Gambia
United States
United States visa for citizens of the Gambia
Entry requirement
Citizens of the Gambia must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at gm.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in the Gambia
- Embassy of the United States in Banjul
Kairaba Avenue 123, Fajara
The United States has 1 mission in the Gambia, with its embassy in Banjul.
US visas issued to citizens of the Gambia
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 1,221 | 622 |
| Student (F, M) | 199 | 107 |
| Exchange (J) | 50 | 25 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 16 | 28 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 256 | 57 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 255 | 200 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 116 | 135 |
| Other | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 2,113 | 1,177 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 66.0% | 75.3% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 1,177 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of the Gambia, the 161st highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 53%, diplomatic and official visas 17% and fiancé(e) visas 11%. That is 44% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (2,113).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of the Gambia received 119, 82% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 75.3% for citizens of the Gambia in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 66.0%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of the Gambia anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in the Gambia.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to the Gambia
United StatesGambia Visa on arrival Gambia visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- 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.
For a trip from the Gambia to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long citizens of the Gambia can stay in the United States
How long citizens of the Gambia may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How citizens of the Gambia apply
In the Gambia, applications go to the US embassy in Banjul, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for citizens of the Gambia
Canada and Mexico require citizens of the Gambia to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to the Gambia
The Gambia issues US citizens a visa on arrival, so nothing has to be arranged in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do citizens of the Gambia need a visa for the United States?
Citizens of the Gambia must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Where is the US embassy in the Gambia?
The US embassy in the Gambia is in Banjul.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for the Gambia?
The Gambia issues US citizens a visa on arrival, so nothing has to be arranged in advance.
Can citizens of the Gambia enter the United States visa-free?
No; citizens of the Gambia need a visa for the United States 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.