Sierra LeoneGambia

Sierra Leonean passport ยท policy checked 5 Jul 2026

No visa

Freedom of movement - live, work and travel. ECOWAS.

โˆž

stay

no time limit

0

visa fee

free entry

1

document

your valid passport

0

forms

no application, no appointment

Entering Gambia on a Sierra Leonean passport

    Gambia visa types

    Resident Permit A (Student Residence)Student

    multiple entry~$78valid 365d

    For foreign students residing in The Gambia to study, without engaging in gainful employment. Resident Permit A is the non-working residence permit the GID issues to foreign students.

    gid.gov.gm/residential-permit/ states Resident Permit A is issued to applicants who intend to reside without gainful employment, 'usually issued to foreign student residing in the Gambia, retirees, individuals on short business visit or mission.' The Gambia has no separate 'student visa' - foreign students reside under Permit A. Official fee: D5,700 for non-ECOWAS (~$78 USD, includes the D2,500 Alien Card) or D3,100 for ECOWAS (~$42). Non-ECOWAS applicants must reside 56 days after admission before issuance. Biometric card, renewed annually.

    Official page โ†—
    Resident Permit B (Work & Residence Permit)Work

    multiple entry~$105valid 365d

    For non-Gambians taking up gainful employment or self-employment in The Gambia - expatriates, businesspersons, professionals, and unskilled workers who earn a livelihood. This is the country's combined work-and-residence permit.

    gid.gov.gm/residential-permit/: Resident Permit B is issued to those who intend to live, reside AND work in The Gambia. It is an offence for a non-citizen to take up gainful employment without it. Official fee: D7,700 for non-ECOWAS nationals (~$105 USD, includes the D2,500 Alien Card) or D3,600 for ECOWAS nationals (~$49). Non-ECOWAS applicants must reside 56 days after admission before issuance; Permit B requires a GRA payroll tax receipt. Biometric card, renewed annually. Valid holders may re-enter The Gambia without a fresh visa; children/dependents are covered under the holder's permit.

    Official page โ†—
    Missionary VisaOther

    multiple entry4-10d processing~$139valid 365d

    Visits for religious or faith-based missionary work in The Gambia.

    gid.gov.gm/visa/ does not enumerate a distinct 'missionary visa'; religious/mission visits are handled as a Multiple Journey Visa (validity NOT exceeding 12 months - corrected from a previously recorded 5-year figure) or, for longer stays, a Resident Permit A (issued to those on mission). Applied for at a Gambian embassy or consulate abroad. Applicants must submit a letter of invitation from their Gambian sponsor or host organisation detailing purpose, length of stay, accommodation, and contact information.

    Official page โ†—
    Non-Gambian ID CardOther

    multiple entry~$10

    A residence-and-work identity document issued under bilateral agreements to nationals of Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast, allowing them to legally reside and work in The Gambia.

    Per gid.gov.gm/residential-permit/, the Non-Gambian ID Card is issued to nationals of Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast under bilateral cooperation, letting them legally reside and work in The Gambia on payment of prescribed fees. Official fee: D750 (~$10 USD). Issued to holders aged 18 and above.

    Official page โ†—
    Official/Diplomatic VisaDiplomatic

    90 daysfree

    Entry for government officials and diplomatic personnel travelling to The Gambia on official business.

    Per gid.gov.gm/visa/, the Diplomatic Visa is issued only to Heads of Missions, is granted only by Gambian Missions abroad, and NO fee is charged for its issuance. Separately, the Feb 2026 New Visa Policy (HC Senegal) lists 'Diplomats and Consular Corps' as visa-exempt; holders of diplomatic, official/service, or ordinary passports from EU states (incl. UK and Switzerland) are visa-free per Section IV. The Securiport airport fee is waived for diplomats.

    Official page โ†—
    Resident Permit A (Retiree Residence)Retirement

    multiple entry~$78valid 365d

    For foreign retirees residing in The Gambia without engaging in gainful employment.

    gid.gov.gm/residential-permit/ explicitly lists retirees among those issued Resident Permit A (the non-working residence permit). The Gambia has no dedicated 'retirement visa' scheme; retirees reside under Permit A. Official fee: D5,700 for non-ECOWAS (~$78 USD, includes the D2,500 Alien Card) or D3,100 for ECOWAS (~$42). Non-ECOWAS applicants must reside 56 days after admission before issuance. Biometric card, renewed annually.

    Official page โ†—

    Gambia visa policy, fees & entry rules in full โ†’

    Gambia visa for Sierra Leonean citizens - FAQ

    Do Sierra Leonean citizens need a visa for Gambia?

    No - Sierra Leonean citizens have freedom of movement in Gambia under their bloc membership, which includes the right to live and work there, not just visit.

    What documents do Sierra Leonean citizens need for Gambia?

    A valid passport is all Sierra Leonean citizens need for a short stay.

    Check entry with visas you already hold โ†’What โ€œfreedom of movementโ€ means โ†’