Gambia entry requirements for Uganda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Ugandan passport holders can enter Gambia without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. As of 2026, you simply arrive at Banjul International Airport and receive a free entry stamp — no prior application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Ugandan passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Gambia. Immigration officers at Banjul International Airport check this at the booth before stamping you in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Airlines check for a return or onward ticket at check-in in Entebbe. Immigration in Banjul also asks for it — have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration rarely asks, but if you arrive without a clear place to stay, they may question you at the desk. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the visit | Carry enough cash (Gambian dalasi or US dollars) or a card with a visible balance. Immigration can ask how you'll fund your stay — a bank statement or cash in hand works. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you are arriving from Uganda or any country with yellow fever risk, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Gambia. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks on arrival. Don't risk being turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports'.
2
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in with a 90-day stay.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No arrival declaration form is needed.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost1,500 GMD (~$25 USD)
Apply at Gambian embassy or on arrival if eligible.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost3,000 GMD (~$50 USD)
For frequent visitors; apply in advance.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~5,000 GMD (~$83 USD) plus processing
For those with a job offer from a Gambian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~2,000 GMD (~$33 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized Gambian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~10,000 GMD (~$166 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in a Gambian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | 500 GMD (~$8 USD) per day |
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
Uganda passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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; Uganda is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
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–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for extensions and permits.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Closest to tourist areas; bring passport and photos.
Practical information for UG 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
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. Ugandan passport holders get a free visa on arrival for stays up to 90 days. Just show up at Banjul International Airport with a valid passport and a return ticket.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The immigration officer stamps this on arrival. If you need longer, you must apply for an extension at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul before your 90 days expire.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must visit the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul in person, pay a fee (around 500–1000 GMD per month), and provide a reason. Start the process at least two weeks before your 90 days end.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Uganda). You must show a valid yellow fever certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all official border crossings, including the Senegal-Gambia land borders. The same 90-day stay and passport validity rules apply.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital return/onward ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.