Gambia entry requirements for Lebanon 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
Lebanese passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Lebanese citizens. Plan ahead and apply through the Gambian embassy or consulate, as there is no eVisa system available for your nationality.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gambian visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online — you must obtain it from a Gambian diplomatic mission before you fly. Apply at embassy/consulate | A visa is required for Lebanese passport holders. You must apply at a Gambian embassy or consulate before travel; no eVisa is available for your nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended 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 contain at least 1 blank visa/stamp page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital return/onward ticket showing departure from Gambia within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems if an officer requests it. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your stay in Gambia. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any pre-arrival declaration. Not required | No arrival declaration or online health form is required for entry to Gambia for Lebanese passport holders. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Lebanese citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Gambia. If you arrive without a visa, you will be refused entry and sent back on the next flight at your own expense. Always secure your visa before departure.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Gambian immigration strictly enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement. Without the certificate, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (if available) — which can be a hassle. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Gambian diplomatic mission. In Lebanon, there is no Gambian embassy, so you'll likely need to apply through a neighbouring country's embassy (e.g., in Egypt, Turkey, or the UK) or use a visa service. Call or email to confirm the exact requirements and whether you can apply by mail.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, yellow fever certificate, and the completed application form. Make photocopies of everything for your records.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by mail to the embassy/consulate. Pay the visa fee as instructed. Processing times can vary — ask for an estimate when you submit.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand. Follow up if you haven't heard back within the promised timeframe.
5
Receive your visa and check the details
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. If anything is wrong, contact the embassy immediately.
6
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
At the airport, go to the immigration desk for visa holders. Have your passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon 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
CostApprox. $150–$200
Requires invitation letter from Gambian company and proof of business purpose.
Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostApprox. $300–$500
For long-term work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor and police clearance.
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash at Banjul International Airport; exact fee may vary. | $100 (or equivalent in GMD) |
| Visa extension (up to 90 days)Apply at the Immigration Department in Banjul; fees depend on duration. | Approx. $50–$100 |
| Exit fee (if applicable)Most international flights include departure tax; verify with airline. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Lebanese passport holders require a visa to transit through Gambia, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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 = 74.3 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 Lebanese passport holders. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
No. The Gambia's eVisa system does not include Lebanese passports. You must apply through a Gambian embassy or consulate.
There is no Gambian embassy in Lebanon. You'll need to apply through the nearest Gambian diplomatic mission, which could be in Egypt (Cairo), Turkey (Ankara), or the UK (London). Alternatively, you can use a reputable visa service that handles applications on your behalf.
Processing times vary by embassy. It can take anywhere from 5 working days to 3 weeks. Contact the specific embassy for their current processing time. Always apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Visa fees are set by the embassy and can vary. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 depending on the visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Confirm the exact fee with the embassy where you apply.
Yes. Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, which includes Lebanon. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. Carry the certificate with your passport.
No. The Gambia does not allow visa extensions for Lebanese citizens. You must leave the country before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
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.