Gambia entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to Gambia. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Vietnamese nationals. You will need to apply through a Gambian embassy or consulate, or use a visa service. Start the process at least a month in advance to account for processing and mailing times.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gambian visaYou cannot get this visa on arrival or online; you need to visit an embassy or consulate. Apply in advance | A visa is required for Vietnamese passport holders. Since eVisa is not available for your nationality, you must apply at the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate before travel. Submit your application well ahead of your departure date. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's within 6 months of your arrival, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Gambia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is one with no stamps or writing on it. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary or booking confirmation ready to show if asked. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Gambia. Immigration may ask to see it upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsThis is not always checked, but it's wise to carry proof to avoid any issues. For your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Gambia, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Gambia for Vietnamese passport holders. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to apply online — it will not work for your nationality. Not available | The Gambian eVisa is not available for Vietnamese passport holders. You must apply for a visa through an embassy or consulate instead. | Not required |
No eVisa — apply early
Vietnamese citizens cannot use the Gambian eVisa system. You must go through an embassy or consulate, which takes time. Start the process at least a month before your planned travel.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, you may be denied entry at Banjul International Airport. Get vaccinated and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Gambian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate that handles visa applications. In Vietnam, there is no Gambian embassy, so you'll likely need to apply through a neighboring country's embassy (e.g., in Thailand or Malaysia) or use a visa service. Call or email ahead to confirm the exact requirements and appointment process.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (with 6 months validity and at least 1 blank page), completed application form, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate. Make copies of everything for your records.
3
Submit your application
Submit your application in person or by mail to the embassy/consulate. Pay the visa fee (amount varies by embassy — ask when you apply). Processing can take several days to a few weeks, so apply well in advance of your trip.
4
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Check the validity dates and make sure they cover your entire stay. When you arrive at Banjul International Airport, go to the immigration desk, present your passport with the visa, and you'll be stamped in.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$150 (or equivalent in GMD)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Gambian company and proof of business purpose.
Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$500 (or equivalent in GMD)
For long-term work or study; requires police clearance and medical certificate.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Obtainable at Banjul International Airport; valid for 30 days. | $100 (or equivalent in GMD) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Department in Banjul; extensions up to 90 days possible. | $50 (or equivalent in GMD) |
| Exit feeCharged at the airport when departing; included in some airline tickets. | $20 (or equivalent in GMD) |
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
Transit visa required
Vietnamese citizens transiting through Gambia require a visa, even if staying airside. A transit visa is issued on arrival at Banjul International Airport.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no intention of leaving the international transit area may be allowed to remain airside for up to 24 hours without a visa, but this is at the discretion of immigration officials.
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 = 74.3 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. Vietnamese passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
No. The Gambian eVisa system is not available for Vietnamese nationals. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically it takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your departure to be safe.
Fees vary depending on the embassy and visa type (single entry, multiple entry). Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150. Contact the embassy for the exact fee.
There is no Gambian embassy in Vietnam. You'll need to apply through a Gambian embassy in a neighboring country, such as the Gambian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) or Bangkok (Thailand). Alternatively, you can use a reputable visa service that handles applications on your behalf.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Make sure you get vaccinated and carry the certificate with you.
No, the visa for Vietnamese citizens is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires or face penalties.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.