Gambia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Emirati passport holders can enter Gambia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making it a straightforward destination for UAE residents. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Gambia. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks it on arrival. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
No visa extensions available
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. Plan your trip accordingly. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
Most flights land at Banjul. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There's usually one main queue for all foreign visitors.
2
Present your passport and boarding pass
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity) and your boarding pass. The officer will check your details and may ask how long you're staying.
3
Show return ticket if asked
Have your onward ticket ready on your phone or printed. The officer may ask to see it to confirm you're leaving within 90 days.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is correct before walking away. You're then free to collect your luggage.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
No paid alternative needed for standard tourist stay.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable once
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
Requires invitation letter from Gambian company.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayCharged upon departure for overstaying the 90-day limit. | 500 GMD (~$8 USD) per day |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for extended overstay. | 15,000 GMD (~$250 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours if 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Serrekunda Market Area
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Closer to tourist areas; may handle extensions.
Practical information for AE 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 = 74.17 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. You must leave Gambia before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or being barred from re-entry.
Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. UAE is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it. But if you've recently traveled to an endemic area, carry your certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Gambian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Technically yes, but immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. It's safer to have a return or onward ticket booked.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). UAE dirhams are not widely accepted. Exchange at the airport or use ATMs in Banjul.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online registration required for Emirati passport holders. Just show up with your valid passport and onward ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.