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🇬🇲 Does a Gambian need a visa for South Africa 🇿🇦?

What this means for your trip

You apply at an embassy, consulate or authorised visa centre of the destination, usually with an application form, passport photos, bank statements, travel itinerary and accommodation bookings.

Processing takes days to weeks, and some embassies require an interview; start the application well before your trip.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Where to apply in the Gambia

If you live in the Gambia, visas for South Africa are issued by its missions there. Many of them use an outsourced visa application centre: the mission's website says where to apply and which office covers your region.

• Honorary Consulate of South Africa, Bakau · 23 Sait Matty Road, Kotu, P. O. Box 4555, Bakau, Banjul · dirco.gov.za

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

South Africa at a glance

Capital: Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Cape Town · Currency: South African rand (ZAR, R) · Official languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu · Calling code: +27

U.S. State Department travel advisory for South Africa: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated 27 May 2025). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: South Africa uses plug types C, D, M, N, the Gambia uses G.

More about entering South Africa →

Your embassy in South Africa

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in South Africa, contact the embassy of the Gambia:

• High commission of Gambia in South Africa · North Block, Brookfield Office Park, 261 Middel Street · gambiahighcommissionsa.co.za

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near South Africa for Gambian passport holders

• 🇧🇼 Botswana — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇱🇸 Lesotho — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇸🇿 Eswatini — Visa on arrival 30 days
• 🇳🇦 Namibia — Visa on arrival

The other way round

🇿🇦 South African passport holders visiting the Gambia: South African passport holders can visit the Gambia without a visa for up to 90 days.

The Gambian passport at a glance

All destinations for Gambia passport holders → · Who needs a visa for South Africa →

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