GambiaSouth Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of the Gambia

Visa required

Citizens of the Gambia need a visa for South Africa, obtained before travel.

Where to apply
2 missions

Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at dirco.gov.za

Which South Africa visa?

Visitor's visa (section 11 of the Immigration Act) and visa-exempt holiday visits

Key facts

Fee
ZAR 425

All visa types for South Africa

For the tourist visa, South Africa’s official sources give a standard fee of ZAR 425.

South African missions in the Gambia

All missions of South Africa in the Gambia

South Africa has 2 missions in the Gambia. Honorary consulates, which normally do not take visa applications: Serrekunda and Banjul.

According to the official diplomatic lists used here, South Africa covers the Gambia from its embassy in Dakar, Senegal (169 km from Banjul). Measured from Banjul, other South African embassies and consulates are closest in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (207 km) and Conakry, Guinea (539 km). Which post accepts applications from residents of the Gambia is decided by South Africa, so confirm it with the mission or the official visa portal before booking an appointment.

South African citizens travelling to the Gambia

South AfricaGambia Visa-free, 90 days Gambia visa for citizens of South Africa

Travel advice for South Africa

  • US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
  • UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
  • German Foreign Office No travel warning

What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.

Citizens of the Gambia planning a trip to South Africa can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 26 May 2025), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to South Africa (updated 5 November 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for South Africa (updated 28 October 2026).

Good to know

How long citizens of the Gambia can stay in South Africa

How long citizens of the Gambia may stay in South Africa is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.

How citizens of the Gambia apply

South Africa has no embassy or career consulate in the Gambia, and its honorary consulates in Serrekunda and Banjul normally do not issue visas. Citizens of the Gambia apply through a mission of South Africa accredited to the Gambia from abroad; the official visa portal of South Africa names the right place.

South Africa’s neighbours for citizens of the Gambia

Eswatini, Botswana and Lesotho admit citizens of the Gambia visa-free.

South African citizens travelling to the Gambia

No visa is needed by South African citizens for the Gambia, for stays of up to 90 days.

Frequently asked questions

Do citizens of the Gambia need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of the Gambia need a visa for South Africa, obtained before travel.

Is there an embassy of South Africa in the Gambia?

No. South Africa has no embassy in the Gambia, only honorary consulates in Serrekunda and Banjul. Official diplomatic lists name its embassy in Dakar, Senegal for the Gambia.

How much does the South Africa tourist visa cost?

South Africa’s official sources give a standard fee of ZAR 425 for the tourist visa.

Do South African citizens need a visa for the Gambia?

No visa is needed by South African citizens for the Gambia, for stays of up to 90 days.

Can citizens of the Gambia enter South Africa visa-free?

No; citizens of the Gambia need a visa for South Africa obtained in advance.

Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.