Gambia entry requirements for Colombia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to Gambia. There is no visa on arrival. Start the application process at least 3 weeks in advance to allow for processing.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Gambia eVisa application
Apply before travel
Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. Apply online at the Gambia Immigration Department portal before your trip. Processing takes a few business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you receive approval.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your Colombian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Gambia. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Immigration will ask to see it
Gambian border officers routinely check for a confirmed return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready at passport control.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying during your visit.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but around $50 USD per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
Visa required — no exceptions
Colombian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Plan for at least 2–3 weeks of processing time.
No Gambian embassy in Colombia
You'll need to apply through the Gambian embassy in Brazil or the US, or use a visa service. Contact the nearest embassy for exact instructions and fees.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the visa
Submit your visa application at the Gambian embassy or consulate in Bogotá (or the nearest one that handles Gambian visas). You'll need to provide your passport, photos, flight and hotel bookings, and pay the fee. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
2
Wait for approval
Once submitted, wait for the visa to be processed and approved. You'll get a sticker in your passport.
3
Travel to Gambia
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL). At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD

Standard tourist visa for single entry; can be extended once for 30 days.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD

Allows multiple entries; each stay up to 30 days, extendable.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD

For business purposes; requires invitation letter from Gambian company.

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
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa obtained before travel.~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing multiple visits within validity.~$150 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Stay extension feeEstimated fee for extending stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval.~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; pay at immigration office before departure.~$10 USD per day (max cap ~$500 USD)

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

No transit visa needed

Colombia passport holders transiting through Gambia do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
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 = 74.17 GMD
updated May 29
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
Police117
Medical116
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa on arrival for Colombian citizens. You must get a visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD, but check with the specific embassy handling your application.
There is no Gambian embassy in Colombia. You'll need to apply through the Gambian embassy in a neighboring country, such as Brazil or the US, or use a visa service. Contact the nearest embassy for instructions.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor or travel clinic.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.