Gambia entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ivorian passport holders can visit Gambia without a visa for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival and you have a return ticket. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Gambia. Airlines at Abidjan check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration at Banjul International Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers at Banjul may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry enough cash (Gambian dalasi or US dollars) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip — a bank statement or cash in hand works. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
All travellers arriving from Ivory Coast must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be refused entry or quarantined. Get the shot at least 10 days before departure.
Keep a copy of your return ticket
Immigration at Banjul airport routinely asks for proof of onward travel. A screenshot on your phone is fine, but a printed copy is even safer.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival), print or save your return ticket and first night's hotel booking. Get a local SIM or eSIM so you have data on arrival.
2
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (on phone or paper), and hotel confirmation ready.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in. You'll be granted up to 90 days. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostGMD 1,500 (~$30 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Gambian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostGMD 3,000 (~$60 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostGMD 10,000 (~$200 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
GMD 15,000 (~$300 USD) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Gambia. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
GMD 5,000 (~$100 USD) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Gambia. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$1,000 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Includes residency rights for family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineApplies if stay exceeds 90 days; maximum cap unknown. | GMD 500 per day (~$10 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
Visa-free transit is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside and holding a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsBanjul International Airport (BJL)
Health & vaccines for Gambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent and nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially during rainy season (June–October). 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; bring passport and photos.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; less crowded than Banjul.
Practical information for CI 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 = 74.19 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. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter, but that's at the discretion of immigration.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Banjul airport. Renew your passport before you travel. There are no exceptions.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Ivory Coast is considered a risk country, so you'll need to show proof of vaccination. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, you can enter via land borders (e.g., from Senegal) or by sea. The same visa-free rules apply. Just have your passport and return ticket ready.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates exchanging at banks or forex bureaus. ATMs are available in Banjul and Serrekunda.
Gambia is generally safe for tourists, especially in the coastal resort areas. Petty crime like bag snatching can happen in busy markets. Keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone at night in urban areas.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Gambia. Just your passport and return ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.