Gambia entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Qatari passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must apply in advance through a Gambian embassy or consulate. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Qatari nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Gambia visa before travel | Qatari passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. Apply through the Gambia Immigration Department's official portal at www.immigration.gov.gm. Processing takes 3–5 business days — submit at least a week before departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Gambia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Gambia. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking reference speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash showing at least $500 USD for the duration of your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask, but being prepared avoids delays. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Qatari nationals
You cannot get a visa at Banjul Airport. You must apply and receive approval from a Gambian embassy before you fly. Arriving without a visa means you will be denied entry and sent back.
Yellow fever vaccine may be required
If you have recently visited a country with yellow fever (e.g., parts of South America or Africa), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Gambian embassy
Locate the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate (e.g., in Abu Dhabi or Riyadh). Submit your application in person or via a representative. Provide your passport, completed form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Pay the visa fee (typically $50–$100 USD). Processing takes 5–10 working days.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof if asked. The officer will stamp you in. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large sums of cash or restricted items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
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 date
CostGMD 1,500 (~$25 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy or on arrival. Extendable for additional fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
CostGMD 3,000 (~$50 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
CostGMD 2,000 (~$33 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Gambian company. Single entry.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
GMD 10,000 (~$167 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$833 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Includes residency rights for family.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
GMD 5,000 (~$83 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Gambian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | GMD 1,500 (~$25 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | GMD 3,000 (~$50 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | GMD 1,000 (~$17 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | GMD 500 (~$8 USD) per day, max GMD 10,000 (~$167 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Qatar passport holders transiting through Banjul International Airport do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa is required.
- Holders of diplomatic passports may have different rules.
Transit hubsBanjul International Airport (BJL)
Health & vaccines for Gambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially during rainy season (June–October). Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
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, visa, and fee.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area, Serekunda
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors staying in the greater Banjul area.
Practical information for QA 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 = 74.17 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. There is no visa on arrival for Qatari nationals. You must obtain a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy but are usually between $50 and $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
You can apply at the Gambian embassy in Abu Dhabi (UAE) or the Gambian consulate in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). If you're elsewhere, contact the nearest Gambian diplomatic mission or a visa service.
Yes. Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Qatar is not a risk country, but if you have recently traveled to an endemic area, you must show proof. Check with your doctor.
Extensions are not available for Qatari passport holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or deported. Always leave before your visa expiry date.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.