Sweden Visa RequirementsFor Gambia passport holders
Gambia passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Sweden. The fee is EUR 90 (approximately $97 USD), applied for at the Swedish Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. Processing takes approximately 15 business days.
Gambia passport holders require a visa to enter Sweden.
Apply at the Swedish Embassy in Dakar, Senegal (which handles Schengen visa applications for Gambia). The Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 (approximately $97 USD). Processing takes approximately 15 business days. The Schengen visa covers all 26 member states; apply for Sweden if Stockholm or Swedish cities are your primary destination.
Sweden is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
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 3 months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages. Must have been issued within the last 10 years.
Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
Schengen visa application form filled out completely, signed, and dated. Available at the embassy website or in person. Each adult applicant must complete their own form.
Passport-Sized Photos
Two recent passport photographs (35mm x 45mm) with white or off-white background, taken within the last six months. Must meet ICAO biometric photo standards.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering the entire Schengen Area for the full duration of your trip, with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. This is mandatory for Schengen visas.
Flight Itinerary
Confirmed round-trip or onward flight booking showing entry into and exit from the Schengen Area. A flight reservation (not necessarily purchased) is accepted for application purposes.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel bookings, rental agreement, or an original invitation letter from a host in the Schengen country showing your address for each night of your stay.
Bank Statements
Bank statements from the last three to six months showing sufficient financial means. The Schengen guideline is approximately EUR 50 per day of stay.
Employment or Proof of Income
Employment letter stating your position, salary, and approved leave dates, or if self-employed, business registration and recent tax returns. Students provide enrollment letters.
Schengen Visa Fee
Payment of EUR 90 (approximately $97 USD) for adults. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application.
Current Travel Situation
Gambia to Sweden: What You Need to Know
Sweden and Gambia have maintained development cooperation ties through Sida (the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency), which has supported governance and human rights programs in West Africa. The Swedish Embassy in Dakar handles Schengen visa applications for West Africa including Gambia. Sweden has received one of the largest Gambian migrant communities in Scandinavia, with notable Gambian populations in Malmo, Gothenburg, and Stockholm. This diaspora connection means many Gambian visa applicants have family ties in Sweden, which is a factor in visa applications. Sweden is known for its design culture, IKEA, ABBA, and its commitment to environmental sustainability.
How to Get There
From Banjul (BJL), connections to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) route through Scandinavian or Western European hubs. SAS Scandinavian Airlines and connections via Copenhagen or Amsterdam offer routing from West Africa. Total travel time is approximately 12 to 18 hours. Within Sweden, SJ high-speed trains connect Stockholm to Gothenburg in about 3 hours; domestic flights serve the north of the country efficiently.
Money & Banking
Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK), not the Euro. ATMs are available but cash is essentially unused in Sweden; all payments are by card or Swish (Swedish mobile payment). Sweden is an expensive destination; daily budget for mid-range travel is approximately $120 to $200 USD. Tipping at restaurants is 10 to 15 percent and appreciated; service charge is often included in the bill. The Swedish concept of fika (coffee break with pastry) is a cultural institution worth experiencing.
Practical Tips
Stockholm is an archipelago capital spread across 14 islands; boat transport is as important as land transport. The Gamla Stan (Old Town) neighborhood is one of Scandinavia is best-preserved medieval city centers. The ABBA Museum on Djurgarden island is a major attraction for music lovers. Sweden is very cashless; most establishments do not accept cash at all, making card payment essential. The Gothenburg tram system and Stockholm metro (T-bana) are excellent for city travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Gambians need a visa for Sweden?
Yes. Gambian passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter Sweden, applied for at the Swedish Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. Sweden is part of Schengen; the visa is valid across all 26 member states.
How much does a Swedish Schengen visa cost for Gambians?
The Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 (approximately $97 USD), paid at the Swedish Embassy in Dakar.
Does Sweden have a significant Gambian community?
Yes. Sweden has one of the larger Gambian diaspora communities in Scandinavia, particularly in Malmo, Gothenburg, and Stockholm. Sida (Swedish development agency) has supported governance projects in Gambia, reflecting active bilateral engagement.
Is Sweden very expensive for Gambian travelers?
Yes. Sweden is one of the more expensive Schengen destinations. Daily budget for mid-range travel is approximately $120 to $200 USD. Sweden is essentially cashless; always pay by card.
Which airlines fly from Banjul to Sweden?
SAS Scandinavian Airlines and connections via Copenhagen, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt connect to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN). Total journey time is approximately 12 to 18 hours from West Africa.
What Sida development programs connect Sweden and Gambia?
Sida (Sweden international development agency) has funded governance, human rights, and democratic development projects in Gambia over many years. This reflects Sweden is strong commitment to supporting democratic transitions in West Africa and creates a positive bilateral relationship context.