Moving Scientific Information to the Developing World



413FAQ ID Nr.106-07-31Last 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.206-07-31Last 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.306-07-31Last 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.406-07-31Last 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.506-07-31Last 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.606-07-31Last 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?
464FAQ ID Nr.706-07-31Last UpdatedNo.20780Sort Nr.Is there any possibility that I will be denied a visa to enter The Gambia?
294FAQ ID Nr.806-07-31Last 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?
200FAQ ID Nr.906-07-31Last 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?
52FAQ ID Nr.1006-07-31Last 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?
44FAQ ID Nr.1106-07-31Last 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.1206-07-31Last 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.1306-07-31Last 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.1406-07-31Last 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?
503FAQ ID Nr.1506-07-31Last 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?
481FAQ ID Nr.1606-07-31Last 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.1706-07-31Last 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.1806-07-31Last 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?
81FAQ ID Nr.1906-07-31Last UpdatedThis is a difficult question to answer. The Gambia 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 UK embassy in your home country. As The Gambia's former colonial power, the UK typically has exceptionally good links with The Gambia. It must be noted that in the absence of a Gambian embassy or consulate it is possible to apply to your local UK embassy for a visa to enter The Gambia. WEBSITE OF THE HIGH COMMISSION OF THE GAMBIA IN LONDON: http://gambia.embassyhomepage.com/ VISA SECTION: http://gambia.embassyhomepage.com/gambian_visa_gambia_embassy_uk_gambian_embassy_london_uk.htm18400Sort Nr.Does The Gambia have an embassy/consulate in my home country?
186FAQ ID Nr.2006-07-31Last UpdatedNo, absolutely not. To the best of out knowledge there is no reason why the Gambian authorities would not issue you with a visa - and especially not since you are scientist travelling to a research conference. Do let us know if we can be of assistance in helping you apply for a visa.23200Sort Nr.I have learned that my home country has not yet established diplomatic relations with The Gambia - does this mean that the Gambian authorities will reject my application for a visa?
191FAQ ID Nr.2106-07-31Last UpdatedNo, it will not cause a problem. Please don't worry about this apparent discrepancy. Practically nothing causes problems when it comes to entering The Gambia, their immigration regulations are not the most rigorous in the world - you will not be denied entry to the country.23120Sort Nr.I have read that visas to The Gambia require passports valid for 6 months beyond the end of the visit. My passport will expire 3 months after the meeting - is this going to cause a problem?
201FAQ ID Nr.2206-07-31Last UpdatedThe UK embassy is one option, but 4 weeks is an unreasonable wait. Our suggestion is that you allow us to apply for a visa from the Gambian High Commission in London on your behalf. This is an extremely straightforward procedure and takes just a couple of days for a visa clearance letter to be issued. To apply for it, 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) - you will also need to submit payment for the visa clearance letter, the total of which will be 35 euros.15540Sort Nr.There is no Gambian consulate/embassy in my home country - I've contacted the UK 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?
649FAQ ID Nr.2306-07-31Last 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.htm20500Sort Nr.Where on the Mangosteen website can I find information pertaining to general and practical information on the meeting, advice on flights and accommodation etc.?
324FAQ ID Nr.2406-07-31Last UpdatedYes, certainly. It doesn't matter where you are located or what your nationality is, if you provide us with a scanned image of your passport in good time then we will certainly be able to apply for a visa for you.18600Sort Nr.I'm in the United States (or country other than the UK) - is it possible for the meeting organizer to apply for my visa for The Gambia from the Gambian High Commission in London?
491FAQ ID Nr.2506-07-31Last UpdatedYes, that's easily done via the Gambian High Commission in London. Please just email us a scanned image of both of your passports and we will make the application for you. The cost for each visa will be 35 euros - payable to Mangosteen, the meeting organizer.21600Sort Nr.My wife (or husband) will be accompanying me to the meeting - will the meeting organizer help her (him) to get a visa to enter The Gambia?
482FAQ ID Nr.2606-07-31Last UpdatedPlease pay the meeting organizer at your earliest convenience. The total cost for the visa (in the form of a visa clearance letter) will be 35 euros. Details on how to send your payment to Mangosteen can be found on the meeting home page.20800Sort Nr.An application for my Gambian visa is being made to the Gambian High Commission in London by the meeting organizer on my behalf - how, when and to whom do I pay for it?
410FAQ ID Nr.2706-07-31Last UpdatedYes. The immigration police in Banjul have the authority to solve any visa problems you may have.15500Sort Nr.Is it possible to get a visa (clearance) from the Immigration Police Headquarters in Banjul?
2FAQ ID Nr.2806-07-31Last UpdatedYes. It's very straightforward - you will simply need to go to the headquarters of the immigration police in Banjul to put in a request for an extension. If necessary the meeting organizer can assist and/or accompany you to the Ministry.21880Sort Nr.After my arrival in The Gambia, will it be possible to prolong my stay by applying for a visa extension?
414FAQ ID Nr.2906-07-31Last UpdatedYes, from the Immigration Police Headquarters in Banjul.21100Sort Nr.Is it possible to obtain an extension for a Gambian visa?
91FAQ ID Nr.3006-07-31Last UpdatedPlease do let us know - if you don't have the visa(s) required in good time we may be able to assist you with your application or otherwise advise you how best to proceed.22200Sort Nr.Does the meeting organizer need to know once I have successfully obtained the required visa(s)?
704FAQ ID Nr.3106-07-31Last UpdatedNo, definitely not.20020Sort Nr.Will I need a letter from the meeting organizer to apply for a Gambian visa?
124FAQ ID Nr.3206-07-31Last UpdatedOne day at most - if you're lucky (or just a little pushy) you may be able to submit your application in the morning and collect your passport and visa the same afternoon.18760Sort Nr.

413

FAQ ID Nr.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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?

464

FAQ ID Nr.

7

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.

8

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?

200

FAQ ID Nr.

9

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?

52

FAQ ID Nr.

10

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?

44

FAQ ID Nr.

11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

14

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?

503

FAQ ID Nr.

15

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?

481

FAQ ID Nr.

16

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.

17

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.

18

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?

81

FAQ ID Nr.

19

06-07-31

Last Updated

This is a difficult question to answer.  The Gambia 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 UK embassy in your home country.  As The Gambia's former colonial power, the UK typically has exceptionally good links with The Gambia.  It must be noted that in the absence of a Gambian embassy or consulate it is possible to apply to your local UK embassy for a visa to enter The Gambia.

WEBSITE OF THE HIGH COMMISSION OF THE GAMBIA IN LONDON:
http://gambia.embassyhomepage.com/

VISA SECTION:
http://gambia.embassyhomepage.com/gambian_visa_gambia_embassy_uk_gambian_embassy_london_uk.htm

18400

Sort Nr.

Does The Gambia have an embassy/consulate in my home country?

186

FAQ ID Nr.

20

06-07-31

Last Updated

No, absolutely not.  To the best of out knowledge there is no reason why the Gambian authorities would not issue you with a visa - and especially not since you are scientist travelling to a research conference.  Do let us know if we can be of assistance in helping you apply for a visa.

23200

Sort Nr.

I have learned that my home country has not yet established diplomatic relations with The Gambia - does this mean that the Gambian authorities will reject my application for a visa?

191

FAQ ID Nr.

21

06-07-31

Last Updated

No, it will not cause a problem.  Please don't worry about this apparent discrepancy.  Practically nothing causes problems when it comes to entering The Gambia, their immigration regulations are not the most rigorous in the world - you will not be denied entry to the country.

23120

Sort Nr.

I have read that visas to The Gambia require passports valid for 6 months beyond the end of the visit.  My passport will expire 3 months after the meeting - is this going to cause a problem?

201

FAQ ID Nr.

22

06-07-31

Last Updated

The UK embassy is one option, but 4 weeks is an unreasonable wait.  Our suggestion is that you allow us to apply for a visa from the Gambian High Commission in London on your behalf.  This is an extremely straightforward procedure and takes just a couple of days for a visa clearance letter to be issued.  To apply for it, 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) - you will also need to submit payment for the visa clearance letter, the total of which will be 35 euros.

15540

Sort Nr.

There is no Gambian consulate/embassy in my home country - I've contacted the UK 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?

649

FAQ ID Nr.

23

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

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Where on the Mangosteen website can I find information pertaining to general and practical information on the meeting, advice on flights and accommodation etc.?

324

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24

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes, certainly.  It doesn't matter where you are located or what your nationality is, if you provide us with a scanned image of your passport in good time then we will certainly be able to apply for a visa for you.

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I'm in the United States (or country other than the UK) - is it possible for the meeting organizer to apply for my visa for The Gambia from the Gambian High Commission in London?

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25

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes, that's easily done via the Gambian High Commission in London.  Please just email us a scanned image of both of your passports and we will make the application for you.  The cost for each visa will be 35 euros - payable to Mangosteen, the meeting organizer.

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My wife (or husband) will be accompanying me to the meeting - will the meeting organizer help her (him) to get a visa to enter The Gambia?

482

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26

06-07-31

Last Updated

Please pay the meeting organizer at your earliest convenience.  The total cost for the visa (in the form of a visa clearance letter) will be 35 euros.  Details on how to send your payment to Mangosteen can be found on the meeting home page.

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An application for my Gambian visa is being made to the Gambian High Commission in London by the meeting organizer on my behalf - how, when and to whom do I pay for it?

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27

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes.  The immigration police in Banjul have the authority to solve any visa problems you may have.

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Is it possible to get a visa (clearance) from the Immigration Police Headquarters in Banjul?

2

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28

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes.  It's very straightforward - you will simply need to go to the headquarters of the immigration police in Banjul to put in a request for an extension.  If necessary the meeting organizer can assist and/or accompany you to the Ministry.

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After my arrival in The Gambia, will it be possible to prolong my stay by applying for a visa extension?

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29

06-07-31

Last Updated

Yes, from the Immigration Police Headquarters in Banjul.

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Is it possible to obtain an extension for a Gambian visa?

91

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30

06-07-31

Last Updated

Please do let us know - if you don't have the visa(s) required in good time we may be able to assist you with your application or otherwise advise you how best to proceed.

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Does the meeting organizer need to know once I have successfully obtained the required visa(s)?

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31

06-07-31

Last Updated

No, definitely not.

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Will I need a letter from the meeting organizer to apply for a Gambian visa?

124

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32

06-07-31

Last Updated

One day at most - if you're lucky (or just a little pushy) you may be able to submit your application in the morning and collect your passport and visa the same afternoon.

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