Gambia entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders can visit Gambia without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy has been in place since at least 2024, so no visa application is needed before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Gambia. Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport check this at the counter. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration routinely asks for a return or onward ticket at the border. Airlines boarding in Vientiane or Bangkok may also check this before letting you fly. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. If staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their contact details works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (USD or euros) or a bank statement showing you have enough for your stay. Gambia is cash-heavy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Gambia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
No visa needed, but have proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Banjul Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. A screenshot on your phone is fine, but have it ready before you reach the counter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
You'll land at Banjul International Airport (BJL). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There's usually one main queue for all foreign visitors.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page). The officer may also ask for your return ticket and accommodation booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry permit. No fee is charged. Check the stamp says '90 days' before you walk away. If it shows less, ask the officer to correct it.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs (usually a green channel for most tourists). You're free to enter Gambia.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD equivalent
Apply at Gambian embassy or online if available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD equivalent
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$150 USD equivalent
Requires invitation letter from Gambian company.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For those 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 annually
~$200 USD per year
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Gambia. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | 100 GMD (~$1.50 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not standard for visa-free entry; inquire at immigration office. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%
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
Laos passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBanjul International Airport (BJL)
Health & vaccines for Gambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; avoid bites.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travelers.
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–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Closer to tourist areas; may handle extensions.
Practical information for LA 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, you don't. Laos passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Just show up at the airport with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Up to 90 days per visit. The entry stamp will show this. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for an extension at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul before your 90 days expire.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must visit the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul before your 90 days run out. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and cost around 500–1000 GMD (roughly $10–20 USD). Bring your passport, a passport photo, and a reason for the extension.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 500 GMD per day (around $10 USD) and possible deportation. It's best to leave on time or get an extension before your stamp expires.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Laos is not considered a yellow fever endemic country, so you likely won't need it if you're flying directly from Laos. But if you've recently visited any country in sub-Saharan Africa or South America, you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check with your airline before departure.
Yes, the same visa-free policy applies at all land borders and seaports. You'll still need a passport valid for 6 months and a return ticket. The 90-day limit starts from the day you enter, regardless of how you arrive.
Your passport (valid 6+ months, 1 blank page), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and your first night's accommodation booking. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Keep everything in your carry-on for easy access at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.