Gambia entry requirements for Philippines 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
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Philippine 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 must get this visa before you fly — you cannot get it on arrival. Apply at an embassy or consulate | Philippine citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Gambia. There is no eVisa option for Philippine passport holders. Apply at the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate, or through a designated visa processing service. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Gambia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is safer to have 2 or more blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration may ask to see this before boarding or on arrival. Proof of departure from Gambia | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Gambia before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you'll support yourself — having proof avoids problems. Sufficient money for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your time in Gambia. | Recommended |
| Visa application documentsEach embassy may have slightly different forms — confirm with them directly. Supporting paperwork | Prepare the documents required by the Gambian embassy/consulate, such as a completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Check the specific embassy's requirements. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online arrival form before landing. Not required | Gambia does not require an arrival declaration form for Philippine citizens. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa on arrival for Filipinos
Do not rely on online eVisa portals or visa-on-arrival options — they are not available for Philippine passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before you travel. Applying through unofficial channels can lead to scams or invalid visas.
Apply well in advance
Since there is no Gambian embassy in the Philippines, you may need to mail your passport to a regional embassy or use a visa service. This can add significant time to the process. Start at least 2 months before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Gambian diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) that handles visa applications. In the Philippines, there is no resident Gambian embassy — you may need to apply through a neighboring country's embassy or a designated visa service. Call or email to confirm requirements, fees, and appointment procedures.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: completed application form, passport, photos, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and any other requested items. Make copies of everything for your records.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Depending on the embassy's policy, you may need to appear in person for biometrics or an interview, or you can mail your application. Follow the specific instructions given by the embassy. Pay the visa fee as directed.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Apply well in advance of your travel date (at least 4-6 weeks) to avoid delays. Some embassies may require additional time for background checks.
5
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity) are correct. Carry your passport and supporting documents when traveling to Gambia. At Banjul International Airport, present your passport and visa to immigration officers.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visa extension
Max stayUp to 90 days total
ValidityRenewable monthly
CostApprox. $50 per month
Must apply before current visa expires; overstay fines apply.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash at Banjul International Airport; valid for 30 days. | $100 (or equivalent in GMD) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Department in Banjul before expiry. | Approx. $50 (or equivalent in GMD) |
| Exit feeMost airlines include departure tax in ticket price. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Philippine passport holders transiting through The Gambia require a visa, even if staying airside. Visa on arrival is available at Banjul International Airport for transit passengers.
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 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 = 74.3 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. Philippine passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa before traveling, through a Gambian embassy or consulate.
No. The Gambia does not offer an eVisa for Philippine citizens. You must apply through an embassy or consulate in person or by mail.
Processing times vary by embassy. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees are set by the Gambian government and may vary by embassy and visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Contact the embassy or consulate for the exact fee. Expect to pay in the local currency or as directed.
There is no Gambian embassy in the Philippines. You may need to apply through the Gambian embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., Malaysia, Japan, or the UK) or use a visa service. Check with the Gambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for accredited missions.
If your itinerary includes a stop in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or required to get vaccinated on arrival (if available).
Visa extensions are generally not permitted for this visa type. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or check with Gambian immigration for any exceptional procedures. It's best to plan your stay within the visa's validity.
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.