Republic of The Gambia visas
The Gambia publishes public immigration guidance through the Gambia Immigration Department, with investment and business-establishment context available through official Gambia investment channels. The source-backed packet covers short visit, single journey, multiple journey and transit visas; Residential Permit A and B; the expatriate quota system; business establishment and investor facilitation; and the Non-Gambian ID Card route for named regional nationals. Several processes are office/form based rather than online, so applicants should confirm the current desk, fee and form with GID, GIEPA or the relevant Gambian mission before payment or travel.
9 routes · 7 without a sponsor · 0 lead to settlement
Official portal
Regulators of immigration advice
- Gambia Immigration Department (GID) — Official immigration authority publishing visa, entry requirement, residential permit, expatriate quota, business establishment and border-control guidance.
- Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) — Official investment-promotion agency acting as investors first point of contact for procedures, business setup information and contacts in The Gambia.
Visa routes (9)
Short Visit Visa
Short-stay visa for tourists and bona fide business visitors to The Gambia, normally capped at 90 days and not for employment.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Single Journey Visa
Gambia visa valid for one journey or single entry, subject to entry screening by GID officers on arrival.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Multiple Journey Visa
Gambia visa valid for multiple journeys to and from The Gambia for a stated validity period not exceeding 12 months.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Transit Visa
Gambia transit visa for travellers passing through The Gambia to another destination with onward tickets and assured entry beyond The Gambia.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Residential Permit A
Gambia biometric residence permit for people residing without gainful employment, including students, retirees and short business or mission visitors.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Residential Permit B / Work Residence
Gambia residence-and-work permit for non-citizens living and working in The Gambia, used by businesspersons, expatriates, unskilled workers and professionals.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Expatriate Quota
Employer-side approval for Gambian establishments that need expatriate staff where the skill is not available locally.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Business Establishment / Investor Residence
Gambia business-establishment route for foreign entrepreneurs and investors, linked to sector restrictions, equity rules and residence/work permits.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Non-Gambian ID Card
Gambia ID-card route for named regional nationals, allowing legal residence and work after payment of agreed prescribed fees.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 25 July 2026
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Republic of The Gambia have?+
We cover 9 Republic of The Gambia visa routes in these categories: visitor and short business, general residence, sponsored work, and investor. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Republic of The Gambia visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
7 of the 9 Republic of The Gambia routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 2 are employer-sponsored.
Which Republic of The Gambia visas lead to permanent residence?+
The Republic of The Gambia routes we cover are temporary rather than direct settlement routes.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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