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Visitor & short-stay visas

Gambian Visa-Free & ECOWAS Entry

Visa-exempt short-stay entry for ECOWAS nationals and other nationalities with reciprocal arrangements, who may enter without a visa.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The commonly cited 90-day visa-free limit and the exact list of exempt nationalities are not confirmed from a fetchable official GID page and must be verified before publication.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Gambia government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Visa exemption / ECOWAS free entry
Route type
Visa-free short-stay entry
Who qualifies
ECOWAS nationals; UK, EU, Commonwealth and other reciprocal-agreement nationals
Health requirement
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
ECOWAS entry
No visa required
Presentation of a valid travel document issued by a competent authority suffices.
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
Free entry for a maximum of 90 days before a community citizen may engage in gainful employment or establish a business.
Entry point
Must use a recognised (gazetted) entry point
Basis
Visa-abolition / reciprocal waiver agreements
Waiver agreements are not permanent and can change; check the latest before travel.

Who it is for

  • Citizens of ECOWAS member states
  • Nationals of the UK, EU members, Commonwealth countries and other states with a reciprocal exemption arrangement with The Gambia

Requirements

  • Valid passport
  • Evidence of yellow fever vaccination
  • Ability to satisfy the immigration officer of the purpose and funding of the visit

What you can do

  • Enter for a short holiday or business visit without a visa
  • Longer stays, work or study still require the appropriate permit

Who is exempt from a visa

  • ECOWAS citizens (no visa; a valid travel document suffices)
  • African Union (AU) citizens
  • Commonwealth citizens
  • Schengen / European Union citizens, including the United Kingdom and Switzerland
  • Nordic states, and Baltic and Balkan states
  • UAE and Turkish citizens
  • Tourists on chartered flights and tour operators
  • Diplomats and consular corps; holders of a Conventional Card for Refugees
  • Workers of international organisations such as the UN, AU, EU and IMF (with a mission order or visa waiver, holding an official travel document or laissez-passer)

Frequently asked questions

  • Free entry is granted for a maximum of 90 days. A community citizen must regularise their status before engaging in any gainful employment or establishing a business beyond that period.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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