Gambia entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Israeli passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Processing can take 1–3 weeks, so apply early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application eVisa required | Apply for a Gambia eVisa at the official Immigration Department portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for single entry and typically processed within 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Banjul Airport will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Israeli passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Gambia. Gambia does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date — confirm with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Banjul Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready — they check this consistently, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Gambia. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of where you'll stay, especially if you're traveling solo or on a first visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it ready if questioned. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Israeli passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Gambia. You must obtain a visa before you travel. Plan ahead.
Passport validity counts from entry
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Gambia, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate in your country (or the nearest one if none in Israel). Submit the application form, passport photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 1–3 weeks.
2
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport or a separate letter. Check the validity dates — they usually match your intended stay.
3
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
Go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Keep your documents handy.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check — declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Then you're free to leave.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
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 1,500 (~$25 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy or on arrival. Extendable once.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostGMD 3,000 (~$50 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Extendable at immigration.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostGMD 2,000 (~$33 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Gambian company.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
GMD 5,000 (~$83 USD) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Gambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
GMD 2,000 (~$33 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Gambian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
GMD 10,000 (~$167 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Gambian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | GMD 1,500 (~$25 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | GMD 3,000 (~$50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | GMD 1,000 (~$17 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | GMD 500 (~$8 USD) per day, max GMD 10,000 (~$167 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Israel passport holders transiting through Banjul International Airport (BJL) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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 prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Use insect repellent, mosquito nets, and take prophylactic medication.
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.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Closer to tourist areas; may have shorter queues.
Practical information for IL 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
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. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Israeli citizens. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 1–3 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD, depending on the type and duration. Check with the specific embassy for exact amounts.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Otherwise, it's not mandatory but recommended. Bring your vaccination certificate if you have one.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'd need to visit the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul before your visa expires. Fees and processing times vary.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension in advance.
Not for Israeli passport holders. You must apply through a Gambian embassy or consulate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.