Do Gambians need a visa to visit the UK, USA, or Schengen countries?

Yes, Gambian passport holders require visas for the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and all Schengen Area countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.). These are visa-required destinations and applications must be submitted in advance through respective embassies or visa application centers. Processing times typically range from 2-4 weeks, and applicants must provide proof of funds, travel itinerary, and accommodation.

Which countries offer visa-on-arrival for Gambian citizens?

Gambian passport holders can obtain visa-on-arrival in 20 countries including Madagascar, Bolivia, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Iran, Laos, Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palau, Samoa, Timor-Leste, and Tuvalu. Requirements typically include a valid passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, proof of accommodation, and visa fees payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint.

Can Gambians travel freely within West Africa (ECOWAS countries)?

Yes, as an ECOWAS member state, Gambian citizens enjoy freedom of movement within the Economic Community of West African States. They can travel visa-free to all 15 ECOWAS countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Niger, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde. A valid Gambian passport or ECOWAS travel certificate is required, and stays are typically permitted for up to 90 days.

What documents are required to apply for a Gambian passport?

To apply for a Gambian passport, you need: (1) completed application form, (2) birth certificate or national ID card, (3) two recent passport-sized photographs (white background), (4) proof of Gambian citizenship, (5) payment receipt for passport fees, and (6) for renewals, your old passport. Applications are submitted at the Immigration Department in Banjul or regional offices. Processing takes 2-4 weeks for standard service. Minors require parental consent and presence during application.

Which countries offer e-visas for Gambian passport holders?

Gambian citizens can apply for e-visas to 31 countries including Turkey, India, Azerbaijan, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Albania, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Pakistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Gabon, Cameroon, Ethiopia (also visa-on-arrival), and São Tomé and Príncipe. E-visa applications are completed online through official government portals, typically requiring passport scans, photos, and payment. Processing times range from 24 hours to 7 days depending on the destination.

Is military service mandatory for Gambian citizens?

No, The Gambia does not have mandatory military service. The Gambian Armed Forces operate on a voluntary basis, and citizens are not required by law to serve in the military. There is no conscription system, and military recruitment is conducted through open application processes for those who wish to pursue a career in the armed forces or national security services.

Can Gambian passport holders work in other countries without a work visa?

Generally, no. While Gambians enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 70 destinations, this typically grants only tourist/visitor status without the right to work. However, within ECOWAS countries, Gambian citizens have the right to seek employment under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, though work permits may still be required in practice. For countries outside ECOWAS, separate work visas or permits must be obtained before commencing employment, regardless of visa-free entry status.

How has the Gambian passport ranking changed over the years?

The Gambian passport ranking has fluctuated between 45th (2006) and 80th (2021) globally. It started at rank 45 in 2006 with 53 visa-free destinations, peaked at rank 60 in 2013, then declined to rank 80 in 2021. As of 2025, it ranks 73rd with access to 70 destinations. The ranking dropped significantly between 2014-2021 due to global visa policy changes and security concerns, but has shown slight improvement since 2022.

Do Gambians need transit visas when connecting through major airports?

It depends on the country and length of layover. Gambian passport holders typically need transit visas for the USA (even for airside transit), Canada, UK (if leaving airport), Australia, and most Schengen countries if layover exceeds 24 hours or requires leaving the airport. However, many airports in Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Istanbul (Turkey), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) allow airside transit without visas for Gambians, provided they have onward tickets and don't exit the international transit area. Always verify with airlines and destination embassies before travel.

The Gambia Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 70 Countries

The Gambia passport ranks 73rd globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 70 destinations worldwide. This West African travel document has shown fluctuating mobility over the past two decades, ranging from a peak ranking of 45th in 2006 to lower positions in recent years. While providing moderate international travel freedom compared to global standards, the Gambian passport grants its holders reasonable access to regional African destinations and select countries across other continents. The passport's current standing reflects limited but functional travel advantages for business, tourism, and diplomatic purposes.

Global Rank

#73

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for The Gambia passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

124

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Gambian Citizens

Popular destinations where The Gambia passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Senegal	Up to 90 days	SN
Ghana	Up to 90 days	GH
Nigeria	Up to 90 days	NG
Sierra Leone	Up to 90 days	SL
Benin	Up to 90 days	BJ

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for The Gambia passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

47 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

20 countries

🔐 ETA Required

3 countries

Sri Lanka
Seychelles
St. Kitts and Nevis

💻 E-Visa

32 countries

❌ Visa Required

124 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

The Gambia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 28 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official The Gambia Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Gambia Immigration Department

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad

🔗

Gambia Passport and Immigration - eServices Portal

Compare The Gambia Passport with Other Passports

See how The Gambia's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
The Gambia (You are here)	#73	70	45/100	63/100
Botswana	#63	83	68/100	68/100
Namibia	#68	77	45/100	66/100
Lesotho	#69	75	45/100	64/100
eSwatini	#70	73	42/100	65/100
Morocco	#70	73	42/100	65/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Gambian passport holders can access 70 destinations without a prior visa. This includes 47 visa-free countries, 20 visa-on-arrival destinations, and 3 electronic travel authorization countries. The Gambia passport ranks 73rd globally on the Henley Passport Index. Major visa-free destinations include Singapore, Malaysia, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritius, Tunisia, and all ECOWAS member states.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover The Gambia's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

The Gambia Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 70 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

The Gambia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 28 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare The Gambia Passport with Other Passports

See how The Gambia's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
The Gambia (You are here)	#73	70	45/100	63/100
Botswana	#63	83	68/100	68/100
Namibia	#68	77	45/100	66/100
Lesotho	#69	75	45/100	64/100
eSwatini	#70	73	42/100	65/100
Morocco	#70	73	42/100	65/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for The Gambia passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Gambian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

The Gambia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official The Gambia Passport & Travel Resources

Compare The Gambia Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Gambian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Gambians need a visa to visit the UK, USA, or Schengen countries?

Which countries offer visa-on-arrival for Gambian citizens?

Can Gambians travel freely within West Africa (ECOWAS countries)?

What documents are required to apply for a Gambian passport?

Which countries offer e-visas for Gambian passport holders?

Is military service mandatory for Gambian citizens?

Can Gambian passport holders work in other countries without a work visa?

How has the Gambian passport ranking changed over the years?

Do Gambians need transit visas when connecting through major airports?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for The Gambia passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Gambian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

The Gambia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official The Gambia Passport & Travel Resources

Compare The Gambia Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Gambian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Gambians need a visa to visit the UK, USA, or Schengen countries?

Which countries offer visa-on-arrival for Gambian citizens?

Can Gambians travel freely within West Africa (ECOWAS countries)?

What documents are required to apply for a Gambian passport?

Which countries offer e-visas for Gambian passport holders?

Is military service mandatory for Gambian citizens?

Can Gambian passport holders work in other countries without a work visa?

How has the Gambian passport ranking changed over the years?

Do Gambians need transit visas when connecting through major airports?

Explore More Passport Rankings