Home › United States passport › Gambia

🇺🇸 Does an American need a visa for the Gambia 🇬🇲?

What this means for your trip

A visa on arrival is issued at the port of entry. Expect a fee, a passport photo and sometimes proof of onward travel and accommodation.

Not every airport or land border issues it, and some nationalities are sent to secondary checks; confirm the entry point before you travel.

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.

Gambia at a glance

Capital: Banjul · Currency: dalasi (GMD, D) · Official languages: English · Calling code: +220

U.S. State Department travel advisory for the Gambia: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated 16 January 2026). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: the Gambia uses plug types G, the United States uses A, B. Mains voltage differs (the Gambia: 230 V; the United States: 120 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering the Gambia →

Your embassy in the Gambia

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

• Embassy of the United States, Banjul · Kairaba Avenue, Fajara · gm.usembassy.gov

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

Easier destinations near the Gambia for American passport holders

• 🇨🇻 Cape Verde — Visa-free 30 days
• 🇸🇳 Senegal — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇦🇴 Angola — Visa-free 30 days
• 🇧🇼 Botswana — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇸🇿 Eswatini — Visa-free 30 days
• 🇱🇸 Lesotho — Visa-free
• 🇲🇼 Malawi — Visa-free 30 days
• 🇲🇺 Mauritius — Visa-free 90 days

The other way round

🇬🇲 Gambian passport holders visiting the United States: Gambian passport holders need a visa for the United States, applied for at an embassy or consulate of the United States before travelling.

The American passport at a glance

All destinations for United States passport holders → · Who needs a visa for the Gambia →

Questions