🇬🇧UNITED KINGDOM

🏳GMGB-GM

Do United Kingdom passport holders need a visa to visit GM?

Q: How long can I stay in The Gambia visa-free?

You get 28 days on arrival, extendable twice by 28 days each at the Immigration Department in Banjul, allowing up to around 90 days total.

Q: Is there any fee on arrival?

There is no visa fee, but every passenger pays a USD 20 Airport Security Fee on both arrival and departure, payable in USD, EUR, GBP or dalasi - bring cash.

Q: How much passport validity do I need?

Officially your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, but most airlines require at least 6 months validity and a blank page.

Q: Do I need a yellow fever certificate?

You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from or transiting a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Q: Can I extend my stay beyond 28 days?

Yes. You can obtain two 28-day extensions from the Immigration Department in Banjul or tourist police stations in the Tourism Development Area. Longer stays require a residence permit.

UK ordinary passport holders do not need a visa for tourism in The Gambia. You receive a free 28-day entry stamp on arrival, extendable twice (28 days each) at the Immigration Office in Banjul or tourist police stations. British citizens holding an ordinary passport can travel to The Gambia visa-free for short tourist visits. The Gambia, a fellow Commonwealth member, grants UK nationals a passport stamp on arrival valid for 28 days, which can be extended twice for 28 days each (up to roughly 90 days total) at the Immigration Department in Banjul or tourist police stations in the Tourism Development Area. There is no visa fee, but all arriving and departing passengers must pay an Airport Security Fee of USD 20 (payable in EUR, GBP or Gambian dalasi). Your passport must remain valid for the duration of your stay; carriers commonly require at least 6 months and a blank page. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with risk of transmission. For stays longer than the maximum extended period, a residence permit is required. This guidance reflects the official UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice as of 30 May 2026; no visa-on-arrival or eVisa is needed for the standard tourist visit.

VISA-FREETOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

United Kingdom (ILR)Living in United Kingdom as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Visa-free (Commonwealth - stamp on arrival)

Maximum stay

28 days on arrival, extendable twice (28 days each), up to ~90 days

per entry

Entries

Single entry per stamp (re-entry requires a new stamp)

from issue date

Visa fee

No visa fee; Airport Security Fee USD 20 on arrival and departure

consular fee only

Processing time

None - issued on arrival at the border

standard track

Validity

Passport valid for duration of stay (carriers often require 6 months)

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm your passport meets requirements

Ensure your UK passport is valid for the full duration of your stay. Most airlines require at least 6 months validity and a blank page, so check with your carrier before travel.

· Passport· Before departure

/02

Check health and vaccination rules

Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or transiting a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Confirm routine and recommended vaccinations with a travel clinic.

· Health· Yellow fever

/03

Book travel and proof of accommodation

Hold a confirmed return or onward ticket and accommodation details. Immigration officers may ask to see these on arrival.

· Onward ticket· Accommodation

/04

Prepare the Airport Security Fee

Set aside USD 20 (or equivalent in EUR, GBP or dalasi) in cash for arrival and again for departure. Card machines at the airport are often out of service.

· USD 20· Cash advised

/05

Receive your entry stamp at the border

On arrival at Banjul International Airport, present your passport to immigration. You will be granted a free 28-day visitor stamp - no visa application needed.

· On arrival· 28 days

/06

Extend your stay if needed

For stays beyond 28 days, apply for up to two 28-day extensions at the Immigration Department in Banjul or a tourist police station in the Tourism Development Area.

· Extension· In-country

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 8 complete

UK passport valid for the duration of stay (6 months recommended by carriers)

required

At least one blank passport page

recommended

Confirmed return or onward ticket

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)

recommended

USD 20 cash for the Airport Security Fee (arrival and departure)

required

Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a risk country

required

Sufficient funds for the duration of stay

recommended

Travel insurance covering medical care

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Tourist visa feeGBP 0No visa required for UK passport holders

Airport Security Fee (arrival)USD 20Payable in EUR, GBP or dalasi; cash advised

Airport Security Fee (departure)USD 20Charged again on leaving the country

Stay extension (per 28 days)Varies (paid locally)Optional, at Immigration Department Banjul

Total estimateUSD 40 (two security fees) — USD 40+ (plus optional extension fees)incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

On arrival (stamp)

Immediate at border

28-day visitor stamp issued at Banjul International Airport with no prior application.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Commonwealth visa waiver

As fellow Commonwealth members, UK nationals enter The Gambia without a visa for short visits.

High

/02

Tourism

The Gambia is a popular winter-sun and beach destination for British travellers.

High

/03

Visiting friends and family

Established Gambian and British community ties drive regular short visits.

Medium

/04

Business and conferences

Short business trips are also covered under the visa-free stamp for visitors.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

United Kingdom to Gambia route verified

Confirmed visa-free entry for UK ordinary passport holders against official GOV.UK FCDO travel advice: 28-day stamp on arrival, extendable twice; USD 20 Airport Security Fee on arrival and departure.

/09 — The questions