Gambia entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenyan passport holders can enter Gambia without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. This visa-free policy applies in 2026, so you just arrive at Banjul International Airport and go through immigration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Gambia. Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport check this at the counter. If your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding by the airline. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration at Banjul Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Airlines also check this at check-in. A printed itinerary or a digital copy on your phone works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear plan. A booking confirmation email is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (US dollars or euros are easiest to exchange) or have a bank statement showing you have enough for your stay. Gambia is cash-heavy, so bring at least $50–$100 per day in cash for the first few days. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just show up
Kenyan passport holders can enter Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days. No application, no fee, no embassy visit required.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Gambia. If it's close to expiring, renew before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for foreign passports — there's usually a separate line for ECOWAS citizens, so make sure you're in the right one.
2
Present your documents at the immigration counter
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking) if asked. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. This usually takes 2–5 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. Customs checks are generally light — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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 2,000 (~$32 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy or high commission. Requires passport, photos, and fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostGMD 4,000 (~$64 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity. Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay180 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostGMD 10,000 (~$160 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Gambian entity or sponsor. Extendable at immigration.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
GMD 15,000 (~$240 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and Ministry of Labour approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
GMD 5,000 (~$80 USD) per year
For enrolled students at accredited Gambian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$800 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure. | GMD 500 (~$8 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, typically applied for longer overstays. | GMD 15,000 (~$240 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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Banjul International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Gambia; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during floods or poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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, Serekunda
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors staying in the greater Banjul area.
Practical information for KE 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Gambia before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or being barred from re-entry.
Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Kenya is not on that list, but if you have recently traveled to an affected country, bring your vaccination card.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Banjul airport.
It's risky. Most immigration officers expect a standard passport. Contact the Gambian embassy in Nairobi to confirm before booking flights.
No, Gambia does not require an online arrival declaration. You'll just fill out a standard landing card on the plane or at the airport.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates using dalasi. ATMs are available in Banjul and Serrekunda.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the same visa-free entry as a tourist.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.