Gambia entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 12, 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
Canadians don't need a visa for Gambia on stays up to 90 days for tourism or business. You get a free entry stamp on arrival with a valid passport. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Gambia — no 6-month rule applies. Airlines at check-in may still ask for at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. If you arrive without one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket on the spot. Budget airlines flying into Gambia also check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. A simple booking printout or email works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your trip. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, they want to see you can cover accommodation and living costs without working. A recent statement with a few hundred dollars in it usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Gambia. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks it on arrival. If you're even a day short, you'll be turned away.
No visa, no fee, no forms
Canadians get a free entry stamp on arrival at Banjul International Airport. No application, no payment, no paperwork. Just your passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There's usually one main queue for all foreigners. Wait time varies from 10 to 45 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
2
Present your passport and departure ticket
Hand over your passport and be ready to show your return flight booking. The officer will check your passport validity, ask your purpose of visit, and stamp you in. No fee, no form to fill.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're free to go.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost2,000 GMD (~$30 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy abroad or on arrival if not visa-free. Requires passport photos and fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost5,000 GMD (~$75 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Must apply at embassy before travel.
Long-stay visa (business/residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost10,000 GMD (~$150 USD)
Requires sponsorship from a Gambian company or organization. Apply at immigration office in Banjul.
retirement visa
Gambia Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires application at Immigration Department in Banjul. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
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 and family dependents. Apply through Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap is 20,000 GMD (~$300 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | 500 GMD (~$7.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Banjul International Airport (BJL) if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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; otherwise recommended.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; avoid bites especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, especially in rural areas. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (GMD).
Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Serrekunda Market Area
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Closer to tourist areas. Same services as Banjul but may have shorter queues.
Practical information for CA 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 = 74.16 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
Up to 90 days per visit. The stamp you get on arrival is valid for 90 days. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for an extension at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul before your 90 days expire.
Officially, extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'd need to visit the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul, pay a fee (around 500–1000 GMD, roughly $10–20 USD), and provide a reason. Start the process at least two weeks before your 90 days run out.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Canada is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to a yellow fever zone (e.g., parts of South America or Africa), you'll need to show the yellow card. Otherwise, it's not routinely checked, but carry your vaccination record just in case.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Gambian immigration. No exceptions. Renew your passport before booking travel.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. Any paid work requires a work permit arranged by your employer in Gambia before you arrive.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
Gambian dalasi (GMD) is the local currency, but Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops. Bring some cash in small denominations — ATMs are limited outside Banjul and often unreliable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.