United States of America Embassy Guide

US Embassy in The Gambia, Banjul

Embassy Contact Address -

Telephone
Commercial:
FAX:
(220)439-2856/437-6169/437-6170
(220)439-2475

Postal Address
Kairaba Avenue, Fajara
P.M.B. 19
Banjul, The Gambia

Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 - 17:00
Friday: 8:00 - 12:30
Email
ConsularBanjul@state.gov

Visa Wait Times
Advance travel planning and early visa application are important, since visa applications are subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States, we know you’d like to estimate how long you will have to wait to get an interview appointment to apply for a visa. See our “Visa Wait Times for Interview Appointment” information below.

It is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific Embassy's Consular Section website for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Consular Websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Gambia is a developing country in western Africa, and the capital is Banjul. The official language is English. Facilities for tourism in the Banjul area are good; however, outside the capital region, tourist facilities are limited in availability and quality. Read the Department of State Background Notes on the Gambia for additional information.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport, visa, and evidence of yellow fever vaccination are required. The current fee for a two-year visa for Americans is $100.00 (U.S. Dollars).

Travelers who do not obtain the necessary visa before arrival in The Gambia will have their passports stamped at the port of entry with a 24-, 48- or 72-hour pass and are required to report to the Gambian Immigration Department in Banjul to regularize their stay. The Banjul Immigration Department issues a standard visa for one month duration for approximately $16.00 (U.S. Dollars). Extensions require additional visits to the Gambian Immigration Department and additional fees. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends obtaining a Gambian visa in advance of arrival.

Gambia, The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2005 Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
March 8, 2006

The Gambia is a republic under multiparty democratic rule with a population of 1.6 million. President Alhaji Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh was re-elected for a five year term in 2001 in an election considered free and fair, despite some shortcomings. The main opposition coalition initially accepted the results of the presidential elections but later changed its position and boycotted the legislative elections in 2002. President Jammeh's political party, the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), won majorities in the National Assembly and most local councils. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces, there were a few instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently of government authority.

Embassy Holiday List 2007-