Gambia entry requirements for Russia 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
Russian passport holders can visit Gambia without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making it a straightforward destination for tourism or short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Gambia. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines also check this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying — a booking confirmation on your phone works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (US dollars or euros) or have a bank statement showing at least $500 for a short stay. ATMs in Banjul are unreliable — bring enough cash for your trip. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Immigration at Banjul Airport checks the 6-month validity rule rigorously. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be sent back. Double-check your passport's expiry date before booking flights.
Travel insurance is a smart move
While not mandatory, medical costs in Gambia can be high — a hospital stay can run hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance also covers trip cancellations and lost luggage.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
You'll land at Banjul International Airport (BJL). Follow signs to immigration. There's usually one queue for all foreigners. Have your passport and return ticket screenshot ready.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in for up to 90 days.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward. Keep your passport handy for any random checks.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost1,500 GMD (~$24 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost3,000 GMD (~$48 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost2,500 GMD (~$40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Gambian company.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~5,000 GMD (~$80 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from a Gambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~2,000 GMD (~$32 USD) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized Gambian institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~10,000 GMD (~$160 USD) per year
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure. | 500 GMD (~$8 USD) per day, max 20,000 GMD (~$320 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not applicable. | 1,500 GMD (~$24 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | 3,000 GMD (~$48 USD) |
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
Russian 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
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; 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.
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 permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Brikama
Brikama Immigration Office
Brikama, West Coast Region
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the western region.
Practical information for RU 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It's not required when coming directly from Russia, but check your transit points.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Banjul airport.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies to all entry points — air, land, and sea. The same 90-day limit applies.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates exchanging at banks or forex bureaus. ATMs are available in Banjul and Serrekunda.
No, there's no arrival declaration or registration requirement for Russian passport holders. Just keep your passport with you.
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.