India Visa RequirementsFor Gambia passport holders
Gambia passport holders must obtain a traditional paper tourist visa to enter India; the Indian e-Visa facility is not available to Gambian nationals. Apply at the High Commission of India in Dakar, Senegal.
Gambia passport holders require a visa to enter India.
Apply at the High Commission of India in Dakar, Senegal, located at 5 Avenue Carde, Angle Rue A.K. Bourgi, BP 398 Dakar (phone: +221 33 822 5875). The fee is approximately $100 USD for a six-month multiple-entry tourist visa. Processing takes 3 to 7 business days after in-person submission. Travel to Dakar is required to submit documents and collect the visa.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in India, with at least two blank pages for stamping.
Completed Visa Application Form
Indian visa application form completed online at the Indian High Commission portal. Print and sign before submission.
Passport-Sized Photos
Two recent passport photographs with white background (5cm x 5cm), taken within the last six months. Glasses not permitted.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel bookings or host invitation letter for the entire duration of stay in India, with addresses and contact details.
Return Flight Ticket
Confirmed onward or return flight ticket from India, matching the dates of your intended visit.
Bank Statements
Bank statements from the last three months showing sufficient funds to cover your trip (minimum equivalent of $1,000 USD recommended).
Employment or Enrollment Letter
Proof of employment (employer letter with leave approval) or school enrollment confirming your ties to Gambia and reason to return.
Visa Fee
Payment of approximately $100 USD in the currency accepted by the Indian High Commission in Dakar.
Current Travel Situation
Gambia to India: What You Need to Know
Gambia and India share a Commonwealth connection that has fostered modest diplomatic and educational ties. India has historically been a destination for Gambian students, particularly for medical and engineering programs, and the Indian High Commission in Dakar is accredited to cover Gambia. India introduced the e-Visa system for many nationalities, but Gambian passport holders remain outside that program and must follow the full embassy application route. The bilateral relationship is cordial, with India occasionally extending development cooperation to West African nations through multilateral forums.
How to Get There
From Banjul (BJL), there is no direct flight to India. Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, and Kenya Airways via Nairobi all offer connections to major Indian cities like Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM). Total travel time is typically 16 to 22 hours. Within India, trains are excellent value; book through the Indian Railways IRCTC website. Domestic flights connect major cities at reasonable fares.
Money & Banking
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available in cities, but foreign cards sometimes face acceptance issues; inform your bank before travel. US dollars can be exchanged at airports and authorized money changers. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and urban restaurants. Daily budget for mid-range travel is approximately $30 to $60 USD. Bargaining is common in markets. Carry small denomination INR notes for local transport and street food.
Practical Tips
Book your trip to Dakar in advance as the application must be submitted in person at the High Commission. Carry bank statements from the last three months showing sufficient funds for the trip. India has strict document requirements; missing any item can delay processing. At the Indian border, carry a printed copy of your itinerary and hotel confirmations. Register your visa before departure and download the FRRO app for any in-country registration needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Gambians get an Indian e-Visa?
No. Gambia passport holders are not eligible for the Indian e-Visa program. Gambians must apply for a traditional paper visa through the High Commission of India in Dakar, Senegal, which is the accredited mission for Gambia.
How much does an Indian visa cost for Gambians?
The Indian tourist visa costs approximately $100 USD for a six-month multiple-entry tourist visa. Fees are paid at the High Commission of India in Dakar and are subject to change.
Where do Gambians apply for an Indian visa?
Gambians apply at the High Commission of India in Dakar, Senegal, at 5 Avenue Carde, Angle Rue A.K. Bourgi, BP 398, Dakar. Travel to Dakar is required for in-person document submission.
How long does Indian visa processing take for Gambians?
Processing takes approximately 3 to 7 business days after complete document submission at the High Commission in Dakar. Factor in travel time to and from Dakar when planning your application timeline.
How long can Gambians stay in India?
A standard Indian tourist visa allows up to 90 days per visit. The visa is typically valid for six months from the date of issue, with multiple entries permitted.
Which airlines connect Banjul to India?
No direct flights connect Banjul (BJL) to India. Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, and Kenya Airways via Nairobi all connect to major Indian cities like Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM). Journey time is approximately 16 to 22 hours.
Can Gambians apply for an Indian visa while in Senegal?
Yes. If you are already in Dakar, you can visit the High Commission of India at 5 Avenue Carde for your visa application. Gambians traveling to Dakar specifically to apply should confirm appointment availability in advance by phone or email.
What is the ECOWAS connection for Gambian travel to India?
ECOWAS membership does not provide any travel benefits for Gambia-India travel. India is not part of ECOWAS, and the bilateral visa regime requires full embassy applications regardless of West African regional agreements.