SeneGambiaTravel Directory

Visa Guide

Entry rules for The Gambia and Senegal — who needs a visa, what it costs, and how to get one.

Visa policy in both countries is straightforward for most Western visitors — but the rules do get reviewed, so always confirm with the relevant embassy or your government's travel advice pages within a month of travelling.

The Gambia

UK, EU, US, Canadian and most Commonwealth citizens can enter The Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. No visa is required to be arranged in advance; your passport is stamped on arrival at Banjul International Airport (BJL) or at the land border.

ECOWAS nationals (citizens of West African Economic Community member states including Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, and 12 others) have free movement rights and can enter without visa or time restriction for short stays.

Other nationalities: Visitors from most other countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Banjul Airport. The fee is typically USD 20–40 depending on nationality and length of stay. Confirm with The Gambia Immigration Department before travelling.

Requirements on arrival:

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining beyond your return date
  • Proof of onward travel (return flight booking)
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (see Health section)
  • Sufficient funds for your stay (rarely checked in practice, but officially required)

Extension: If you wish to stay beyond your initial stamp, visit the Immigration Department in Banjul to apply for an extension before your current leave expires.

Senegal

UK, EU, US, Canadian, Australian and Swiss citizens enter Senegal visa-free for up to 90 days. No advance visa is required.

ECOWAS nationals have free movement rights and may stay indefinitely for short-term purposes.

Other nationalities: Senegal maintains a fairly liberal visa policy by West African standards. Most nationalities not covered above can obtain a visa on arrival or apply in advance through a Senegalese embassy. Check the current requirements for your specific passport via the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Requirements on arrival:

  • Passport valid 6+ months beyond return date
  • Proof of onward travel
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (see Health section)

Yellow Fever Certificate

Both The Gambia and Senegal officially require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from yellow fever endemic countries (most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America). In practice, officers at Banjul Airport frequently check vaccination certificates; Dakar airport checks are less consistent but the certificate should still be carried.

All visitors are strongly advised to be vaccinated regardless of whether it is formally required for their passport — the certificate is a Carte Jaune (yellow card) issued by your travel clinic or GP after vaccination.

Crossing Between The Gambia and Senegal

If you are travelling from one country to the other by road or ferry:

  • By road: The main crossings are at Karang (Gambia–Senegal north, near Farafenni), Giboro (south, near Ziguinchor), and Amdallaye–Sénoba on the Trans-Gambia Highway. Have your passport and, if driving, vehicle documents ready.
  • By ferry (Banjul–Ziguinchor): An overnight passenger ferry connects Banjul to Ziguinchor in the Casamance. Passports are checked at the port.

Nationals of both countries and other ECOWAS states cross freely. Visitors from outside ECOWAS should confirm they have the relevant entry permissions for both countries before undertaking a cross-border journey.

Checking Current Rules

Visa requirements change. Before booking: