Gambia entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Filipino passport holders can enter Gambia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy applies to tourism and short business visits in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Gambia. Immigration at Banjul Airport checks this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Airlines and immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before boarding or at the border. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | You may need to show cash, a bank statement, or a credit card to cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum, but have at least $100–$200 available. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines and immigration will check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's close to expiry, renew before booking flights.
No visa needed, but have proof of onward travel
While there's no visa requirement, immigration officers often ask to see a return or onward ticket. Keep a screenshot on your phone or a printout handy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-free entry valid for up to 90 days. Check the stamp before leaving the counter to confirm the allowed stay.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No arrival declaration form is required for Filipino passport holders.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostGMD 2,500 (~$38 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy or high commission. Requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostGMD 5,000 (~$76 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostGMD 3,000 (~$45 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Gambian company.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
GMD 10,000 (~$152 USD) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Gambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
GMD 5,000 (~$76 USD) per year
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Gambia. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$760 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Gambian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine (per day)No official maximum cap reported; fines accumulate daily. | GMD 500 (~$7.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Gambia 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 risk; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season (June–October).
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito repellent and 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.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area, Serekunda
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Closer to tourist areas; may have shorter queues.
Practical information for PH 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, you don't. Filipino passport holders can enter Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or short business visits. This policy is valid as of 2026.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Gambia before the 90 days are up and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type from the Gambian immigration office before your stay expires.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Banjul airport. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you're traveling directly from the Philippines (which is not a yellow fever endemic country), it's not required. But if you've recently visited any country in sub-Saharan Africa or South America, you'll need the certificate.
No, there is no arrival declaration form for Filipino passport holders entering Gambia. You just go through immigration with your passport and onward ticket.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, larger shops, and for some services, but you'll get better rates using dalasi. ATMs are available in Banjul and major towns.
No, the visa-free entry is strictly for tourism and short business visits (meetings, conferences). For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit from the Gambian embassy before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.