Gambia entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Swedish passport holders can enter Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy is effective as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Gambia. The 6-month validity rule does not apply here — just cover your travel dates. Airlines at Arlanda and Kastrup will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration at Banjul International Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you risk being denied boarding in Europe or held at the border. A bus ticket to Senegal works if you're leaving overland. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. If staying with friends, a letter of invitation from your host with their Gambian ID number helps. Officers at Banjul sometimes ask for this during busy periods. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing recent transactions. Gambia is cash-heavy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside hotels. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.
No visa needed, but have documents ready
You don't need a visa, but immigration may ask for your return ticket and accommodation booking. Keep them accessible on your phone or printed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
You'll land at Banjul International Airport (BJL). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. The queue can be slow, especially during peak hours.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp before leaving the counter. If the date is wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a quick bag scan. Then you're free to exit.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD equivalent (varies)
Apply at Gambian embassy abroad; allows single entry for up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD equivalent (varies)
For travelers needing multiple entries; must apply at embassy.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD equivalent (varies)
Requires invitation letter from Gambian company; apply at embassy.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (varies by employer)
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (varies by investment)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (varies)
For enrollment at a recognized Gambian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; no official cap but typically enforced. | 100 GMD (~$1.50 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not officially available for visa-free entries; you must leave and re-enter. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
No transit visa needed
Swedish passport holders transiting through Banjul International Airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, you must enter visa-free (up to 90 days) or obtain a visa.
Transit hubsBanjul International Airport (BJL)
Health & vaccines for Gambia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; otherwise recommended.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travelers; risk increases during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travelers.
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-related inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area, Serekunda
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions and permits for the greater Banjul area.
Practical information for SE 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 = 74.16 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 entry is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can lead to fines or trouble at departure.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from Sweden, you don't need it. But if you've been in any African country before, you may need proof.
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Any paid work requires a work permit. Working without one is illegal and can get you deported.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get a better rate exchanging cash at a bank or forex bureau. ATMs are available in Banjul and Serrekunda but can be unreliable.
Gambia is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching happens in busy areas. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and use registered taxis.
Not required, but it's a good idea to register with the Swedish embassy in Dakar (Senegal) or the consulate in Banjul. They can help in an emergency, like a lost passport or medical crisis.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.