Gambia entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Colombian citizens. Plan ahead and apply through the Gambian embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for GambiaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or use an eVisa; you must obtain a visa from a Gambian diplomatic mission before you travel. Apply at embassy/consulate | A visa is required for Colombian passport holders. Since you are not eligible for the Gambian eVisa, you must apply for a visa at a Gambian embassy or consulate before travel. Submit your application well in advance of your departure date. | Required |
| Passport validityGambian immigration requires your passport to remain valid for six months after your arrival. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Gambia. Check your passport's expiry date now and renew if needed. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean, blank page for the immigration officer to stamp when you enter Gambia. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure there are no tears or damage on the page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must prove you intend to leave Gambia, so keep your flight itinerary handy. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Gambia before your visa or authorized stay expires. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit, so carry proof of financial means. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Gambia, such as recent bank statements or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into Gambia for Colombian passport holders. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa system is not available for your nationality, so skip any online visa application. Not eligible | Colombian passport holders are not eligible for the Gambian eVisa. Do not attempt to apply online; instead, obtain a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Colombian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Gambia. Arriving without a visa means you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Always secure your visa before departure.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Gambia enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement strictly for travelers from Colombia. Without the certificate, you may be denied entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before your flight.
Apply well in advance
Embassy processing can take weeks, especially if you apply by mail. Start the visa process at least a month before your planned travel date to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate that handles visa applications. For Colombians, this is often the Gambian embassy in Washington D.C. or London, but check if there's a designated office for your region. Call or email to confirm the exact process and required documents.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather your passport, photos, completed application form, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and yellow fever certificate. Make copies of everything — the embassy may keep some documents and return others.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee (amount varies by embassy — ask when you apply). Processing can take several business days, so apply well in advance of your trip.
4
Receive your visa and check the details
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct before you leave. Any errors could cause problems at the border.
5
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
At the airport, go through immigration control. Have your passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate ready. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask about your stay — answer clearly and confidently.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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 issue
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Gambian company and approval from Immigration Department.
Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$300 (approx.)
For work, study, or long-term stay; requires sponsor and police clearance.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Gambian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gambian visa (single entry, 30 days)Obtainable at Banjul International Airport on arrival; fees vary by nationality and duration. | $100 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (up to 90 days)Apply at the Immigration Department in Banjul before current visa expires. | $50 (approx.) |
| Airport departure taxUsually included in airline ticket; confirm with carrier. | $20 (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Colombian citizens transiting through Gambia (e.g., at Banjul International Airport) require a visa unless they remain airside and depart within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration
Transit hubsBanjul International Airport (BJL)
Health & vaccines for Gambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round throughout Gambia. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 immigration matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Serrekunda, near the market
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa extensions; less crowded than Banjul.
Practical information for CO 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. Colombian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 5-10 business days. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee depends on the embassy where you apply. It can range from $50 to $150 USD. Contact the embassy directly for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Yes, if you are arriving from Colombia or any country with yellow fever risk. You must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
No, the visa for Colombian citizens is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
The maximum stay is typically 30 days, but it depends on the visa issued by the embassy. Check the visa sticker for the exact validity and duration of stay.
There is no Gambian embassy in Colombia. Most Colombians apply through the Gambian embassy in Washington D.C. (USA) or London (UK). Some embassies accept applications by mail — check with the specific embassy for their process.
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.