Institutions and records
The Gambia e-visa system: status and how visas are issued
Short answer
- E-visa in the Securiport contract
- Part of the contract scope, as reported in March 2023 6
- Who issues visas abroad
- Only the Gambian High Commission and consular offices 3
- How to apply in London
- Paper form, in person or by post 3
- Late bookings
- Passport to the Immigration Department in Banjul within 48 hours 3
- Status
- Announced as contract scope, no launch notice found 6
What the official pages show
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) visa page lists four visa types: single journey, multiple journey, transit and short visit. It says transit visas are issued only by Gambian missions abroad. The page gives no online application, payment link or e-visa address 1.
The GID home page lists visa services for tourist, business and student visas, with passports, residence permits, ID cards, border control and citizenship. It carries no link to an online visa or e-visa service 2.
The e-visa in the Securiport contract
Dubawa reported on 6 March 2023 that the government awarded Securiport a contract to provide civil aviation and immigration security and to introduce an e-visa system. The report gave no further detail on the e-visa or its status 6.
The National Audit Office described the contract as covering the management of immigration security services at Banjul International Airport, as reported by The Point in February 2023. The contracting authorities were the Office of the President and the Ministry of Interior 8.
President Adama Barrow said in March 2023 that Securiport collects data, but the GID keeps all of it 7. Presidential adviser Sulayman Camara said the same month that Securiport runs a system at the airport which lets passengers enter without physically facing immigration officers. He said the Integrated Immigration Control System at the airport had raised the standing of the GID, as reported by The Point 9.
Status: an e-visa was reported as part of the contract scope in March 2023. This site found no government notice of its launch 1,26.
How visas are issued now
The Gambia High Commission in London says only the High Commission and Gambian consular offices are accredited to grant Gambian visas outside The Gambia. Applicants download a form, complete it and submit it in person or by post. Postal applicants include a recorded or special delivery return envelope 3.
The High Commission says tourists on last-minute bookings may enter, but must submit their passport to the Department of Immigration in Banjul within 48 hours to receive a proper visa 3.
The US State Department says US citizens need a visa, obtained before travel or within two working days of arrival. Its page was last updated on 11 December 2018 5.
Who needs a visa: sources differ
The sources give different visa-free periods. Check with the GID or a Gambian mission before travel 1,3.
| Source | What it says | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Gambia High Commission, London 3 | No visa for UK, Commonwealth, ECOWAS and EU citizens on visits not exceeding 90 days 3 | Undated page 3 |
| UK government 4 | British visitors need no visa and get a 28-day stamp, with two 28-day extensions possible 4 | Updated 7 July 2026 4 |
| Gambia Immigration Department 1 | Short visit visa allows stays of up to 90 days 1 | Undated page 1 |
| US State Department 5 | US citizens need a visa 5 | Updated 11 December 2018 5 |
Earlier immigration systems at the airport
In July 2008 the government launched a biometric visa system at Banjul International Airport, as reported by The Point. The report described it as an immigration control system to record movements and check identities. It did not name a supplier 10.
A visa does not guarantee entry. The GID says the final decision rests with the immigration officer at the port of arrival 1.
Common questions
Can I apply for a Gambia visa online?
This site found no official online application. The Gambia High Commission in London takes paper forms in person or by post 3.
Can I get a visa after arriving in The Gambia?
The High Commission says last-minute travellers may enter and must submit their passport to the Immigration Department in Banjul within 48 hours 3. The US State Department says within two working days of arrival 5.
Who runs the Gambia e-visa system?
Dubawa reported that the Securiport contract covers introducing an e-visa system 6. No launch notice was found on GID pages 1,2.
Do British citizens need a visa for The Gambia?
No. The UK government says they get a 28-day stamp on arrival 4.
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
- Gambia Immigration Department: Visa services (undated page)
- Gambia Immigration Department: Home page (undated)
- Gambia High Commission, London: Visa application (undated page)
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: The Gambia travel advice, entry requirements (updated 7 July 2026)
- US Department of State: The Gambia international travel information (last updated 11 December 2018)
- Dubawa, as reported by Mariam Sankanu: Assessing Securiport contract breach and its subsequent chaos (6 March 2023)
- The Point: Barrow justifies Securiport contract (21 March 2023)
- The Point, as reported by Adama Tine: NAO demands OP's explanation over Securiport contract (7 February 2023)
- The Point, as reported by Momodou Jawo: Securiport intercepted many security threats at airport (28 March 2023)
- The Point: Jammeh launches new biometric visa system for Gambia (25 July 2008)
Related
- Entry visa and entry clearance fees for The Gambia
Gambia visa types, the D3,000 entry visa and entry clearance fees and the D7,000 proposal, visa-free stays for British travellers and transit visa rules.
- Gambia Immigration Department at Banjul International Airport
What Gambia Immigration handles at Banjul airport, stay stamps and extensions, the Securiport immigration security system, and audit findings.
- The Banjul airport security contract with Securiport
Who signed the Securiport contract, what it covers, how the US$20 fee is shared, what the National Audit Office found and what officials said in reply.
- Advance passenger information and PNR data in The Gambia
The Gambia's work with the UN on API and PNR passenger data, the 2022 goTravel agreement, the 2025 status statement, and who holds data at Banjul airport.