Gambia entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Gambia. Apply through a Gambian embassy or consulate. Processing can take several weeks, so start early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Gambia. Apply through the Gambia Immigration Department website or at a Gambian embassy. Processing times vary — start at least 2 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure date from Gambia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host in Gambia helps at immigration. If you're staying with friends or family, have their address and phone number written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash or a card to cover your stay — around $100–$200 per day is a safe estimate. Immigration rarely asks, but having a bank statement or cash on hand avoids problems. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take several weeks. Do not book flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand. Contact the nearest Gambian embassy early to confirm requirements and fees.
No e-visa or visa on arrival
Iraqi passport holders cannot use an e-visa or get a visa on arrival. You must go through a Gambian embassy or consulate before departure.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate
Find the Gambian diplomatic mission responsible for your country. Call or email to confirm the exact visa application process, required documents, and fees. Some embassies accept applications by mail.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed application form, passport-sized photos, return flight booking, hotel confirmation, and travel insurance. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit the application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by post. Pay the visa fee (typically $50–$100, varies by embassy). Keep the receipt.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take 2–4 weeks. Check with the embassy for current timelines. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Arrive in Gambia
At Banjul International Airport (BJL), proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Answer any questions honestly. You'll receive an entry stamp.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
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 2,500 (~$45 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostGMD 5,000 (~$90 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostGMD 3,000 (~$54 USD)
For business-related visits; requires invitation letter.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
GMD 10,000 (~$180 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
GMD 5,000 (~$90 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Gambian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$900 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Gambia. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | GMD 2,500 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | GMD 5,000 (~$90 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond initial visa period. | GMD 1,500 (~$27 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | GMD 500 (~$9 USD) per day, max GMD 10,000 (~$180 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Gambia do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas 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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Serrekunda Market Area
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for IQ 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 for Iraqi citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. Gambia does not offer an e-visa for Iraqi passports. You must apply through a Gambian diplomatic mission.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Contact the embassy handling your application for current timelines.
Fees vary by embassy, generally between $50 and $100. Confirm the exact amount with the embassy when you apply.
You must apply for an extension at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul before your visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and may incur additional fees.
Yes. Gambia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check current health requirements before travel.
Have your passport with the visa, return flight ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and proof of travel insurance ready. Keep them in your hand luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.