Gambia entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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

Tanzanian passport holders can enter Gambia without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. As of 2026, just arrive at Banjul International Airport and present your passport and a return ticket to get entry. This visa-free policy simplifies travel, but you still need to meet standard entry requirements.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Banjul will deny boarding if your passport expires before your departure date.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Gambia
Immigration at Banjul International Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they check this at the passport control desk.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone showing your first few nights in Gambia.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Border officers can ask for evidence of sufficient funds for your trip. Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card with a reasonable limit — $50–$100 per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
No visa needed — but don't skip the return ticket
Visa-free entry is straightforward, but immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have your return ticket ready — a screenshot on your phone is fine.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
The 6-month validity rule is not flexible. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at check-in or at the border. Check your passport now.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months), book your return ticket, and arrange first-night accommodation. Download or print your booking confirmations and insurance policy.
2
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. The queue is usually straightforward. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-free entry valid for up to 90 days. No fee is charged.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Gambia.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostGMD 2,000 (~$30 USD)

Apply at Gambian embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and proof of funds.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostGMD 4,000 (~$60 USD)

For frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.

Long-stay visa (business/student)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostGMD 10,000 (~$150 USD)

Requires sponsorship letter from employer or educational institution.

work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
GMD 15,000 (~$225 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Gambian company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Gambia Student Visa
1 year, renewable based on course duration
GMD 5,000 (~$75 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Gambian institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and accommodation. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$750 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Gambian business. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and registration. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of GMD 10,000 (~$150 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure.GMD 500 (~$7.50 USD) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
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

Tanzania passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.

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 (including Tanzania). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout Gambia, especially during rainy season (June–November). Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur. Use insect repellent and mosquito nets.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in tourists but can occur during floods. Drink bottled or boiled water.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use DEET repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.

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 extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

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

Closest to tourist areas. Can process extensions.

Practical information for TZ 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 = 74.19 GMD
updated May 30
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, you don't need a visa. Tanzanian citizens get visa-free entry for stays up to 90 days. Just show your valid passport and return ticket at Banjul International Airport.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The entry stamp will show the exact allowed stay. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for an extension through the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul — but extensions are not guaranteed.
Extensions are not routinely granted for visa-free entries. The database shows extensions are not available. If you need to stay longer, consider leaving and re-entering, or contact the Gambia Immigration Department before your 90 days expire.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Tanzania is not considered a high-risk country, but if you've recently traveled to an endemic area, you may need proof. Check with your doctor or the Gambian embassy.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online registration needed for Tanzanian passport holders. Just show up at the airport with your documents.
The local currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD). US dollars are accepted at some hotels and tourist spots, but you'll get better rates using dalasi. ATMs are available in Banjul and major towns. Bring some cash in USD or euros to exchange.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.