Gambia entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Korean nationals. Plan ahead and apply through a Gambian embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| VisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must secure it before your trip. Required for South Korean citizens | South Korean passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Gambia. Apply at the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate. The eVisa program is not available for your nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Gambia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou may be denied entry if you cannot show you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Gambia. Have your ticket or itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your time in Gambia. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccinationIf you are coming from a yellow fever risk area, you must show a vaccination certificate. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Check if your itinerary includes such countries. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for South Korean citizens entering Gambia. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
South Korean passport holders cannot get a Gambian visa at the airport. Arriving without a visa means you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Always secure your visa before departure.
No Gambian embassy in South Korea
You'll need to apply through a Gambian embassy in another country (e.g., Japan or China) or use a reputable visa service. Start early to account for mailing times and processing delays.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate
Find the Gambian diplomatic mission that covers your region. In South Korea, there is no Gambian embassy, so you'll likely need to apply through the Gambian embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., Japan or China) or via a visa service. Call or email them to confirm their application process, required documents, and fees.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and bank statements. Make copies of everything. Double-check that your passport has at least 6 months validity and one blank page.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Send your application by mail or in person to the embassy/consulate, depending on their rules. Include the visa fee payment. Some missions require a prepaid return envelope for your passport. Keep tracking information.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 5 to 10 business days, but can take longer. Check with the embassy for current timelines. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Verify the dates and details are correct. On arrival at Banjul International Airport, present your passport and visa to immigration. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready if asked.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$150 (approx. GMD 9,000)
Requires an invitation letter from a Gambian company and proof of business purpose. Apply at a Gambian embassy or high commission before travel.
Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$500 (approx. GMD 30,000)
For long-term stays, work, or study. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Gambia Immigration Department.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Gambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolment in a recognised Gambian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Gambian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP, or Gambian Dalasi) at Banjul International Airport. | $100 (approx. GMD 6,000) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul; extensions are typically granted in 1-month increments. | $50 (approx. GMD 3,000) |
| Exit fee (airport departure tax)Usually included in airline ticket; if not, paid at the airport before departure. | $20 (approx. GMD 1,200) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
South Korean passport holders transiting through Gambia (e.g., at Banjul International Airport) must obtain a visa in advance unless they qualify for visa-free transit. There is no formal airside transit exemption for South Korean nationals.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt; check with the nearest Gambian embassy.
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 FeverEssentialMeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially during rainy season (June–October). 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 immigration matters; bring passport and photos.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Closest office to tourist areas; handles extensions and permits.
Practical information for KR 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. The Gambia does not offer visa-on-arrival for South Korean passport holders. You must obtain a visa before you travel, through a Gambian embassy or consulate.
No. Gambia's e-visa system is not available to South Korean nationals. You'll need to apply through a physical embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy's workload and your specific case. Start the process at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Fees vary by nationality and visa type. Since there's no standard published fee for South Koreans, contact the embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact amount. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 for a single-entry tourist visa.
There is no Gambian embassy in South Korea. You'll need to apply through the Gambian embassy that covers your region — often the one in Tokyo (Japan) or Beijing (China). Alternatively, you can use a visa service agency that handles Gambian visas. Contact the nearest embassy to confirm jurisdiction.
If you're transiting and will not leave the international transit area, you may not need a visa. However, if you plan to enter Gambia for any reason, you must have a visa. Check with your airline and the embassy to confirm transit rules.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa, which is not practical. Plan your stay accordingly.
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.