Gambia entry requirements for Qatar 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
Qatari passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Gambia. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so you need to apply through the Gambian embassy or consulate in advance. Plan ahead to ensure your application is processed in time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gambian visaYou cannot get this visa on arrival or online; you need to visit an embassy or consulate. Apply before travel | A visa is required for Qatari passport holders. Since Qatar is not eligible for the Gambian eVisa, you must apply at a Gambian embassy or consulate before departure. Submit your application well in advance of your travel date. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's within 6 months of your arrival, renew it first. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into 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 blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Gambia. Immigration may ask to see it upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry recent bank statements or a credit card to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Gambia, such as bank statements or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover your accommodation and expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Gambia for Qatari passport holders. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa system does not accept Qatari passports, so skip any online application. Not available | Qatari passport holders are not eligible for the Gambian eVisa. Do not attempt to apply online; instead, use the embassy/consulate route. | Not required |
No visa on arrival for Qatari citizens
Do not assume you can get a visa at Banjul International Airport. Qatari passport holders must secure a visa before departure. Arriving without one could result in being denied entry.
Apply well in advance
Embassy processing times can be unpredictable. Start your visa application at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date to avoid last-minute issues.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate (e.g., in Abu Dhabi or Riyadh). Call or email to confirm the exact visa application process, required documents, and fee for Qatari citizens.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and any other requested paperwork. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit your completed application and documents in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee and get a receipt.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary. Check with the embassy for current timelines. It's wise to apply at least 2-4 weeks before your planned departure.
5
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll receive your visa (sticker or separate document). Check the visa validity dates and ensure your passport is stamped correctly. Carry a copy of your visa and supporting documents when you travel.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days
ValiditySingle entry, valid for 3 months from issue
Cost$100 (standard fee)
Obtainable on arrival with a letter of invitation from a Gambian company or organization.
Multiple entry visa
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
ValidityValid for 6 months
Cost$150 (estimated)
Request at the Immigration Department in Banjul; requires justification for multiple entries.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable at Banjul International Airport in cash (US dollars, euros, or Gambian dalasi). | $100 (or equivalent in GMD) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Department in Banjul; extensions are granted in monthly increments. | Approx. $50 (or equivalent in GMD) |
| Exit fee (airport departure tax)Most international flights include departure tax; no separate cash payment required. | Included in airline ticket |
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
Qatari passport holders transiting through Gambia (Banjul International Airport) do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight in a hotel, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
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 = 74.3 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, Qatari citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa before traveling.
Processing times vary by embassy. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Contact the embassy for current timelines and apply well in advance.
Visa fees are set by the Gambian government and may vary. Check with the embassy or consulate for the exact amount and acceptable payment methods.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is often required for entry. Check with the embassy or your health provider for the latest requirements.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you may not need a visa. However, confirm with the airline and embassy, as rules can change.
There is no Gambian embassy in Qatar. You'll need to apply through the Gambian embassy in a nearby country, such as the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) or Saudi Arabia (Riyadh).
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.