Gambia
Last update 06 November 2025Travel advice
Risk index
Level 3: Avoid non-essiential travel (Do not travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Bulgarian citizens do not require a visa to enter the Gambia. However, Bulgarian citizens wishing to visit the country must meet certain requirements and have an entry clearance, which is recommended to be obtained before travel (information on this procedure can be found in the sub-section "Travel Documents and Visa Requirements").
Republic of the Gambia
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in Banjul, the capital of the Gambia. The Republic of the Gambia is serviced by the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Address: 10 Euphrates Crescent, Maitama, Abuja
Working hours: 09:00– 17:30
Opening hours of the Consular Office: 09:00 – 12:00 by a preliminary scheduled appointment.
Telephone: +234 803 307 8578
Е-mail of the Embassy: Embassy.Abuja@mfa.bg
E-mail of the Consular Office: Consular.Abuja@mfa.bg
Emergency only out-of-hours hotline: + 234 903 000 0275
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/nigeria
The Republic of the Gambia does not have an Embassy accredited to Bulgaria. To obtain visas for the Gambia, Bulgarian citizens can apply to the Embassy of the country in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium.
Embassy of the Republic of the Gambia in Brussels, Belgium
Address: Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt 126, B-1050 Brussels
Telephone: +32 2 640 10 49
Fax: +32 2 646 32 77
E-mail: info@gambiaembassy.be
Website: https://www.gambiaembassy.eu
General information
General Information
Security level
Overall, the political situation is calm but volatile. The level of crime is relatively high. Particular caution is needed for individual travels in the country.
Security forces checkpoints have been set up along all the main streets in the capital. It is recommended that foreigners visiting the country carry photocopies of their personal documents and leave the originals at the hotel.
Healthcare
There is a high risk of AIDS infection in the country. Strict personal hygiene is recommended. Particular care should be taken when consuming fresh fruit and vegetables. Water should be boiled or bought bottled.
The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory. For up-to-date information on other mandatory and/or recommended vaccines you may contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country.
Specifics of the legislation
The Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country. It is therefore necessary to observe norms and customs typical of Muslim countries. Refrain from taking photographs. Homosexuality is prohibited and punishable under local law.
Customs requirements
The import of sums not exceeding 300,000 dalasi is allowed. Violations shall be sanctioned. There are no customs restrictions on the export of local or foreign currency as well as various types of goods.
Road traffic
Taxis are mainly used in the capital. You need to ask to be told the price in advance as most taxis do not have meters. At the border, it is mandatory to take out insurance for those travelling by car.
Local currency
The local currency is dalasi.
Travel papers and visas
Bulgarian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement for short-term stays in the Republic of the Gambia. When traveling to this country, you must:
- Have a valid passport;
- Enter through an official border checkpoint;
- Have sufficient funds to cover accommodation and personal needs during your stay in the country;
- Not be on a list of prohibited categories of immigrants;
- Not be engaged in any work activity without permission on the territory of the country;
- Have an approved entry clearance.
To obtain an entry clearance, you must submit an application to the Director General of of Immigration. The Application must be accompanied by the following required documents: a copy of the page with your personal data from your passport; a copy of the identity card or the residence permit of your host in the Gambia; a written request for entry permission, signed by your host, and the request must be signed by one witness as well, who also provides a copy of his identity card or residence permit. A fee is payable upon submission of the application.
Consular service
Bulgarian citizens residing in the Republic of the Gambia on a short or long-term basis may address consular matters to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
EU Emergency Travel Document
In case of a damaged, lost, stolen or expired passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for an EU Emergency Travel Document (EU ETD) at an Embassy of an EU Member State. The ETD is issued only for the purpose of a single trip to Bulgaria or the country of permanent residence.
Certifications and legalizations
In order to be valid in Bulgaria and to be able to serve before the Bulgarian institutions, all documents issued by the authorities in the Gambia to Bulgarian citizens must bear the stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Gambia. Then, they need to be certified by the Embassy of the Gambia in Brussels. The Consular Office at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Brussels can authenticate the seals of the Gambian Embassy in the Belgian capital. Once the documents have been so prepared, they must be translated into Bulgarian by an authorized company in Bulgaria and certified by the Department of Certifications and Legalizations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.