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Gambia Visa for Ugandans

ℹ Visa on Arrival — Apply at the border or airport
6% Rejection Rate
2/5 Difficulty
0–0d Processing
UGX 148,000 Total Cost

Entry rules for travellers from Uganda are changing — verify before you fly

Uganda declared an Ebola outbreak on 15 May 2026 after cases were imported from the DR Congo, and several countries introduced precautionary entry restrictions on arrivals from Uganda — the UAE suspended visas for arrivals from Uganda, the DR Congo and South Sudan from 6 June 2026. Uganda declared the outbreak contained on 5 July 2026 and asked for the restrictions to be lifted. Requirements on this route may have changed since we last checked, and some states are reviewing their rules week by week.

Last checked July 2026 — rules on this route can change at short notice, so confirm with your airline and the destination's immigration authority before you book or fly.

Quick Facts

Requirement Visa on Arrival
Visa Fee UGX 148,000
Processing Time 0–0 working days
Appointment Wait ~ weeks
Stay Duration Up to 28 days

The Gambia — Africa's smallest mainland country — is a warm, welcoming destination with Atlantic beaches, the River Gambia, and the Roots heritage of Juffureh. VOA on arrival (USD 40). YF mandatory from Uganda. Getting there requires a connection through Lagos or London.

Key Warnings

  • Yellow fever certificate is mandatory from Uganda — checked at Banjul Airport on arrival.
  • No direct flights from East Africa to Gambia — expect a connection via Lagos (Ethiopian) or London (British Airways). Total journey 12–18 hours.
  • Malaria is prevalent — take prophylaxis throughout your stay.

Insider Tips

  • The Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project on the River Gambia (Baboon Islands) is a special experience — chimps rescued from captivity live wild on river islands. Reach Janjanbureh (Georgetown) by bush taxi (8 hours) or boat from Banjul. A unique wildlife encounter in West Africa.
  • Juffureh village — immortalised in Alex Haley's novel Roots — is 40km from Banjul by ferry and bush taxi. The Kunta Kinteh Island (former slave fort, UNESCO) nearby is a powerful and moving historical site.
  • Gambia's Senegambia Hotel Strip (Kololi) is affordable Atlantic beach tourism — good value hotels, fresh grilled barracuda on the beach, and warm Atlantic water. The nightlife around Senegambia junction is lively. Smiling Coast's sunsets are beautiful.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Get yellow fever vaccination

    UVRI Entebbe or Mulago Hospital, Kampala. Yellow card at least 10 days old. Checked at Banjul on arrival.

  2. Book flights via Lagos or London

    Ethiopian: Entebbe (EBB) → Addis (ADD) → Lagos (LOS) then Lagos → Banjul (BJL). Or British Airways: Nairobi/Entebbe → London (LHR) → Banjul (BJL) direct. Total: ~12–18 hours depending on route.

  3. Pay USD 40 cash on arrival at BJL

    Queue at VOA desk. Exact USD 40 required. Yellow fever card checked simultaneously.

  4. Enjoy The Gambia

    Senegambia beach strip (Kololi), River Gambia National Park (chimpanzees at Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project), Abuko Nature Reserve, Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Juffureh village (Roots heritage).

Required Documents

  • Valid Ugandan passport (6+ months validity, 1+ blank page)
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate — MANDATORY (Uganda is endemic)
  • USD 40 exact cash for VOA
  • Confirmed return or onward flight from Gambia
  • Hotel booking in Gambia (Senegambia strip, Kololi Beach area)

Recommended (Optional)

  • Travel insurance

Health Requirements

⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate required. Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country. Gambia requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers from endemic countries including Uganda. Certificate must be at least 10 days old. The yellow card is checked at Banjul Airport on arrival. Vaccinate at UVRI Entebbe or Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ugandans need a visa for Gambia?
Ugandans get a visa on arrival at Banjul Airport (USD 40 cash). No pre-application needed. Yellow fever certificate mandatory from Uganda. 28-day stay. No direct flights from East Africa — connect via Lagos or London.

Data Sources & Verification

Last verified:

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Where to Apply

Banjul International Airport (BJL) — VOA on arrival

Banjul

Banjul International Airport, Yundum, Gambia

Airport arrival hours

Pay USD 40 exact cash at immigration desk on arrival. Yellow fever card checked immediately.

Book Appointment →

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