United States Visa RequirementsFor Gambia passport holders
Gambia citizens must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. The Gambia is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. The $185 application fee is non-refundable and an in-person interview is required at the U.S. Embassy in Banjul.
Gambia passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Complete the DS-160 online at ceac.state.gov. Pay the $185 MRV fee, then schedule your interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy Banjul, Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul. Attend the interview with your DS-160 confirmation, payment receipt, and supporting documents. If approved, passport return with visa typically takes 5-10 business days. The B1/B2 visa may be issued for up to 10 years with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit.
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
DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Complete the DS-160 form online at ceac.state.gov. Print the confirmation page with barcode to bring to your interview.
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
Interview Appointment Confirmation
Printed confirmation of your scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy in Banjul, Kairaba Avenue, Fajara.
MRV Fee Payment Receipt
Proof of payment of the $185 non-refundable machine-readable visa fee.
Passport-Sized Photograph
One recent 2x2 inch color photo with white background, taken within the last 6 months per U.S. visa photo guidelines.
Financial Documents
Bank statements from the last 3-6 months, pay stubs, or proof of income demonstrating ability to fund your U.S. trip.
Proof of Ties to Gambia
Employment letter, property documents, family registration, or business records showing strong reasons to return to Gambia.
Employment or Enrollment Letter
Letter from employer confirming your position, salary, and approved leave, or school enrollment letter.
Travel Itinerary Recommended
Proposed travel dates, intended flight details, and hotel bookings in the United States.
Invitation Letter (if applicable) Recommended
If visiting family or friends in the U.S., include a signed invitation letter and copies of their U.S. immigration documents.
Current Travel Situation
Gambia to United States: What You Need to Know
Gambian passport holders are not eligible for ESTA. A B1/B2 visa is required for tourism, business, and short family visits to the United States. The U.S. Embassy is located in Banjul and handles all nonimmigrant visa applications. Interview appointment wait times for Banjul typically range from a few weeks to a few months. Demonstrating strong ties to Gambia, including employment, family, and property, significantly improves approval chances.
How to Get There
There are no direct flights from Banjul to the United States. Brussels Airlines via Brussels, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, and Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca are the most common connecting routes. Check current schedules as routes from Banjul can change seasonally.
Money & Banking
The United States uses USD. Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Keep some cash for tipping: 15-20% at restaurants is standard, and $1-2 per bag for hotel porters. Sales tax of 5-10% is added at the register in most states. ATMs are widely available. Notify your Gambian bank of your travel plans to prevent card blocks.
Practical Tips
Apply well in advance of your intended travel date. Bring original bank statements, employment letter or business registration, and evidence of property or family ties in Gambia. Be honest and concise during the interview. Having a clear itinerary and confirmed accommodation for your U.S. trip strengthens the application. An invitation letter from a U.S. resident family member or friend is helpful but not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Gambian citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes, Gambian passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. ESTA is not available as Gambia is not part of the Visa Waiver Program.
How much does the U.S. visa cost for Gambian citizens?
The non-refundable MRV fee for a B1/B2 visa is $185 USD. This fee is paid before scheduling your interview and is not refunded if the visa is denied.
Where is the U.S. Embassy in Gambia?
The U.S. Embassy in Gambia is located at Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul. All nonimmigrant visa interviews for Gambian citizens are processed here.
How long does it take to get a U.S. visa from Gambia?
Interview wait times at the Banjul embassy typically range from a few weeks to a few months. After approval, visa issuance takes 5-10 business days. Apply as early as possible to account for delays.
How long can Gambian citizens stay in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa?
The B1/B2 visa can be valid for up to 10 years, but each visit is typically authorized for up to 180 days by the immigration officer at the port of entry. The visa validity and authorized stay are different.
Can I use my U.S. visa invitation letter from a relative to improve my chances?
A signed invitation letter from a U.S.-based family member along with copies of their immigration documents (green card, passport, or citizenship certificate) can support your application. However, having a relative in the U.S. can also raise questions about immigrant intent, so strong ties to Gambia remain critical.
What airlines fly from Banjul to the United States?
There are no direct flights. Common connections operate via Brussels with Brussels Airlines, Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, and Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. Check current airline schedules as routes from Banjul can change seasonally.
What documents prove I will return to Gambia after visiting the U.S.?
Employment contracts, recent bank statements, property ownership documents, business registration, and evidence of family responsibilities (spouse, children) in Gambia are the strongest proof of ties. Bring originals plus photocopies.