Gambia entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Great news: from 2026, Madagascar passport holders can enter Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days. No advance application needed — just bring your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Gambia | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Gambia does not enforce the 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity at check-in, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof you will leave Gambia within 90 days | Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus or ferry ticket to Senegal also works if you plan to exit overland. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation for your first few nights. If staying with friends or family, have their name, address, and phone number written down. Border officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about $100–$200 USD per day of your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it is a legal requirement under Gambian immigration rules. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 90 days
Madagascar passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. This is a straightforward entry — no application, no fee. Just make sure your passport is valid for 6+ months from your arrival date.
Passport validity is critical
The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport. Check your passport's expiry date before booking flights.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There's usually one queue for all foreigners. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents at the immigration desk
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day entry.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
CostGMD 1,500 (~$22 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy or online if available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostGMD 3,000 (~$45 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostGMD 10,000 (~$150 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
GMD 15,000 (~$225 USD) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Gambia. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
GMD 5,000 (~$75 USD) per year
For enrolled students at accredited Gambian institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$750 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | GMD 500 (~$7.50 USD) per day |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa may be required.
Transit hubsBanjul International Airport (BJL)
Health & vaccines for Gambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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 extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Closest to tourist areas; may have shorter queues.
Practical information for MG 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 = 74.19 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. Madagascar passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different type of visa before your 90 days are up.
You'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of arrival in Gambia.
Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Madagascar is not on that list, but if you've recently traveled to an affected country, you'll need proof of vaccination.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. For work or study, you need a proper visa or permit arranged before travel.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Gambia. It's not worth the risk — leave before your 90 days are up.
No, there's no arrival declaration required for Gambia. Just your passport and return ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.