Gambia entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zimbabwe passport holders can visit Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa is needed for tourism, business, or transit stays. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Gambia. Gambia does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but your airline might — check with them before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Gambia | Immigration at Banjul International Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Gambian immigration sometimes asks where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash (Gambian Dalasi, USD, or Euros) to show you have enough for your stay. Immigration may ask, particularly if you're staying longer than a few weeks. | Recommended |
Visa-free, but not document-free
You don't need a visa, but you still need a passport valid for 6+ months, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Have them ready at immigration.
No extension available
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. Plan your departure date carefully — overstaying can lead to fines or future entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Banjul International Airport
You'll land at Banjul International Airport (BJL). Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single queue for all foreigners.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (if asked), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. No fee, no forms. You're free to go.
Download Gambia Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 30 days
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, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost3,000 GMD (~$50 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost10,000 GMD (~$165 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose (work/study).
work visa
Gambia Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For those with a job offer in Gambia. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD per year
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Gambia. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Gambia. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap not specified; avoid overstaying. | 100 GMD (~$1.50 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
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Gambia do not need 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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; avoid bites during daytime.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; practice food and water safety.
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; bring passport and photos.
Serekunda
Serekunda Immigration Office
Serekunda Market Area
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Closer to tourist areas; may have shorter queues.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 74.21 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave Gambia before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No. Transit passengers staying airside and leaving within 24 hours do not need a visa. But you still need a valid passport and onward ticket.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Gambian immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
No. You don't need a visa at all — it's visa-free. No visa on arrival process exists for you.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate permit before travel.
A printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket to another country. Immigration may ask to see it at the counter.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Otherwise, no mandatory vaccines. Check with your doctor for routine vaccinations.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.