Gambia entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must arrange this before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Israeli citizens. Plan ahead and get your visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gambian visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online; you need to visit a Gambian diplomatic mission before your trip. Apply at an embassy/consulate | Israeli passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Gambia. The Gambia does not offer an eVisa for Israeli nationals, so you must apply through a Gambian embassy or consulate. Submit your application well in advance of your departure date. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Israeli passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Gambia. Check your passport's expiry date before booking flights. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or damaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see this to confirm you will leave the country. Proof of departure | You must present a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Gambia. The ticket should be within the allowed stay period granted by your visa. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems at entry. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your time in Gambia. This could include bank statements, credit cards, or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou can skip this step; it's not part of Gambia's entry process. Not required | Gambia does not require an arrival declaration form for Israeli passport holders. No separate online or paper declaration is needed before landing. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Israeli citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Gambia. You must secure a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before you fly. Without it, you'll be refused boarding and entry.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Gambia. Check your passport now — if it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your Gambian visa
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate nearest you (in Israel or a neighbouring country) to get the visa application form. Submit your passport, photos, and any required documents. Processing can take several weeks, so start early.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once you have your visa, book your flights to Banjul International Airport (BJL) and arrange where you'll stay. Keep copies of all confirmations.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Pack your passport, visa, flight tickets, accommodation proof, and any vaccination certificates in your carry-on. Make photocopies or digital scans as backups.
4
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
After landing, head to immigration control. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and any other documents if asked. The officer will stamp you in — usually for up to 90 days, but check your visa conditions.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel 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
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 3 months from date of issue
Cost$150 (or GMD equivalent)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Gambian company and proof of business purpose.
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 7 days from date of issue
Cost$50 (or GMD equivalent)
For travelers passing through Gambia to a third country; must show onward ticket.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash at Banjul International Airport; have exact amount and a passport photo. | $100 (or equivalent in GMD) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Department in Banjul; extensions are granted in monthly increments. | Approx. $50 (or GMD equivalent) |
| Exit fee (if applicable)Some airlines may charge a departure tax at the airport; confirm with your carrier. | Included in airfare for most airlines |
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
Transit visa required
Israeli passport holders transiting through Gambia require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply at a Gambian embassy or obtain a visa on arrival if eligible.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members on duty may be exempt with airline documentation.
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 = 74.3 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. Israeli passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Gambia. You must obtain a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. Gambia does not offer an eVisa for Israeli passport holders. You'll need to apply through a Gambian diplomatic mission.
There is no Gambian embassy in Israel. The nearest options are typically in Europe — for example, the Gambian embassy in London (UK) or Paris (France). You can apply by mail or in person, but check their specific procedures and processing times.
Processing times vary by embassy, but expect at least 2–4 weeks. It's best to apply at least a month before your planned departure to avoid delays.
The maximum stay is typically 90 days, but the exact duration is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry. Your visa may also specify a validity period — check the visa sticker.
You'll likely be denied entry. Gambian immigration enforces the 6-month rule strictly. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Only if you're arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country. If you're flying directly from Israel, it's not required. But if you've recently been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America, bring your certificate.
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.