Gambia passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of the Gambia

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (B1/B2)

Citizens of the Gambia need a visa for the United States 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.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (B1/B2)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Processing time	3–21 days
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient funds to cover trip expenses

How to apply

1
Complete DS-160 Online Form
Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application and print the confirmation page.
2
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185) as instructed on the U.S. visa website.
3
Schedule Interview Appointment
Book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Gambia (or nearest embassy) for visa interview and biometrics.
4
Gather Required Documents
Collect all documents including passport, photo, bank statements, employment letter, and itinerary.
5
Attend Biometrics Appointment
Visit the Application Support Center (ASC) for fingerprinting and photograph.
6
Attend Visa Interview
Appear at the scheduled interview at the embassy with all documents and the appointment letter.
7
Wait for Processing
Your application is processed; you may be asked for additional documents or an Administrative Processing delay.
8
Passport Return
If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned via courier or pick-up.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Completed DS-160 confirmation page
Online nonimmigrant visa application
Photo
2x2 inches, taken within the last 6 months
Previous US visas (if any)
Optional
Provide copies of previous US visas
DS-160 barcode page
Barcode from the DS-160 confirmation
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Optional
For accompanying spouse/children

Travel

Travel itinerary
Optional
Planned dates and places of visit
Hotel reservations
Optional
Or accommodation details
Return flight booking
Optional
Round-trip ticket or proof of onward travel

Financial

Fee receipt
Proof of payment of MRV fee
Bank statements
Last 3 months showing sufficient funds

Employment

Employment letter
Optional
Or proof of business/studies to show ties

Supporting

Visa interview appointment letter
Printout of the appointment confirmation
Proof of ties to home country
Optional
e.g., property deeds, family certificates

Proof of funds

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Pay stubs
Tax returns

Funds must cover entire trip expenses and show sufficient ties to return.

Good to know

Visa refusal is possible if insufficient ties to home country are demonstrated.
Processing times can vary significantly due to Administrative Processing.
All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial means to cover trip

Provide clear bank statements showing adequate funds and a stable income.

Lack of strong ties to home country

Include evidence of employment, property, family, or other commitments in Gambia.

Incomplete or inconsistent information in DS-160

Double-check all entries and ensure consistency with supporting documents.

FAQ

Do citizens of the Gambia need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of the Gambia need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (B1/B2).

How long can citizens of the Gambia stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of the Gambia?

Government fee: $185.

How long does United States visa processing take?

Typically 3–21 days.

What documents do citizens of the Gambia need for the United States?

Valid passport; Completed DS-160 confirmation page; Photo; Visa interview appointment letter; Fee receipt; Bank statements; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-categories.html

Sources

travel.state.gov

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