Gambia Visa for UAE Residents: Visa and Entry Clearance

Last updated 25 October 2026

The Gambia sorts passports into groups, and living in the UAE does not move you between them. Its Immigration Department lists India, Bangladesh and Nepal under a group that needs both a visa and clearance, and the Philippines and Sri Lanka under clearance only. Everyone also pays a USD 20 airport security fee.

How the immigration list reads

The Gambia Immigration Department publishes lists of countries by what they need: free entry, a visa exemption agreement, visa and clearance, only clearance, or only a visa. Some examples as printed:

Group	Examples on the list
Free entry (ECOWAS)	Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo
Visa and clearance, Asia and Middle East	India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Oman, Qatar
Clearance only, Asia and Middle East	Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia
Visa only, African countries	Morocco, Swaziland, Zambia

Source: Gambia Immigration Department visa page, checked October 2026. The page warns that statuses can change. The page does not say what clearance involves, and we will not guess.

Entering and the airport fee

The government site says entry visas come from Gambian diplomatic missions in the country of origin. Where none exists, visitors can obtain one at Banjul International Airport. A yellow fever vaccination card is required. At the airport you pay USD 20 (D1000), in cash, on arrival and again on departure.

When the answer is not simple

A passport from a country in the clearance groups is where mistakes happen. Visa agencies often copy lists that are years old. We read the department's own page and tell you what we can confirm and what we cannot, then check with the Gambian mission if you are still unsure.

How it works with us

Send us the passport page and dates on WhatsApp. We place you in the right group, prepare the documents and quote one total before anything is filed. We are a private visa service, and Gambian immigration decides. Any fee Gambia takes is not returned by the authority after a refusal. Your adviser tells you in writing, before payment, what part of our total comes back.

Official sources

Gambia Immigration Department, visa page: lists, no guarantee of landing
Government of The Gambia, immigration and visa information: missions, arrival visa, yellow fever, airport fee

Flying in from Ghana or Nigeria on a UAE trip? Compare the Dubai visa for Gambians and the Ghana visa for UAE residents, or browse visas from Dubai.

Get one total price

For a Gambia visa from the UAE: send the traveller's passport country, where they are now and the dates. A visa adviser replies with the right visa, the documents and one total price, fees included, before anything is filed or paid.

DubaiVisaDesk.com is a private visa service. The authorities decide every application.

Questions people ask

Do UAE residents need a visa for the Gambia?

It depends on the passport, not on living in the UAE. The immigration list puts India, Bangladesh and Nepal under 'visa and clearance', and the Philippines and Sri Lanka under 'clearance only'. We check your passport.

What is Gambia entry clearance?

The immigration page lists clearance as a separate group from visas but does not explain it in the text we read. Ask us before booking. Do not assume a visa alone is enough for passports in the clearance groups.

Is there a visa on arrival in the Gambia?

The government site says that where there is no Gambian mission, visitors can get an entry visa at Banjul International Airport. Last-minute travellers must submit their passport to immigration in Banjul within 48 hours.

How much is the Gambia airport fee?

The government site says travellers pay a USD 20 (D1000) security fee on arrival and on departure, in cash in dollars or dalasi. This is separate from any visa fee.

Does the Gambia need a yellow fever card?

Yes. The government site says visitors need a valid passport and a yellow fever vaccination card to enter. Bring the original certificate in your hand luggage.

Which countries enter the Gambia free?

ECOWAS members, including Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, according to the immigration department list. Citizens of the UK, EU and Commonwealth states also need no visa for up to 90 days, per the government site.

Can immigration refuse me with a visa?

Yes. The department says a visa is no guarantee of landing and officers at the port of arrival make the final decision, including on watch list or health grounds.