Getting in and visas for Gambia

A beach in Gambia Gambia is becoming a popular vacation destination for Northern Europeans. Therefore, many charter and holiday operators offer reasonable airfare and accommodation if desired.

Passport and Visa

US and South African citizens must obtain a Gambian visa before entering the Gambia. Visa can be obtained at the Gambian High Commission in Dakar. Single entry visas cost 25,000CFA or multi-entry for three month period cost 30,000CFA. New Zealanders, Australians, Taiwanese, British, Finnish, Dutch, and some Europeans do not require visas for stays up to 90 days.

By plane

There are regular flights from Nigeria by Bellview which come 2 times a week on Wednesdays and Fridays. Also, there are daily flights from Dakar provided by Air Senegal and Slok Air. SpanAir operates regular (weekly) flights to/from Barcelona and Madrid. During the tourist season (October to April), there are regular scheduled flights direct from cities such as Manchester, Amsterdam, and Brussels. Current charter operators include Monarch Airlines, First Choice Airways, Thomas Cook Airlines, Transavia, and Arkefly. However, several of these often book tickets through tour operators. It should be noted that booking one-way or round trip tickets originating in Gambia on these airlines can be difficult or impossible.

By car

Sept-places or bush taxis from Dakar to Banjul or Banjul to Ziguinchor.

By bus

By boat

It is possible privately charter small fishing vessels from Dakar and nehiboring areas; though this can be fairly expensive and slow should one not be proficient at bargaining.