Moving Scientific Information to the Developing World



208FAQ ID Nr.106-07-31Last UpdatedYes, and that's certainly the most convenient option of all. Depending on where you live you may need a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer in order to apply for the visa - if so, please let us know and we'll send you one.15600Sort Nr.I need a visa to enter Senegal - is it possible that I can get it directly from my local Senegalese embassy/consulate?
413FAQ ID Nr.206-07-31Last UpdatedTo the best of our knowledge this does not happen. Instead, what might happen is that the immigration officers at Banjul airport specifically tell you to go to the Immigration Police Headquarters in Banjul to obtain a visa (in our experience they never do this!). If the immigration officers at airport do not specifically tell you to go to the Immigration Police HQ to obtain a visa then there is no longer any reason that you should consider applying for a visa!21080Sort Nr.Is it possible to obtain a visa for The Gambia at the airport in Banjul, The Gambia?
412FAQ ID Nr.306-07-31Last UpdatedYes. The immigration police in Banjul have the authority to solve any visa problems you may have. However, if the immigration officers at airport do not specifically tell you to go to the Immigration Police HQ to obtain a visa then there will be no reason for you to think of doing so.21060Sort Nr.Is it possible to obtain a visa for The Gambia after arriving in The Gambia?
326FAQ ID Nr.406-07-31Last UpdatedThere are several options - you can apply to the embassy of The Gambia in Washington, D.C. - or you use a service such as www.visaconnection.com - or you can request that the meeting organizer applies for a visa clearance letter from the High Commission of The Gambia in London on your behalf - or you can fly to The Gambia and sort out your immigration status at the airport. One thing to note - unless there is a drastic change in its immigration regulations, The Gambia will never deny a US citizen (or Canadian, or European etc.) entry to the country, and it's always possible to sort out any visa or immigration problems at the Immigration Police's Headquarters in Banjul after being allowed into the country - the lack of a visa is certainly not something to lose sleep over.16780Sort Nr.I'm in the US - how can I get a visa for The Gambia?
321FAQ ID Nr.506-07-31Last UpdatedYou will be visiting The Gambia as a tourist.16740Sort Nr.I'm applying for a visa for The Gambia - do I need a tourist visa or a business visa?
320FAQ ID Nr.606-07-31Last UpdatedFirstly and most importantly you should not worry about anything when it comes to a visa for The Gambia. By way of an example, US meeting participants of Tuberculosis 2006 arriving in Banjul airport without a visa were not delayed for more time than it took to stamp their passports with an entry stamp - neither The Gambia's immigration policies nor the officials carrying them out are the most rigorous in the world. One thing to note - unless there is a drastic change in its immigration regulations, The Gambia will never deny a US citizen (or Canadian, or European etc.) entry to the country, and it's always possible to sort out any visa or immigration problems at the Immigration Police's Headquarters in Banjul after being allowed into the country - the lack of a visa is certainly not something to lose sleep over.18940Sort Nr.I'm a US citizen - worried that without a visa I won't be allowed to enter Gambia - what shall I do?
319FAQ ID Nr.706-07-31Last UpdatedOfficially, yes, you need a visa. In practice however it is unlikely that any of the Gambian border officials are likely to look for it in your passport or ask to see your passport on the basis that you need a visa. By way of an example, US meeting participants of Tuberculosis 2006 arriving in Banjul airport without a visa were not delayed for more time than it took to stamp their passports with an entry stamp - neither The Gambia's immigration policies nor the officials carrying them out are the most rigorous in the world. One thing to note - unless there is a drastic change in its immigration regulations, The Gambia will never deny a US citizen (or Canadian, or European etc.) entry to the country, and it's always possible to sort out any visa or immigration problems at the Immigration Police's Headquarters in Banjul after being allowed into the country - the lack of a visa is certainly not something to worry about.16720Sort Nr.I'm a United States citizen (travelling on a US passport) - do I need a visa to enter The Gambia?
318FAQ ID Nr.806-07-31Last UpdatedNo. As it stands at this point in time US citizens do not need a visa to enter Senegal. Amongst other places, information on visa requirements can be found on the website of the embassy of Senegal in the UK - www.senegalembassy.co.uk.16700Sort Nr.I'm a United States citizen (travelling on a US passport) - do I need a visa to enter Senegal?
464FAQ ID Nr.906-07-31Last UpdatedNo.20780Sort Nr.Is there any possibility that I will be denied a visa to enter The Gambia?
294FAQ ID Nr.1006-07-31Last UpdatedNo.15020Sort Nr.If I have a visa clearance letter from the Gambian High Commission in London do I also need a visa stamp in my passport to enable me to enter The Gambia?
312FAQ ID Nr.1106-07-31Last UpdatedNo. As it stands at this point in time Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Senegal. Amongst other places, information on visa requirements can be found on the website of the embassy of Senegal in the UK - www.senegalembassy.co.uk.16600Sort Nr.I'm a Canadian citizen (travelling on a Canadian passport) - will I need a visa to enter Senegal?
200FAQ ID Nr.1206-07-31Last UpdatedYes, this is sufficient to pass immigration in Banjul airport. And no, we do not foresee any problems at either your home airport or upon arrival in Banjul. The letter is as good as a stamp in your visa and you must let that be known to the airport/check-in officials in no uncertain terms! The letter carries the seal of the Gambian High Commission on it as well as the signature of the consular official. Mangosteen has had the same kind of visa clearance letter prepared for a number of past meeting participants (from a wide range of countries) and practically all have been allowed to travel with only the minimum of delay. In one case (on a Gambia Experience flight), two participants were asked to sign a waiver stating that they themselves were responsible if their visa clearance was not in order, in case they were denied entry to The Gambia - it must be noted that practically no one flying in on a flight from Europe is denied entry to The Gambia, the country's immigration regulations are not so rigorous!15520Sort Nr.I need a visa to enter The Gambia, and have a visa clearance letter from the High Commission in London - but do not have an actual visa stamp in my passport - is this sufficient? Do you foresee any problems at my home airport or upon arrival in Banjul airport?
199FAQ ID Nr.1306-07-31Last UpdatedThis is a difficult question to answer - and the answer very much depends on where you come from. Using India or Pakistan as an example - if you come from India or Pakistan (and start your journey from home) then you will almost certainly not be allowed on to the plane if you are not able to show proof that you have been granted a visa clearance by the Senegalese authorities. However, this need not be a visa stamp in your passport - a visa clearance letter from the Ministry of the Interior in Dakar will also serve as proof that you have been granted clearance to enter the country. If you have not already made arrangements for either a passport visa stamp or a visa clearance letter from the Senegalese authorities then you should contact the meeting organizer as soon as possible.23580Sort Nr.I need a visa to be able to enter Senegal - will my home country allow me on the plane if I don't have a visa for Senegal in my passport?
198FAQ ID Nr.1406-07-31Last UpdatedYes. Please just let us know by email that you need one. If you need specific wording in your letter please also state the text that you need in your email message.17360Sort Nr.I need a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer in order to be able to apply for a visa - can the meeting organizer arrange such a letter for me?
52FAQ ID Nr.1506-07-31Last UpdatedNo. Belgian citizens do not require a visa - but citizens of some other EU countries are formally supposed to require one. Visas are required by citizens of France, Spain and Portugal amongst others, but not by others, including citizens of Ireland, Germany, the UK, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark or Finland. Mangosteen's primary source for information on Gambian visas is the high commission of The Gambia in London. The high commission's web address is http://gambia.embassyhomepage.com. The web page that discusses visa requirements is http://gambia.embassyhomepage.com/gambian_visa_gambia_embassy_uk_gambian_embassy_london_uk.htm. The information on this website is not however often updated and certainly not always reliable - a phone call to the consular section of the high commission is always the most reliable option.17060Sort Nr.Do Belgian (or other European Union) citizens require a visa to enter The Gambia?
51FAQ ID Nr.1606-07-31Last UpdatedNo. Belgian and Greek citizens do not require a visa - neither do citizens of the original 15 EU member states - but citizens of the 10 new EU countries do require a visa. The text on the matter from the website of the Embassy of Senegal in London (http://www.senegalembassy.co.uk/visaAndpassport.html) on July 19th 2006 is as follows - "Citizens of countries member of the European Union (EU) do not need visa to travel to Senegal for up to three months stay. N.B: Not concerned 10 new EU countries entering in May 2004."17040Sort Nr.Do Belgian or Greek (or other European Union) citizens require a visa to enter Senegal?
44FAQ ID Nr.1706-07-31Last UpdatedYes. Visas are available from the high commission of The Gambia in the centre of Dakar - ask the meeting organizer for directions. The application procedure is extremely straightforward - in addition to application forms in duplicate you will also need to submit passport photos and the fee for the visa, which in early 2006 was FCFA 25,000 (approximately $45 US). Your visa will be issued within 24 hours. Application forms are available on Mangosteen's website and are available to confirmed participants. Link for application form to apply for a Gambian visa from the High Commission of The Gambia in Dakar, Senegal: http://mangosee.com/mangosteen/info/gambian_high_commission_dakar_visa_application.pdf16960Sort Nr.Can I get a visa for The Gambia in Senegal?
116FAQ ID Nr.1806-07-31Last UpdatedWe don't have any first hand experience, but we've heard both very good and very bad things about the embassy in the US. In February 2006 meeting participants advised us that the embassy was highly efficient, returning their passports with visas within just a couple of days. In April 2006 we were told that the staff at the embassy were practically uncontactable by phone and as a result completely ineffective.23240Sort Nr.How efficient is the Gambian embassy in Washington, D.C. when it comes to issuing visas?
311FAQ ID Nr.1906-07-31Last UpdatedOfficially, yes, you need a visa. In practice however it is unlikely that any of the Gambian border officials are likely to look for it in your passport or ask to see your passport on the basis that you need a visa. By way of an example, Canadian meeting participants of Bacterial Gastroenteritis 2006 arriving in Banjul airport without a visa were not delayed for more time than it took to stamp their passports with an entry stamp - neither The Gambia's immigration policies nor the officials carrying them out are the most rigorous in the world. One thing to note - unless there is a drastic change in its immigration regulations, The Gambia will never deny a Canadian citizen (or US, or European etc.) entry to the country, and it's always possible to sort out any visa or immigration problems at the Immigration Police's Headquarters in Banjul after being allowed into the country - the lack of a visa is certainly not something to worry about.16580Sort Nr.I'm a Canadian citizen (travelling on a Canadian passport) - do I need a visa to enter The Gambia?
561FAQ ID Nr.2006-07-31Last UpdatedNo. You will not be denied entry, and you will not be deported, whether you have a visa or not. Please don't worry about either, it simply will not happen - you will be allowed into the country.23020Sort Nr.What is the likelihood that I will not be allowed to enter The Gambia if I don't have the correct visa documentation in place? Is there a chance that I will be denied entry and subsequently deported?
562FAQ ID Nr.2106-07-31Last UpdatedVery low. Your visa will not be denied. The worst case scenario may occur if you do not make your application early enough - in which case your visa clearance may not be granted before you fly to Senegal. It can take weeks for the Senegalese authorities to issue visa clearance letters at times - in general they ask that a month be allowed to complete the process. So, please do make sure to apply (or ask the meeting organizer to apply on your behalf) as soon as possible after you have decided to participate in the meeting.19020Sort Nr.What is the likelihood that my visa application will be rejected?
503FAQ ID Nr.2206-07-31Last UpdatedNo, absolutely not - once you have decided to participate in the meeting we recommend that you go ahead and buy your plane ticket without giving any consideration to whether or not you need a visa. Although this may be contrary to what you expect to hear, a visa for The Gambia is really not that important - you will not be denied entry to the country because you do not have a visa.21820Sort Nr.Should I wait until my visa is issued to purchase my plane ticket?
502FAQ ID Nr.2306-07-31Last UpdatedThis is a very difficult question to answer. In the spring of 2006 several meeting participants delayed purchasing their plane tickets since they did not want to confirm their plans and spend the money before being issued with a visa by the authorities in Dakar. Their visas were issued very late on - but they did not participate in the meeting since the airlines/travel agents were not willing to hold their ticket reservations until the point that the visas were finally issued! The one way to avoid this problem is to apply for your visa early - very early, long before you even consider booking a plane ticket. If you find your self in such a predicament please contact us, we may be able to advise or assist you.21660Sort Nr.Should I wait until my visa is issued to purchase my plane ticket?
481FAQ ID Nr.2406-07-31Last UpdatedNo, it just means that the consular officials are not as efficient as they might be! Rather than waiting indefinitely please contact us to explain your predicament - we may well be able to advise you on how to bypass lengthy visa application procedures.21000Sort Nr.My Gambian visa application is taking a long time - does this mean that my application has been rejected?
520FAQ ID Nr.2506-07-31Last UpdatedWe believe that your travel agent is wrong - and clearly not blessed with the best source of information. To the best of our knowledge all South Americans citizens require visas to enter The Gambia? Perhaps the best quick source of information on who does and does not need a visa to enter The Gambia is the website of the Gambian High Commission in London - http://gambia.embassyhomepage.com/gambian_visa_gambia_embassy_uk_gambian_embassy_london_uk.htm. If you are still unsure whether or not you need a visa please just ask us by email - england@mangosee.com.19300Sort Nr.There is no Gambian embassy in Venezuela. My travel agency told me that I do not need a visa to enter The Gambia but I'm not sure I believe them. Would you please help clarify my situation?
514FAQ ID Nr.2606-07-31Last UpdatedYes. Please just ask us by email and we'll get you the information you need.21740Sort Nr.The application form for the Gambian visa asks for the names and addresses of two references in The Gambia - can the meeting organizer help with this?
75FAQ ID Nr.2706-07-31Last UpdatedThis is a difficult question to answer. Senegal is represented in many of the world's most prominent countries, but it does not have direct representation in many countries and regions of the world. Perhaps the best source of information on this topic is the French embassy in your home country. As Senegal's former colonial power, France typically has exceptionally good links with Senegal. It must be noted that in the absence of a Senegalese embassy or consulate it is possible to apply to the French embassy for a visa to enter Senegal. LINK TO THE WEBSITE OF THE EMBASSY OF SENEGAL IN LONDON: http://www.senegalembassy.co.uk EMBASSY VISA SECTION: http://www.senegalembassy.co.uk/visaAndpassport.html16940Sort Nr.Does Senegal have an embassy/consulate in my home country?
660FAQ ID Nr.2806-07-31Last UpdatedPlease refer to the following password protected web page. All confirmed participants will be given access to the page after completing the registration procedure - please request the password if you don't already have it. Link to Web Page containing General and Practical Information on the meeting - http://mangosee.com/mangosteen/info/index.htm19940Sort Nr.Where on the Mangosteen website can I find information on obtaining a visa for Senegal and/or The Gambia?
47FAQ ID Nr.2906-07-31Last UpdatedNo. We're sorry to say that after five weeks prior to the start date of the meeting you are on your own! All passport scans for visa applications (via the Ministry of the Interior in Dakar) must be emailed to the meeting organizer before the five week deadline.17020Sort Nr.Is the meeting organizer able to help me to obtain a visa for Senegal within the last month before the start of the meeting?
521FAQ ID Nr.3006-07-31Last UpdatedYes, to the best of our knowledge this is possible. However, it's not a method that we recommend since it appears to involve an extremely slow, inefficient application procedure. We know of meeting participants who have applied for a visa in this way, but we don't know of meeting participants who have been issued a visa in this way! Not because their application was denied, but simply because the waiting time was so long delayed that they had to find another way to get a visa. In theory it's possible, in practice it may not be - but one thing is for sure, you must not allow the French embassy or anyone else to mail your passport to Senegal, since you may not see it again for a month or two.19320Sort Nr.There is no Senegalese embassy or consulate in my home country - is it possible to apply for a visa via the French embassy?
202FAQ ID Nr.3106-07-31Last UpdatedIn our experience, applying for a Senegalese visa via the Embassy of France proves not to be a very reliable or expeditious method. Everything of course depends on the efficiency of your local French embassy, but we don't consider this to be a very trusty approach. If you are having problems obtaining a visa to Senegal, please don't delay any longer - simply contact us and let us know your situation - provided it is at least one month prior to the start of the meeting we will almost certainly be able to apply for a visa (in the form on an official visa clearance letter) from the Ministry of the Interior in Dakar on your behalf. To apply for the visa clearance, we will need you to email us a scanned image of your passport and proof that you intend to participate in the meeting (a scan of your plane ticket, for example).15560Sort Nr.There is no Senegalese consulate/embassy in my home country - I've contacted the French embassy and they told me that they can apply for a visa for me, but that the application will take 4 weeks - what shall I do?
636FAQ ID Nr.32

208

FAQ ID Nr.

1

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes, and that's certainly the most convenient option of all.  Depending on where you live you may need a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer in order to apply for the visa - if so, please let us know and we'll send you one.

15600

Sort Nr.

I need a visa to enter Senegal - is it possible that I can get it directly from my local Senegalese embassy/consulate?

413

FAQ ID Nr.

2

06-07-31

Last Updated

To the best of our knowledge this does not happen.  Instead, what might happen is that the immigration officers at Banjul airport specifically tell you to go to the  Immigration Police Headquarters in Banjul to obtain a visa (in our experience they never do this!).  If the immigration officers at airport do not specifically tell you to go to the Immigration Police HQ to obtain a visa then there is no longer any reason that you should consider applying for a visa!

21080

Sort Nr.

Is it possible to obtain a visa for The Gambia at the airport in Banjul, The Gambia?

412

FAQ ID Nr.

3

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes.  The immigration police in Banjul have the authority to solve any visa problems you may have.  However, if the immigration officers at airport do not specifically tell you to go to the Immigration Police HQ to obtain a visa then there will be no reason for you to think of doing so.

21060

Sort Nr.

Is it possible to obtain a visa for The Gambia after arriving in The Gambia?

326

FAQ ID Nr.

4

06-07-31

Last Updated

There are several options - you can apply to the embassy of The Gambia in Washington, D.C. - or you use a service such as www.visaconnection.com - or you can request that the meeting organizer applies for a visa clearance letter from the High Commission of The Gambia in London on your behalf - or you can fly to The Gambia and sort out your immigration status at the airport.  One thing to note - unless there is a drastic change in its immigration regulations, The Gambia will never deny a US citizen (or Canadian, or European etc.) entry to the country, and it's always possible to sort out any visa or immigration problems at the Immigration Police's Headquarters in Banjul after being allowed into the country - the lack of a visa is certainly not something to lose sleep over.

16780

Sort Nr.

I'm in the US - how can I get a visa for The Gambia?

321

FAQ ID Nr.

5

06-07-31

Last Updated

You will be visiting The Gambia as a tourist.

16740

Sort Nr.

I'm applying for a visa for The Gambia - do I need a tourist visa or a business visa?

320

FAQ ID Nr.

6

06-07-31

Last Updated

Firstly and most importantly you should not worry about anything when it comes to a visa for The Gambia.  By way of an example, US meeting participants of Tuberculosis 2006 arriving in Banjul airport without a visa were not delayed for more time than it took to stamp their passports with an entry stamp - neither The Gambia's immigration policies nor the officials carrying them out are the most rigorous in the world.  One thing to note - unless there is a drastic change in its immigration regulations, The Gambia will never deny a US citizen (or Canadian, or European etc.) entry to the country, and it's always possible to sort out any visa or immigration problems at the Immigration Police's Headquarters in Banjul after being allowed into the country - the lack of a visa is certainly not something to lose sleep over.

18940

Sort Nr.

I'm a US citizen - worried that without a visa I won't be allowed to enter Gambia - what shall I do?

319

FAQ ID Nr.

7

06-07-31

Last Updated

Officially, yes, you need a visa.  In practice however it is unlikely that any of the Gambian border officials are likely to look for it in your passport or ask to see your passport on the basis that you need a visa.  By way of an example, US meeting participants of Tuberculosis 2006 arriving in Banjul airport without a visa were not delayed for more time than it took to stamp their passports with an entry stamp - neither The Gambia's immigration policies nor the officials carrying them out are the most rigorous in the world.  One thing to note - unless there is a drastic change in its immigration regulations, The Gambia will never deny a US citizen (or Canadian, or European etc.) entry to the country, and it's always possible to sort out any visa or immigration problems at the Immigration Police's Headquarters in Banjul after being allowed into the country - the lack of a visa is certainly not something to worry about.

16720

Sort Nr.

I'm a United States citizen (travelling on a US passport) - do I need a visa to enter The Gambia?

318

FAQ ID Nr.

8

06-07-31

Last Updated

No.  As it stands at this point in time US citizens do not need a visa to enter Senegal.  Amongst other places, information on visa requirements can be found on the website of the embassy of Senegal in the UK - www.senegalembassy.co.uk.

16700

Sort Nr.

I'm a United States citizen (travelling on a US passport) - do I need a visa to enter Senegal?

464

FAQ ID Nr.

9

06-07-31

Last Updated

No.

20780

Sort Nr.

Is there any possibility that I will be denied a visa to enter The Gambia?

294

FAQ ID Nr.

10

06-07-31

Last Updated

No.

15020

Sort Nr.

If I have a visa clearance letter from the Gambian High Commission in London do I also need a visa stamp in my passport to enable me to enter The Gambia?

312

FAQ ID Nr.

11

06-07-31

Last Updated

No.  As it stands at this point in time Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Senegal.  Amongst other places, information on visa requirements can be found on the website of the embassy of Senegal in the UK - www.senegalembassy.co.uk.

16600

Sort Nr.

I'm a Canadian citizen (travelling on a Canadian passport) - will I need a visa to enter Senegal?

200

FAQ ID Nr.

12

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes, this is sufficient to pass immigration in Banjul airport.  And no, we do not foresee any problems at either your home airport or upon arrival in Banjul.  The letter is as good as a stamp in your visa and you must let that be known to the airport/check-in officials in no uncertain terms!  The letter carries the seal of the Gambian High Commission on it as well as the signature of the consular official.  Mangosteen has had the same kind of visa clearance letter prepared for a number of past meeting participants (from a wide range of countries) and practically all have been allowed to travel with only the minimum of delay.  In one case (on a Gambia Experience flight), two participants were asked to sign a waiver stating that they themselves were responsible if their visa clearance was not in order, in case they were denied entry to The Gambia - it must be noted that practically no one flying in on a flight from Europe is denied entry to The Gambia, the country's immigration regulations are not so rigorous!

15520

Sort Nr.

I need a visa to enter The Gambia, and have a visa clearance letter from the High Commission in London - but do not have an actual visa stamp in my passport - is this sufficient?  Do you foresee any problems at my home airport or upon arrival in Banjul airport?

199

FAQ ID Nr.

13

06-07-31

Last Updated

This is a difficult question to answer - and the answer very much depends on where you come from.  Using India or Pakistan as an example - if you come from India or Pakistan (and start your journey from home) then you will almost certainly not be allowed on to the plane if you are not able to show proof that you have been granted a visa clearance by the Senegalese authorities.  However, this need not be a visa stamp in your passport - a visa clearance letter from the Ministry of the Interior in Dakar will also serve as proof that you have been granted clearance to enter the country.  If you have not already made arrangements for either a passport visa stamp or a visa clearance letter from the Senegalese authorities then you should contact the meeting organizer as soon as possible.

23580

Sort Nr.

I need a visa to be able to enter Senegal - will my home country allow me on the plane if I don't have a visa for Senegal in my passport?

198

FAQ ID Nr.

14

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes.  Please just let us know by email that you need one.  If you need specific wording in your letter please also state the text that you need in your email message.

17360

Sort Nr.

I need a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer in order to be able to apply for a visa - can the meeting organizer arrange such a letter for me?

52

FAQ ID Nr.

15

06-07-31

Last Updated

No.  Belgian citizens do not require a visa - but citizens of some other EU countries are formally supposed to require one.  Visas are required by citizens of France, Spain and Portugal amongst others, but not by others, including citizens of Ireland, Germany, the UK, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark or Finland.  Mangosteen's primary source for information on Gambian visas is the high commission of The Gambia in London.  The high commission's web address is http://gambia.embassyhomepage.com.  The web page that discusses visa requirements is http://gambia.embassyhomepage.com/gambian_visa_gambia_embassy_uk_gambian_embassy_london_uk.htm.  The information on this website is not however often updated and certainly not always reliable - a phone call to the consular section of the high commission is always the most reliable option.

17060

Sort Nr.

Do Belgian (or other European Union) citizens require a visa to enter The Gambia?

51

FAQ ID Nr.

16

06-07-31

Last Updated

No.  Belgian and Greek citizens do not require a visa - neither do citizens of the original 15 EU member states - but citizens of the 10 new EU countries do require a visa.  The text on the matter from the website of the Embassy of Senegal in London (http://www.senegalembassy.co.uk/visaAndpassport.html) on July 19th 2006 is as follows - "Citizens of countries member of the European Union (EU) do not need visa to travel to Senegal for up to three months stay.  N.B: Not concerned 10 new EU countries entering in May 2004."

17040

Sort Nr.

Do Belgian or Greek (or other European Union) citizens require a visa to enter Senegal?

44

FAQ ID Nr.

17

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes.  Visas are available from the high commission of The Gambia in the centre of Dakar - ask the meeting organizer for directions.  The application procedure is extremely straightforward - in addition to application forms in duplicate you will also need to submit passport photos and the fee for the visa, which in early 2006 was FCFA 25,000 (approximately $45 US).  Your visa will be issued within 24 hours.  Application forms are available on Mangosteen's website and are available to confirmed participants.

Link for application form to apply for a Gambian visa from the High Commission of The Gambia in Dakar, Senegal:  
http://mangosee.com/mangosteen/info/gambian_high_commission_dakar_visa_application.pdf

16960

Sort Nr.

Can I get a visa for The Gambia in Senegal?

116

FAQ ID Nr.

18

06-07-31

Last Updated

We don't have any first hand experience, but we've heard both very good and very bad things about the embassy in the US.  In February 2006 meeting participants advised us that the embassy was highly efficient, returning their passports with visas within just a couple of days.  In April 2006 we were told that the staff at the embassy were practically uncontactable by phone and as a result completely ineffective.

23240

Sort Nr.

How efficient is the Gambian embassy in Washington, D.C. when it comes to issuing visas?

311

FAQ ID Nr.

19

06-07-31

Last Updated

Officially, yes, you need a visa.  In practice however it is unlikely that any of the Gambian border officials are likely to look for it in your passport or ask to see your passport on the basis that you need a visa.  By way of an example, Canadian meeting participants of Bacterial Gastroenteritis 2006 arriving in Banjul airport without a visa were not delayed for more time than it took to stamp their passports with an entry stamp - neither The Gambia's immigration policies nor the officials carrying them out are the most rigorous in the world.  One thing to note - unless there is a drastic change in its immigration regulations, The Gambia will never deny a Canadian citizen (or US, or European etc.) entry to the country, and it's always possible to sort out any visa or immigration problems at the Immigration Police's Headquarters in Banjul after being allowed into the country - the lack of a visa is certainly not something to worry about.

16580

Sort Nr.

I'm a Canadian citizen (travelling on a Canadian passport) - do I need a visa to enter The Gambia?

561

FAQ ID Nr.

20

06-07-31

Last Updated

No.  You will not be denied entry, and you will not be deported, whether you have a visa or not.  Please don't worry about either, it simply will not happen - you will be allowed into the country.

23020

Sort Nr.

What is the likelihood that I will not be allowed to enter The Gambia if I don't have the correct visa documentation in place?  Is there a chance that I will be denied entry and subsequently deported?

562

FAQ ID Nr.

21

06-07-31

Last Updated

Very low.  Your visa will not be denied.  The worst case scenario may occur if you do not make your application early enough - in which case your visa clearance may not be granted before you fly to Senegal.  It can take weeks for the Senegalese authorities to issue visa clearance letters at times - in general they ask that a month be allowed to complete the process.  So, please do make sure to apply (or ask the meeting organizer to apply on your behalf) as soon as possible after you have decided to participate in the meeting.

19020

Sort Nr.

What is the likelihood that my visa application will be rejected?

503

FAQ ID Nr.

22

06-07-31

Last Updated

No, absolutely not - once you have decided to participate in the meeting we recommend that you go ahead and buy your plane ticket without giving any consideration to whether or not you need a visa.  Although this may be contrary to what you expect to hear, a visa for The Gambia is really not that important - you will not be denied entry to the country because you do not have a visa.

21820

Sort Nr.

Should I wait until my visa is issued to purchase my plane ticket?

502

FAQ ID Nr.

23

06-07-31

Last Updated

This is a very difficult question to answer.  In the spring of 2006 several meeting participants delayed purchasing their plane tickets since they did not want to confirm their plans and spend the money before being issued with a visa by the authorities in Dakar.  Their visas were issued very late on - but they did not participate in the meeting since the airlines/travel agents were not willing to hold their ticket reservations until the point that the visas were finally issued!  The one way to avoid this problem is to apply for your visa early - very early, long before you even consider booking a plane ticket.  If you find your self in such a predicament please contact us, we may be able to advise or assist you.

21660

Sort Nr.

Should I wait until my visa is issued to purchase my plane ticket?

481

FAQ ID Nr.

24

06-07-31

Last Updated

No, it just means that the consular officials are not as efficient as they might be!  Rather than waiting indefinitely please contact us to explain your predicament - we may well be able to advise you on how to bypass lengthy visa application procedures.

21000

Sort Nr.

My Gambian visa application is taking a long time - does this mean that my application has been rejected?

520

FAQ ID Nr.

25

06-07-31

Last Updated

We believe that your travel agent is wrong - and clearly not blessed with the best source of information.  To the best of our knowledge all South Americans citizens require visas to enter The Gambia?  Perhaps the best quick source of information on who does and does not need a visa to enter The Gambia is the website of the Gambian High Commission in London - http://gambia.embassyhomepage.com/gambian_visa_gambia_embassy_uk_gambian_embassy_london_uk.htm.  If you are still unsure whether or not you need a visa please just ask us by email - england@mangosee.com.

19300

Sort Nr.

There is no Gambian embassy in Venezuela.  My travel agency told me that I do not need a visa to enter The Gambia but I'm not sure I believe them.  Would you please help clarify my situation?

514

FAQ ID Nr.

26

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes.  Please just ask us by email and we'll get you the information you need.

21740

Sort Nr.

The application form for the Gambian visa asks for the names and addresses of two references in The Gambia - can the meeting organizer help with this?

75

FAQ ID Nr.

27

06-07-31

Last Updated

This is a difficult question to answer.  Senegal is represented in many of the world's most prominent countries, but it does not have direct representation in many countries and regions of the world.  Perhaps the best source of information on this topic is the French embassy in your home country.  As Senegal's former colonial power, France typically has exceptionally good links with Senegal.  It must be noted that in the absence of a Senegalese embassy or consulate it is possible to apply to the French embassy for a visa to enter Senegal.

LINK TO THE WEBSITE OF THE EMBASSY OF SENEGAL IN LONDON:
http://www.senegalembassy.co.uk

EMBASSY VISA SECTION:
http://www.senegalembassy.co.uk/visaAndpassport.html

16940

Sort Nr.

Does Senegal have an embassy/consulate in my home country?

660

FAQ ID Nr.

28

06-07-31

Last Updated

Please refer to the following password protected web page.  All confirmed participants will be given access to the page after completing the registration procedure - please request the password if you don't already have it.

Link to Web Page containing General and Practical Information on the meeting - 
http://mangosee.com/mangosteen/info/index.htm

19940

Sort Nr.

Where on the Mangosteen website can I find information on obtaining a visa for Senegal and/or The Gambia?

47

FAQ ID Nr.

29

06-07-31

Last Updated

No.  We're sorry to say that after five weeks prior to the start date of the meeting you are on your own!  All passport scans for visa applications (via the Ministry of the Interior in Dakar) must be emailed to the meeting organizer before the five week deadline.

17020

Sort Nr.

Is the meeting organizer able to help me to obtain a visa for Senegal within the last month before the start of the meeting?

521

FAQ ID Nr.

30

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes, to the best of our knowledge this is possible.  However, it's not a method that we recommend since it appears to involve an extremely slow, inefficient application procedure.  We know of meeting participants who have applied for a visa in this way, but we don't know of meeting participants who have been issued a visa in this way!  Not because their application was denied, but simply because the waiting time was so long delayed that they had to find another way to get a visa.  In theory it's possible, in practice it may not be - but one thing is for sure, you must not allow the French embassy or anyone else to mail your passport to Senegal, since you may not see it again for a month or two.

19320

Sort Nr.

There is no Senegalese embassy or consulate in my home country - is it possible to apply for a visa via the French embassy?

202

FAQ ID Nr.

31

06-07-31

Last Updated

In our experience, applying for a Senegalese visa via the Embassy of France proves not to be a very reliable or expeditious method.  Everything of course depends on the efficiency of your local French embassy, but we don't consider this to be a very trusty approach.  If you are having problems obtaining a visa to Senegal, please don't delay any longer - simply contact us and let us know your situation - provided it is at least one month prior to the start of the meeting we will almost certainly be able to apply for a visa (in the form on an official visa clearance letter) from the Ministry of the Interior in Dakar on your behalf.  To apply for the visa clearance, we will need you to email us a scanned image of your passport and proof that you intend to participate in the meeting (a scan of your plane ticket, for example).

15560

Sort Nr.

There is no Senegalese consulate/embassy in my home country - I've contacted the French embassy and they told me that they can apply for a visa for me, but that the application will take 4 weeks - what shall I do?

636

FAQ ID Nr.

32