Gambia entry requirements for Bahrain 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
Bahraini passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Gambia. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Bahraini citizens, so you need to apply through a Gambian embassy or consulate in advance. Plan ahead to ensure your visa is approved before your departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Bahraini passport holders. You must apply at a Gambian embassy or consulate before departure; no eVisa is available for Bahraini nationals. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before booking flights. 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 pagesA blank page means no stamps or writing on it. At least 1 page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary printed or accessible on your phone. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward flight out of Gambia before granting entry. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry recent bank statements or a credit card to demonstrate financial means if asked. 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 online arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Bahraini citizens entering Gambia. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to apply online — it will not work for your nationality. Not available | Bahraini passport holders are not eligible for Gambia's eVisa program. Apply for a visa through an embassy or consulate instead. | Not required |
No visa on arrival or eVisa
Bahraini citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Gambia, and the eVisa system does not apply to Bahraini passports. You must secure a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before you fly. Arriving without a visa means you will be refused entry and sent back.
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take time, and there may be no Gambian embassy in Bahrain. You may need to travel to a neighboring country or use a visa service. Start the process at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate. In the Gulf region, there is a Gambian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and one in Kuwait City. Call or email them to confirm the exact visa requirements, fees, and processing times for Bahraini citizens.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: your passport (valid 6+ months), completed application form, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and yellow fever certificate. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit your application in person or by mail to the embassy/consulate. Pay the visa fee (amount varies – ask the embassy). Processing can take several days to a few weeks, so apply well in advance of your travel date.
4
Receive your visa
Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker or stamp. Check that all details are correct (name, passport number, validity dates).
5
Travel to Gambia
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL). Go through immigration, present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show your yellow fever certificate if asked. After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$150 (approx. GMD 9,000)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Gambian company and proof of business purpose. Apply at a Gambian embassy or high commission before travel.
Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$500 (approx. GMD 30,000)
For long-term stays, work, or study. Requires sponsorship, police clearance, and medical certificate. Apply through the Gambia Immigration Department.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
GMD 10,000 (~$180 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
GMD 5,000 (~$90 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Gambian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$900 USD) initial fee
For investors making significant economic contribution. Minimum investment of $100,000 USD required.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, GBP, EUR, or Gambian Dalasi) at Banjul International Airport. Valid for 30 days. | $100 (approx. GMD 6,000) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul. Extensions are typically granted in 30-day increments. | $50 (approx. GMD 3,000) |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Usually included in airline ticket for international flights; verify with your airline. If not included, paid at airport. | $20 (approx. GMD 1,200) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Bahraini citizens transiting through Gambia (e.g., at Banjul International Airport) must obtain a visa before travel unless they qualify for visa on arrival. Airside transit is not permitted without a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and who remain in the international transit area may be exempt if they do not pass through immigration – but this is not guaranteed; check with the airline.
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 prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 and re-entry permits.
Practical information for BH 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
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. Bahraini citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The Gambian eVisa system is not available for Bahraini passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
Processing times vary by embassy. It can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. It's best to apply at least a month before your planned departure to avoid delays.
Visa fees are set by the Gambian embassy and can change. Contact the embassy directly for the current fee. Expect to pay in the local currency or as instructed.
Yes, it's strongly recommended. While Bahrain is not a yellow fever endemic country, Gambia may require proof of vaccination if you're arriving from a risk area. Even if not required, it's wise to have it to avoid any issues at immigration.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
The maximum stay is typically 90 days, but it depends on the visa issued by the embassy. Check the visa sticker for the exact validity and duration of stay.
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.