Gambia entry requirements for Lebanon 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

Lebanese passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must apply in advance through a Gambian embassy or consulate — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
You need a visa before traveling to Gambia. Apply at the Gambia Immigration Department's official portal. Processing times vary — start at least 2 weeks before your trip.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Gambia. Airlines check this before boarding — don't risk being denied.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or next destination ticket ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host in Gambia help satisfy immigration. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone if asked.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry enough cash (USD or euros) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration may ask for evidence of financial means — $50–100 per day is a safe estimate.Recommended
Visa required — apply early
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Lebanese passport holders. You must apply at a Gambian embassy or consulate before you travel. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at a Gambian embassy
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate in your region (or the nearest one that handles Gambia visas). Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee — typically around $100–$150 depending on the embassy. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations saved on your phone and printed out.
3
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip — answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any items if required. You're free to enter Gambia.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostGMD 2,500 (~$45 USD)

Apply at Gambian embassy or obtain on arrival. Extensions possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostGMD 5,000 (~$90 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers. Extensions available.

Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
CostGMD 7,500 (~$135 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Gambian company. Extensions possible.

work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
GMD 15,000 (~$270 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
GMD 5,000 (~$90 USD) per year
For enrolled students at accredited Gambian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$900 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
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at Gambian embassy or on arrival.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, subject to immigration approval.GMD 1,000 (~$18 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

Lebanon passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.

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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in tourists; risk increases with poor sanitation.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are recommended for prophylaxis.

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, visa, and fee.

Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Serrekunda Market Area
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00

Handles extensions and re-entry permits for residents in the area.

Practical information for LB 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
updated May 29
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
Police117
Medical116
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Gambia does not offer visa on arrival for Lebanese citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can take longer depending on the embassy. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy but are usually between $100 and $150 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Extensions are not available for this visa type. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category before travel.
Yes. Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor or travel clinic at least 4 weeks before travel.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiry, renew it before applying for the visa.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation and hospital stays can be very expensive.

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.