Yes, a visa is required to travel from The Gambia to Canada.
Apply with iVisa· from €68
Do I need a visa for Canada from The Gambia?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Gambian travellers need a Temporary Resident (visitor) Visa to enter Canada. The Gambia is not eligible for the eTA, so the application is made online through IRCC before departure.
Gambian nationals cannot travel on a simple electronic Travel Authorization (eTA); they must obtain a visitor visa to enter Canada. This visa generally allows a short tourist stay. The application is fully online and is completed by giving biometric data.
Do you need a visa?
Yes. Gambian citizens fall under the visa requirement for Canada and are not eligible for the eTA. You must therefore apply for a Temporary Resident (visitor) Visa before any trip, whether for tourism or to visit family.
How and where to apply
The application is submitted online on the IRCC portal (canada.ca). After the online submission, Gambian applicants must give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC); as The Gambia may not have a centre, you might need to travel to the nearest VAC in the region. Follow the instructions IRCC sends after you submit.
Documents and fees
Prepare a valid passport, compliant photos, proof of funds, an itinerary or invitation, and any evidence of ties to The Gambia (job, family, property). A visa fee and a biometrics fee apply, but we do not state an amount here: check canada.ca for the current official rates and currency.
Processing and tips
Processing times vary by volume and by the visa office; we do not display a fixed duration. Check the IRCC processing-times tool on canada.ca and apply as early as possible. Give your biometrics promptly after receiving the request letter, as processing often only starts afterwards.
Common mistakes
Do not assume you qualify for the eTA — The Gambia does not. Avoid an incomplete file, weak financial evidence, or skipping biometrics, all of which stall processing. Check current fees, timelines and steps directly on canada.ca before you apply.
Official sources
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- IRCC — Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- IRCC — Biometrics and Visa Application Centres
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
Essential Canada information
Canada, the world's second-largest country, boasts stunning landscapes from the snowy Rocky Mountains to Atlantic beaches, boreal forests, and Niagara Falls. Explore vibrant cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, rich in multicultural heritage. Visit national parks such as Banff and Jasper, home to bears, moose, and glaciers. Savor local treats like maple syrup and seafood. A paradise for nature lovers, adventurers, and festival-goers year-round.
Weather in Ottawa
Practical travel information
- Anglais
- Français
Essential preparations
- Police : 911
- Ambulance : 911
- Fire brigade : 911
Discover the best activities and experiences in Canada
- ✅ Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 🌍 Over 150,000 activities worldwide
- ⭐ Verified reviews from real travelers
- 💬 24/7 customer support
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Canada from The Gambia?▾
Yes, a consular visa is required: applications are made at the embassy or consulate before departure (allowed stay: 6 months).
How long can you stay in Canada?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 6 months.
What other visa types exist for Canada?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, Canada offers among others: Work Permit (employer-specific, LMIA), Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker / CEC / FST), Home Child / Home Support Worker, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), Student visa, Super Visa (parents/grandparents).
Data verified on 23/07/2026
Other visas from The Gambia
Visa alerts and regulations
Receive the latest visa updates and travel advice
We will never share your email. Unsubscribe at any time.