Gambia entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can visit Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date, and you need a return or onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Gambia. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Banjul will turn you away if it expires before your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration at Banjul International Airport asks for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines like Air Senegal and Brussels Airlines check this at check-in too — have your booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Gambia is a small country where most visitors stay at a resort or guesthouse. Immigration officers sometimes ask where you're staying — have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers may ask how you'll fund your trip. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough for your stay — around $50–100 per day is a safe benchmark. Gambia uses the dalasi, but USD and euros are widely accepted. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Gambia requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport expiry date well before you book.
Return ticket is mandatory
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. If you don't have a return or onward ticket, you may be refused entry. Keep a screenshot or printout handy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
You'll land at Banjul International Airport (BJL). After disembarking, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. The queue can be slow, especially during peak hours.
2
Present your passport and ticket
Hand over your passport and return/onward ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee is charged. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (usually a green channel for most tourists). You're free to go.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 date
Cost2,000 GMD (~$32 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost5,000 GMD (~$80 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (business/residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost10,000 GMD (~$160 USD)
Requires sponsorship from a Gambian company or organization. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~15,000 GMD (~$240 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~5,000 GMD (~$80 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Gambian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~50,000 GMD (~$800 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Gambian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 90 days incurs a daily fine. Avoid overstay to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | 500 GMD (~$8 USD) per day, max 20,000 GMD (~$320 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
No transit visa needed
Latvia passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Banjul International Airport, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially during rainy season (June–November).
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas. Mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks linked to contaminated water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under 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.
Serrekunda
Serrekunda Immigration Office
Serrekunda Market Area, Serrekunda
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Convenient for tourists staying in the greater Banjul area. Same services as HQ.
Practical information for LV 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 = 74.2 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 need a visa. Latvian citizens can enter Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days. Just have a valid passport and a return ticket.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The stay is not extendable — if you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different permit before your 90 days are up.
You'll likely be denied entry. Gambia requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. For direct travel from Latvia, it's not required, but it's recommended to have it anyway.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Gambia before day 90 and re-enter, or apply for a different type of permit from the Gambia Immigration Department before your stay expires.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. Travel insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory.
No, Gambia does not require an arrival declaration form for tourists. You just go through passport control and customs.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.