--- title: Canada visa for citizens of the Gambia description: "Citizens of the Gambia need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100 + CA$22 service fee. Processing: 14–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/gambia lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Canada visa for citizens of the Gambia Citizens of the Gambia need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (TRV) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 14–30 days - **Government fee:** CA$100 + CA$22 service fee - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Not required - **Proof of funds:** Proof of sufficient funds for stay and return ## How to apply 1. **Determine if you need a visa** — Gambian passport holders require a visitor visa (TRV) for Canada. 2. **Prepare documents** — Gather all required documents as per the checklist above. 3. **Pay the visa and biometrics fee** — Pay CAD 100 processing fee + CAD 85 biometrics fee online via IRCC portal. 4. **Submit application online or by paper** — Complete the IRCC online application or submit at VFS Global in person. 5. **Receive biometric instruction letter (BIL)** — After submission, you will get a BIL within 24-48 hours. 6. **Book biometrics appointment** — Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global or visa application centre (VAC). 7. **Attend biometrics appointment in person** — Provide fingerprints and photograph at the VAC nearest to you. 8. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 14-30 days; you may be contacted for an interview or additional docs. 9. **Passport submission (if approved)** — If approved, you will be asked to submit your passport for visa sticker. 10. **Receive visa and travel** — Collect passport with visa or have it couriered to you. Check the visa validity. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)** (Travel) - **Two recent passport-size photographs** (Travel): Meets Canada photo specifications - **Completed and signed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Supporting) - **Family information form (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707)** (Supporting) - **Schedule 1 (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional) - **Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, pay stubs, etc.)** (Financial): Recent 3-6 months - **Travel itinerary / round-trip flight reservation** (Travel) - **Hotel bookings or invitation letter from host in Canada** (Travel): If visiting friends/family, include invitation letter - **Letter of employment or proof of ties to home country** (Employment): To demonstrate intention to return - **Biometric instruction letter (after fee payment)** (Supporting) - **Visa application fee receipt (biometrics + processing)** (Supporting) - **Additional documents may be requested by visa officer** (Supporting, optional): e.g., prior visas, itinerary details - **Copy of national ID** (Supporting, optional): If available - **Police clearance certificate (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): May be requested for certain applicants ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** CAD 3,000 - 5,000 for typical trip - Bank statements (last 3-6 months) - Pay stubs - Tax returns - Sponsor letter + sponsor financials Must cover travel, accommodation, and return. ## Good to know - Biometrics are mandatory and must be done in person – no exceptions. - Processing times vary – apply well in advance (at least 1 month before travel). - Incomplete applications will be returned or delayed. - Visa does not guarantee entry – final decision at port of entry. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient funds or lack of proof of financial ability** — Provide robust bank statements, pay slips, and sponsor letter if needed. - **Weak ties to home country (Gambia)** — Submit employment letter, property documents, family ties, and return flight booking. - **Incomplete or incorrect application forms** — Double-check all forms, signatures, and supporting documents. - **Criminal record or security concerns** — Obtain police certificate and explain any history fully. - **Previous visa refusal or overstay in any country** — Be honest about past; provide explanation letter if applicable. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of the Gambia need a visa for Canada? Citizens of the Gambia need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (TRV). ### How long can citizens of the Gambia stay in Canada? Up to 180 days. ### How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of the Gambia? Government fee: CA$100 + CA$22 service fee. ### How long does Canada visa processing take? Typically 14–30 days. ### What documents do citizens of the Gambia need for Canada? Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages); Two recent passport-size photographs; Completed and signed visa application form (IMM 5257); Family information form (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707); Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, pay stubs, etc.); Travel itinerary / round-trip flight reservation; and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for Canada? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay. ## Sources - [canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html) ## More - [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada) - [Every destination for Gambia passport holders](/visa/passport/gambia)