Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| B-1 | $15.00 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-2 | $15.00 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | $15.00 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1 | $15.00 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1/D | $15.00 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 6 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | $15.00 | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | One | 1 Month |
| U-2 | None | One | 1 Month |
| U-3 | None | One | 1 Month |
| U-4 | None | One | 1 Month |
| U-5 | None | One | 1 Month |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty. *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used. **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.
*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.
**Example 2: Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
Available
Fees: There is a nominal fee for these certificates
Document Name: Birth Certificate
Issuing Authority: Registrar of Births and Deaths
Special Seal(s): Red Seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of Births & Deaths
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Report to birth clinic for minors under 5 years of age. For late registration, appear at the Registrar of Births and Deaths.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: The red seal is only on the old birth certificates. The new ones do not have the red seal and instead have a QR code.
Available
Fees: There may be a fee for this service
Document Name: Death Certificate
Issuing Authority: Registrar of Births and Deaths
Special Seal(s) / Red Seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of Births and Deaths
Registration Criteria: Identification of Informant
Procedure for Obtaining: Walk in with medical death certificate
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Processing time is approximately two (2) days
Available
Fees: There may be a fee for this service
Document Name: Marriage Certificate
Issuing Authority:
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Wet Seal. Civil Marriage certificates will have a unique ID number and are standardized in format.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title:
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: There is no procedure for obtaining
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Both Civil Registry or Religious certificates are available. Same sex marriage is not recognized in The Gambia. Applicants not married in the Muslim religion should submit a Civil Marriage certificate.
Available
Fees: There may be a fee for this service
Document Name: Divorce Certificate
Issuing Authority:
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining:
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There may be a fee for this service
Document Name: Adoption Decree
Issuing Authority: Children’s Court
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registrar of the Children’s Court
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Contact the Gambian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Banjul.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There may be a fee for this service
Document Name: National Identity Card
Issuing Authority: The Gambian Immigration Department
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Immigration Officers
Registration Criteria: Must be a citizen of The Gambia
Procedure for Obtaining: Old Identity Card and Birth Certificate. For first time, parent’s ID cards.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees:
Gambians: 100 Dalasis (approximately $2 US)
Non-Gambians: 500 Dalasis (approximately $10 US)
Document Name: Police Clearance Certificate
Issuing Authority: Gambian Police Force
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Inspector General
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the Gambian Police Force to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: The process may take a considerable length of time, especially when either the individual or a contact is not physically present in The Gambia. Criminal records are maintained indefinitely at a central Criminal Records Office and are never purged. Criminal records are indexed by the individual's unique national identity number and include fingerprints for verification.
Available
Fees: there may be a fee depending on the service requested
Document Name: May vary depending on issuing court
Issuing Authority: The court which issued the specific judgment
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the court which presided over their case for copies of their records
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There may be a fee for this service
Document Name: Prison Record
Issuing Authority: Mile 2 Central Prison
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Superintendent of Prisons
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact Mile 2 Central Prison or seek assistance through the Department of Justice in the Gambia.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There may be a fee for this service
Document Name: Military Record
Issuing Authority: Gambian Armed Forces
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should contact the specific branch of the Gambian Armed Forces in question for Human Resource related questions.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Tourist, Service, Diplomatic
Fees: There may be a fee for this service
Document Name: Passport
Issuing Government Authority: Gambian Immigration Department
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:
Tourist: Dark forest green cover with a gold seal of the Republic of The Gambia. Tourist Passport numbers are two (2) letters followed by six (6) digits (e.g. PC123456)
Service: Navy blue cover with a gold seal of the Republic of The Gambia. Service passport numbers begin with the letter S followed by six (6) numbers (e.g. S000000)
Diplomatic: Red cover with a gold seal of the Republic of The Gambia. Diplomatic passport numbers begin with the letter D followed by six (6) numbers (e.g. S000000)
All passports: The inside cover contains artwork of a pirogue (a type of canoe) and two birds. Individual pages have the seal of The Gambia in the middle of each page. Other security features are present, including UV-light reactive pages and threads.
Biometric data is printed on the last page of the passport. Photographs are printed on this page large and clear on the left side, while the right side contains a small and faded version. The words "Republic of The Gambia" in light gold reflective ink run in three wavy lines across the bottom of the page, partially crossing the photograph and completely crossing the issue and expiration dates. The indented first and second lines begin with the words "Gambia" and "Republic". The third line starts with the word "Republic" all the way at the left margin of the page.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Director of Immigration
Registration Criteria: Must be a citizen of The Gambia.
Procedure for Obtaining: Presenting documentation proving nationality.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Gambian passports are only valid for five (5) years.
Other Documents Available: None
Education - The most reliable education records are standardized test results, though the exams administered differ between public and private schools. Public school students in The Gambia take standardized tests during their primary (NPSE), junior secondary (BECE), and senior secondary school years (WASSCE or O Levels). The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) records these results. A certified verification may be retrieved one time from the WAEC office and results for recent years are available online with a WAEC-provided scratch card. Generally, private schools in the Gambia follow British curriculum, and students will either take a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or Cambridge exams. There is no centralized system or agency within the Gambian government to verify school records or documents.
Post Title: Embassy Banjul
Address:
Phone Number:
Email: None
Comments / Additional Information: None
Nonimmigrant visas for all of Gambia. Immigrant visa applications for nationals of The Gambia are processed by the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.
Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.
You are about to visit:
