A Gambia visa for Indian is required for Indian nationals who want to visit the West African country at any time of the year. You will find the visa information for this visa on this page. The general application procedure, visa types, and eligibility criteria are discussed below.
Gambia At A Glance
Gambia is a small country in West Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the West. The country is a tourist hub because of the nice weather and lovely beaches overlooking the Atlantic. For years, The Gambia was a top destination for European tourists, but recently the number of tourists coming from other parts of the world has increased. The cost of living is ridiculously cheap in Gambia compared to other countries, so tourists from India, Europe, and other more developed countries enjoy good value for their money.
The local cuisine is a favorite of many, but some hotels and restaurants serve international cuisines. Fun seekers will also enjoy their time outdoors because the weather is sunny most of the year. If you are looking for a fun place to spend your holiday, the Gambia is a top tourist destination to try out.
Do Indians Need A Visa To Enter Gambia?
Indians need a visa to enter the Gambia, just like citizens from many other countries. The only citizens who can gain visa-free access to the Gambia are those from ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). These countries have a common open border policy where citizens from member states can freely cross into other member states without a visa. For other visitors outside the union, a visa is a necessity.
Gambia Visa Eligibility
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a Gambia tourist visa.
Genuine purpose: Your reason for visiting the country must be genuine and legal. You cannot enter the Gambia under the false pretext or engage in any illegal activity that will disrupt public peace or violate the country's laws.
Bear All Financial Expenses: You must prove with documents that you can cover all your expenses during your time in the country. The authorities will expect to see proof of funds to show that you can support yourself and other dependents traveling with you.
Strong Ties: You must have strong ties with India to show that you have valid reasons to return home after your visit.
Good Character: The authorities want to ensure you are of good character with no criminal record. You may even be asked to present a Police Clearance Certificate to prove your clean record.
Health Checks: You must meet a minimum health requirement to be granted a visa. These checks change occasionally and are determined by the health ministry.
Types Of Gambia Visa For Indians
So what are the types of Gambia visas for Indians?
Tourist Visa: The tourist visa is the most popular visitor visa. Indians coming to Gambia for vacation may apply for this visa. It is valid for 90 days and allows the tourist to stay for 30 days. You can visit any part of the country during your time here.
Business Visa: Those coming for business can apply for a business visa to the Gambia, and there are there types of business visas. The single version is valid for three months, the double version a is valid for 6 months, and the multiple entry version is divided into two; the 6 months visa and the 12 months visa. All business visas have 30 days stay duration but different validity periods.
Other visas are issued by the Gambian ministry of foreign affairs through foreign missions, but business and tourist visas are the most common.
The Visa Fee
Regardless of the visa you apply for, there is an application fee you must pay, and this fee is not refundable and doesn't guarantee that you will get the visa. How you pay for it will depend on the application method. Online applications will require a credit or debit card, while a visa on arrival or application at the Gambian embassy will require a bank transfer or cash payment.
The visa fee is not standard as it changes based on the exchange rate, so calculate the dollar equivalent in rupees before paying it.
Documents For The Gambia Visa
Here are the Gambia tourist visa requirements you will need for this visa.
Valid Passport: You will need an Indian passport valid for 6 months to cover your stay in the country. A damaged or expired passport will not be accepted.
Recent photo: A recent photograph that meets the photo specifications must be submitted.
Flight Ticket: A return flight ticket to India at the end of the trip.
Accommodation: Hotel reservation
These documents must be attached to the Gambia visa for Indian application form and submitted for approval.