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Departing from Banjul International Airport

Last checked 24 October 2026 · 10 sources

Short answer

Departing passengers at Banjul International Airport pay the US$20 Airport Security Fee at marked kiosks before leaving 1. The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority lists three more charges for each departing passenger: a €20 airport development fee, a £10 passenger service charge and a £1.50 security charge 2. The terminal has check-in counters, immigration, security checkpoints and duty-free shops 3. Prohibited items such as incendiary devices may not be carried 4.
Departure security fee
US$20 at marked kiosks 1
Airport development fee
€20 per departing passenger 2
Passenger service charge
£10 per departing passenger 2
GCAA security charge
£1.50 per departing passenger 2
Exempt from security fee
Children aged 1 or under and transit passengers 1
Terminal
Single building for arrivals and departures 3

Charges on the way out

The US$20 Airport Security Fee is due again on departure. It can be paid in dollars, euros, pounds or dalasi at marked kiosks. Visa cards are accepted, but card machines are often out of service 1.

The GCAA lists a €20 airport development fee, a £10 passenger service charge and a £1.50 security charge for each departing passenger. Its schedule does not say how these are collected 2.

In January 2023 the GCAA announced a £15 passenger service charge and a new US$5 safety levy for departing passengers from 1 May 5. This site found no notice that these took effect. The GCAA schedule posted in January 2024 still shows £10 2.

In May 2025 the Banjul Accord Group agreed a US$1 passenger safety charge on international departing flights, phased in from 1 January 2026 6.

Inside the terminal

Banjul International Airport has one terminal for arrivals and departures. It contains check-in counters, immigration and customs, security checkpoints, duty-free shops and restaurants 3.

The Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure told an ICAO conference in 2025 that all passengers passing through the airport are scrutinised within the shortest possible time. He said the airport follows ICAO Annexes, the national and airport facilitation programmes and the GCAA Act 2018 4.

Security screening

Passengers must not carry incendiary devices or other prohibited items, according to the minister's 2025 statement 4.

The GRA says firearms are prohibited without a proper licence, and camera drones need clearance from the Ministry of Information and Communication 7. Check with your airline for its own baggage rules.

Papers to check before you leave

  • Your passport and entry stamp. British visitors get 28 days on arrival and can get two 28-day extensions from the Immigration Office in Banjul or tourist police stations in the Tourism Development Area 1.
  • A yellow fever certificate, if your next destination asks for one. Some countries may require it for travellers coming from The Gambia 1.
  • Goods to declare. The UK government says anything that may be prohibited or subject to duty must be declared 1.
  • Cash for the US$20 fee, in case the card machine is not working 1.

Who does what

The GCAA sets the airport charges on its schedule 2. The Gambia Immigration Department checks travellers at the port 8. The US$20 security fee is collected by Securiport staff under a government contract, according to the National Audit Office 9. The government said in January 2026 that it was working to move that fee into ticket prices 10.

Common questions

Do I pay a departure tax at Banjul airport?

Yes. The US$20 Airport Security Fee is paid at kiosks on departure 1. The GCAA lists other departure charges of €20, £10 and £1.50 2.

Can I pay the Banjul departure fee in euros?

Yes. Dollars, euros, pounds and dalasi are accepted 1.

What happens if I stay longer than 28 days in The Gambia?

British visitors can apply for two 28-day extensions in Banjul or at tourist police stations 1.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate to leave The Gambia?

Some onward destinations may ask for one from travellers coming from The Gambia 1.

Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@gambiaairportguide.com.

Sources

  1. UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: The Gambia travel advice, entry requirements (updated 7 July 2026)
  2. Gambia Civil Aviation Authority: Airport charges, Banjul International Airport (undated schedule, file posted January 2024)
  3. Gambia Civil Aviation Authority: Banjul International Airport (undated page)
  4. ICAO FAL Conference 2025: Statement by the Gambian Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure on security and passenger facilitation (2025)
  5. The Point, as reported by Ali Jaw: GCAA to increase flight passenger charges (27 January 2023)
  6. BusinessDay, as reported by Favour Okpale: Banjul Accord Group adopts US$1 passenger levy to fund aviation safety (22 May 2025)
  7. Gambia Revenue Authority: Prohibition and restriction list (undated brochure)
  8. Gambia Immigration Department: Visa services (undated page)
  9. The Point, as reported by Adama Tine: NAO demands review of Securiport project by govt (10 February 2023)
  10. The Point, as reported by Jankey Ceesay: Info minister claims booming tourism amid airport security levy (headline paraphrased) (15 January 2026)

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