Gambia entry requirements for Norway passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Norwegian passport holders can enter Gambia without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. Just show up at Banjul International Airport with a valid passport and an onward ticket. This policy is current as of 2025.
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're in Gambia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they won't let you through without it. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address is enough. Keep a copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry enough cash or a card to cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, having $50–$100 per day visible in cash or a bank statement works. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months left, you'll be denied boarding — no exceptions. Check your passport now.
Keep a copy of your documents
Photocopy your passport info page and entry stamp, and keep them separate from your passport. Also save digital copies in your email or cloud storage.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. You'll join the queue for 'Foreign Passports' — it's usually straightforward.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp says the right date before you walk away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 before travel; allows single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD equivalent
For frequent visitors; multiple entries allowed within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD equivalent
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer in Gambia. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
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 (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000 USD) in Gambian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not officially available for visa-free entries; overstay fine applies. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration for current rates. | ~500 GMD (~$8 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Norwegian passport holders transiting through Banjul International Airport do not need a transit visa if 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, especially in rural areas. 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
Marina Parade, Banjul
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Brikama
Brikama Immigration Office
Brikama, West Coast Region
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office; may handle basic inquiries and extensions.
Practical information for NO 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 = 74.18 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 visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days expire.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Banjul. Renew your passport before traveling — it's not worth the risk.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a valid yellow fever certificate. Norway is not a risk country, but if you've traveled recently to an endemic area, bring your vaccination card.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration will ask for proof of departure. A one-way ticket is a red flag.
No, there is no arrival tax for Norwegian passport holders. The visa-free entry is free.
Gambian dalasi (GMD) is the local currency. Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates exchanging cash at banks or forex bureaus in Banjul. ATMs are available but can be unreliable.
Technically, the visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. Remote work for a foreign employer is in a grey area. If you plan to work for a Gambian company, you need a work permit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.