Gambia entry requirements for Poland 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

Polish passport holders can enter The Gambia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Just bring your passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your Polish passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Gambia. No specific 6-month validity rule applies, but airlines may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date.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 or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Gambian immigration sometimes asks where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel.Recommended
Proof of funds
Evidence of sufficient money for your stay
Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip, though enforcement is inconsistent.Recommended
No visa needed for 90 days
Polish passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business, and family visits. No application, no fee.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines may also refuse boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.

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'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No forms to fill.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Usually straightforward.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Download PDF

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 if you need a visa for longer or multiple entries.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$200 USD equivalent

Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.

work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Gambian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply.500 GMD (~$8 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

Polish passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBanjul International Airport (BJL)

Health & vaccines for Gambia

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common; avoid tap water and street food.

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–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and immigration inquiries.

Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions and permits for residents in the greater Banjul area.

Practical information for PL 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
updated May 20
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
Police117
Medical116
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90 or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you travel directly from Poland, it's not required, but check your itinerary for any transit stops.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders and sea ports. You still need a valid passport and return ticket.
There is no departure tax for tourists at Banjul Airport. It's included in your airline ticket.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll need dalasi for markets and taxis. ATMs are available in Banjul and Serrekunda.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online registration required for Polish passport holders. Just show up with your documents.

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.