While the Republic of Gambia — sometimes referred to as The Gambia — is the smallest country within Africa’s mainland, this nation offers big opportunities for businesses looking to expand on an international scale. If your company is exploring the possibility of expanding or outsourcing operations to Gambia, you’ll need to start by making sure all your employees have the relevant visas and permits to live and work there.
Types of Work Visas in the Republic of Gambia
There are several types of visas available to foreign nationals who intend to visit the Republic of Gambia. Foreign employees and any other foreign nationals who plan to live in Gambia will need to apply for a residence permit. The Gambian government issues three categories of residence permits:
- Type A: International students and retired foreign citizens are eligible to apply for Type A permits.
- Type B: This category of residence permit is available to citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other foreign nationals who are working in skilled employment.
- Type C: Skilled workers and small traders fall under the Type C residence permit category.
Your employees will most likely need either a Type B or a Type C residence permit. Since these permits are issued on the basis of employment, they also function as work permits for foreign nationals.
Requirements to Obtain Gambia Work Visas
As with any other country, visa requirements may vary in Gambia. Applicants should get in touch with the Gambian embassy or consulate in their country of residence for an updated and comprehensive list of requirements. That said, foreign employees should expect to provide the following:
- A signed, valid passport that contains at least two blank pages and is valid for at least six months
- A duly completed and signed application form
- A recent passport photo
- A letter of responsibility from the applicant’s employer in the Republic of Gambia explaining the purpose of travel, proof of financial support for the applicant during their time in Gambia, and business references
Applicants will also need to be vaccinated against malaria, meningitis, and yellow fever before traveling to the Republic of Gambia.
Application Process
Foreign employees should initiate the visa application process by reaching out to the Gambian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. The diplomatic officials will be able to provide an updated list of visa requirements.
Applicants should obtain the necessary immunizations and gather all necessary documents to support the residence and work permit application. After completing the application, they should submit it to the embassy and wait in their country of residence for approval.
Once the appropriate Gambian officials issue the permit, prospective employees may travel to Gambia. Upon arrival in the Republic of Gambia, foreign nationals should visit their local police department to obtain an Alien’s ID card. To do so, they’ll need to submit their passport as well as a valid ID from their country of residence. After obtaining this card, foreign nationals can legally live and work in Gambia.
Other Important Considerations
Foreign employees should be aware that they need to carry their ID at all times in case they’re stopped by the police or immigration officials in Gambia. Any dependents who are over the age of 18 will need to do the same.
Partner With G-P
At G-P, we believe that international expansion should be an exciting time, not a stressful one. Our team of global experts will manage all the risks associated with conducting business abroad, and you can continue to focus on managing your company. Contact us today to learn more about how our solution can help you employ top talent in Gambia and beyond.