Gambia entry requirements for Uruguay 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

Uruguayan passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Uruguayan citizens. Plan ahead and apply through the Gambian embassy or consulate.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Gambian visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online — plan to visit an embassy in advance.
Obtain before travel
A visa is required for Uruguayan citizens. You must apply at a Gambian embassy or consulate before departure; eVisa is not available for your nationality.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before booking.
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 pagesCount the blank visa/stamp pages — not just any page.
At least 1 page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight details.
Proof of departure
You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Gambia within the allowed stay period.Required
Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate financial means if requested.
Sufficient for stay
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Gambia.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for entry into Gambia for Uruguayan citizens.Not required
eVisa applicationDo not attempt an online visa application — it will not work for you.
Not available
Uruguayan citizens are not eligible for Gambia's eVisa program. Apply through an embassy or consulate instead.Not required
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Uruguayan citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Gambia. Do not book flights without a visa in hand — you'll be denied boarding and entry.
Visa not extendable
Gambian visas cannot be extended. Make sure your travel dates fit within the visa validity, or you'll face fines or deportation.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Gambian diplomatic mission (e.g., in Washington D.C., London, or Abuja). Call or email to confirm current visa application procedures, fees, and processing times — they can vary.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, application form, travel itinerary, and any supporting documents. Make copies of everything for your records.
3
Submit your application
Send or drop off your application at the embassy or consulate. Pay the visa fee (amount varies by mission and visa type). Processing can take several days to a few weeks — apply well in advance.
4
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Check the validity dates and entry conditions. At Banjul International Airport, present your passport and visa to immigration officers.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Uruguay Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Business visa (on arrival)
Max stay90 days
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 3 months from date of issue
Cost$150 (approx. GMD 9,750)

Requires a letter of invitation from a Gambian company and proof of business purpose.

Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for work, study, or long-term stay
Cost$200–$500 depending on category

Apply through the Gambia Immigration Department; requires police clearance and medical certificate.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (US dollars, euros, or Gambian dalasi) at Banjul International Airport.$100 (approx. GMD 6,500)
Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Department in Banjul before your current visa expires.$50 (approx. GMD 3,250)
Exit fee (airport departure tax)Most international flights include the departure tax; confirm with your airline.Included in airline ticket

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or incorrect application form30%
Insufficient funds proof25%
Invalid or expired passport20%

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

Uruguayan passport holders transiting through Gambia (Banjul International Airport) do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing to a third country within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
  • If the onward flight is not within 24 hours, a visa on arrival 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; Uruguay is not endemic but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially during rainy season.

DengueModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.

CholeraLow risk

Rare but possible during floods.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended; use mosquito nets and repellent.

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 8:00-16:00
Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Serrekunda Market area
Mon-Fri 8:00-16:00

Practical information for UY 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. The Gambian government does not offer visa-on-arrival for Uruguayan passport holders. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy. Typically it takes 5–10 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your departure to be safe.
Fees vary depending on the embassy and visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Contact the embassy directly for the current fee schedule. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150.
Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended for your health.
No, Gambian visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
The maximum stay is typically 30 days for a single entry visa, but this can vary based on the visa type issued. Check your visa sticker for the exact dates.
There is no Gambian embassy in Uruguay. You'll need to apply through a Gambian embassy in a nearby country, such as the one in Washington D.C., London, or Abuja. Some embassies accept applications by mail.

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.