Gambia entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders can enter Gambia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy applies to tourism, business, and short visits. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Gambia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Gambian law, but airlines may still check for at least 6 months validity — 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 return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they may also check that your onward flight is within the 90-day visa-free period. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Gambia. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least $100–$200 USD per day of your stay, either in cash, credit card, or bank statement. Gambian immigration rarely checks this for Swiss passport holders, but it's safer to have evidence ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Gambia. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks on arrival. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied entry — no exceptions.
Keep a copy of your return ticket
Immigration officers at Banjul Airport frequently ask to see your return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot saved on your phone. A digital boarding pass or email confirmation works too.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Banjul International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are usually two queues: one for Gambian citizens and one for foreigners. Join the foreigner queue.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation address. Answer clearly and briefly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day entry.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a green channel for nothing to declare. If you're carrying more than $10,000 in cash or restricted goods, use the red channel.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
CostGMD 3,000 (~$48 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and travel itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostGMD 5,000 (~$80 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (business/residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostGMD 10,000 (~$160 USD)
Requires sponsorship from a Gambian company or organization. Proof of purpose needed.
retirement visa
Gambia Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term residence without work. Requires health insurance.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD / year
For those with a job offer from a Gambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD / year
For investors making a significant business investment (minimum $50,000). Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if you exceed the 90-day visa-free period. | GMD 500 (~$8 USD) per day, max GMD 15,000 (~$240 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours, provided they remain 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. Certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; avoid bites during daytime.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito 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–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Banjul-Serekunda Highway, Serekunda
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Closer to tourist areas. Same services as Banjul.
Practical information for CH 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 entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Gambia and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa from a Gambian embassy before travel. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Switzerland is not a risk country, so if you're flying direct from Switzerland, you don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to a yellow fever endemic country, you'll need the certificate.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). You can exchange euros, US dollars, or British pounds at banks and exchange bureaus in Banjul and at the airport. ATMs are available in Banjul and major towns, but they can be unreliable. Bring some cash in euros or dollars as backup.
Gambia is generally safe for tourists, especially in the coastal resort areas like Kololi and Senegambia. Petty crime like bag snatching can happen in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in Banjul. The political situation is stable, but check your government's travel advisory before booking.
If you're transiting through Banjul International Airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the visa-free entry as described above.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. If you plan to work, volunteer, or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit from a Gambian embassy before travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or deported at your own expense. The fine is typically around 500–1000 GMD per day overstayed, but can be higher. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.