Gambia entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Gambia. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Processing can take time, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Vietnamese passport holders cannot get a visa at Banjul Airport. You must secure a visa from a Gambian embassy before departure. Start the process at least 3 weeks in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Gambia, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the nearest Gambian embassy
Contact the Gambian embassy in Hanoi or the nearest one that handles Vietnamese applications (often the embassy in Beijing or London). Submit your passport, application form, photo, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Pay the fee and wait for processing — typically 5–10 working days.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, make copies or screenshots of your visa approval, passport bio page, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them in a separate folder on your phone and a printed backup in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and your hotel booking. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, length of stay). Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp — check the date is correct before leaving the counter.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
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
CostGMD 2,500 (~$45 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostGMD 5,000 (~$90 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostGMD 3,500 (~$63 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Gambian company.
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
GMD 10,000 (~$180 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 course, renewable
GMD 5,000 (~$90 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Gambia. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Gambia Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
GMD 50,000 (~$900 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of GMD 1,000,000 (~$18,000 USD) in a Gambian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | GMD 2,500 (~$45 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | GMD 5,000 (~$90 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office. | GMD 1,000 (~$18 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of GMD 15,000 (~$270 USD). | GMD 500 (~$9 USD) per day |
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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Gambia 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 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 well-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 visa extensions and permits.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the greater Banjul area.
Practical information for VN 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 = 74.17 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. There is no visa on arrival for Vietnamese citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Gambian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can vary. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your departure to be safe.
There is no Gambian embassy in Vietnam. You can apply at the Gambian embassy in Beijing (China) or London (UK). Some travellers use a visa service or apply by mail. Check the embassy website for current procedures.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect roughly $50–$100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Contact the embassy for exact fees.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of sufficient funds. Some embassies may also ask for a letter of invitation or travel insurance.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Gambia Immigration Department in Banjul before your visa expires. Fees and processing times vary.
It is not officially required for visa application or entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.