ℹ Visa on Arrival — Apply at the border or airport
5%Rejection Rate
2/5Difficulty
0–0dProcessing
KES 5,500Total Cost
Quick Facts
RequirementVisa on Arrival
Visa Fee
KES 5,500
Processing Time0–0 working days
Appointment Wait~ weeks
Stay DurationUp to 28 days
Gambia — the smallest mainland African country — punches well above its size for travel appeal. Beaches, the River Gambia (excellent bird watching), and West African cultural immersion in a compact English-speaking country. VOA on arrival: USD 40 cash + yellow fever cert. No direct flights from Nairobi — typically connect via Lagos or London.
Key Warnings
Yellow fever certificate is MANDATORY — have it ready at check-in and immigration. Airlines will not board you without it.
Carry USD 40 cash for the visa on arrival — cards are not accepted at BJL immigration.
Malaria is endemic — take prophylaxis and use DEET repellent throughout your stay.
Insider Tips
Gambia has one of Africa's best bird-watching environments — over 560 species recorded in a country smaller than Yorkshire. Abuko Nature Reserve (20 min from Banjul) is excellent even for casual bird lovers. Birding guides available in Kartong.
The River Gambia is a major attraction — a river taxi or pirogue journey upstream passes villages, mangrove forests, and hippo pods. Janjanbureh (Georgetown) is a riverside island with fascinating colonial and slave trade history.
The Smiling Coast is famous among British tourists for beach resorts — Kololi Beach and Bijilo Beach (near the main tourist strip) have calm Atlantic waters, affordable beach restaurants, and abundant fresh seafood.
Step-by-Step Guide
Get your yellow fever vaccination
Visit a Kenya Ministry of Health-approved vaccination centre. Yellow card must be at least 10 days old before travel.
Book flights to Banjul
No direct Nairobi–Banjul flights. Connect via Lagos (Arik Air or Air Peace, ~2 hours to BJL), via Dakar (Brussels Airlines or Turkish Airlines, short hop), or via London (British Airways flies direct LHR–BJL). Ethiopian Airlines via Addis is another option. Total: 12–18 hours.
Arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL)
Proceed to visa on arrival desk at immigration. Present passport, yellow card, return ticket. Pay USD 40 cash. Visa stamped for up to 28 days.
Explore Gambia
Banjul (Albert Market, National Museum), Serrekunda (largest city), Kartong (beach and bird watching), Kiang West National Park, Makasutu Culture Forest, Janjanbureh (River Gambia), and Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve.
USD 40 cash for visa on arrival (exact amount preferred)
Hotel booking or host contact in Gambia
Recommended (Optional)
Proof of funds (card or cash)
Health Requirements
⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate required. Yellow fever certificate is MANDATORY for entry to Gambia. Gambia is endemic and also requires the certificate from travellers coming from Kenya (which has risk zones). Airlines will check at boarding. Obtain from a Kenya Ministry of Health-approved centre. Certificate must be at least 10 days old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kenyans need a visa for Gambia?
Kenyans can get a visa on arrival at Banjul International Airport (USD 40 cash). No advance application needed. Yellow fever certificate MANDATORY. Stay up to 28–30 days. Connect via Lagos, Dakar, or London (British Airways flies direct LHR–BJL).