How to Apply for a Gambia Visa in Charlotte

Charlotte is the 23rd-most populous city in the United States and is the most populous city in the state of North Carolina.  The Charlotte metropolitan area is a sixteen-county region that stretches into the state of South Carolina and includes the towns of Concord, Gastonia, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Indian Trail, Mooresville, Monroe, Salisbury, Matthews, Statesville, Rock Hill (SC), and Fort Mill (SC).  Known as the Queen City, this metropolis of 2.6 million people has been one of the country’s fastest-growing cities the past two decades.  Charlotte’s youthful population, low cost of living, and geographic location in America’s Sun Belt, have made it an attractive destination for business investment.  This investment has brought steady job growth to the region and is attracting more and more immigrants, including those from Africa.  While the population of Gambians in Charlotte is small, their numbers are still large enough for them to organize social events and celebrations through the Charlotte Gambian Association and North Carolina Gambian Association.  The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (about a 2-hour drive from Charlotte) offers classes in Wolof, one of the main languages spoken in Banjul, the capital and commercial hub of The Gambia. 

The Gambia may be the smallest country in mainland Africa, but its diverse culture and wealth of tourist attractions make it a destination that residents of Charlotte should add to their “bucket list”.  English is the official language of The Gambia, making it easy for Americans to communicate with the friendly residents who gave the country the nickname “the smiling coast of West Africa”.  Its 50-mile Atlantic coastline draws visitors year-round to its warm, sparkling beaches, such as Kotu Beach.  Luxury hotels and modest accommodations alike are nearby, yet many of the beaches are secluded and unspoiled.  Gambia’s nature preserves offer great views of native jungle animals, such as the rainforest of Bijilo National Park, the Abuko Nature Reserve, and the Kachikally Crocodile Pool.  Cruises, birding tours, eco-tours, and land-based birdwatching opportunities are plentiful along the Gambia River.  The Gambia River also made the region a focal point of international slave trading, which victimized three million residents over a 300-year period. The Gambia was also featured in Alex Haley’s international bestseller Roots as the home of his ancestor, Kunta Kinte.  Today Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly called James Island) is a tourist attraction for those interested in exploring their ancestral heritage.

Obtaining a Gambia Visa from Charlotte

Visas for Gambia are issued by the Gambian government in the United States.  The government of Gambia is represented by their embassy located in Washington, D.C., an honorary consulate in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and their office at the United Nations in New York City.  To apply for a Gambia visa from Charlotte, you must first fill out the paper visa application found on The Gambia Embassy website and then send your original passport and supporting documents to their office by US Mail, FedEx, or UPS.  Here is the address:

Embassy of The Gambia
5630 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011

It is important to review the requirements for visas on The Gambia Embassy website and ensure your application and all supporting documents are accurate.  Here is the link to the embassy website with detailed information: Gambia Embassy In Washington DC - Documents (gambiaembassydc.us) Then scroll down to the bottom of the page and open the PDF file titled “American Visa Application Form 2020”. 

Please be sure to include a self-addressed USPS (US Postal Service Express Mail or Priority Mail), FedEx, or UPS prepaid envelope (please make note of the tracking number) so the embassy can return your passport and visa to your home or office. 

The government fee for the multiple-entry visa (which will be valid for five years) is $200 for U.S. citizens and takes about 2 weeks for processing once the embassy receives the documents.  There is also an option to pay $250 for three-day express service and $275 for same-day service. 

If you want to ensure safe delivery of your passport and visa application documents to the embassy, please contact our company and our courier in Washington, D.C. will hand-carry your application materials to the embassy and will promptly retrieve them from their pick-up window once the visa has been issued. 

Other things to consider:

  • U.S. citizens must have a valid visa and a passport that does not expire within six months of your date of entry into The Gambia.
  • Your U.S. passport must be signed; the signature page of your passport is located opposite the data page that has your name and photo.
  • For the latest health recommendations for travel to The Gambia, please review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: The Gambia - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC
  • It is recommended to purchase travel insurance before any international trip in case of medical emergencies.  We advise getting the Geo Blue Voyager Single Trip Plan.
  • Please all review the U.S. Department of State website for the latest travel information about The Gambia: The Gambia International Travel Information (state.gov)  

Emergency Assistance for Gambia Citizens in Charlotte 

If you are a citizen of The Gambia living in the Charlotte area with an emergency or require urgent assistance, you can reach the embassy in Washington, D.C. by calling 202-785-1399 or by email at info@gambiaembassydc.us or gambiaembassydc@gmail.com.  The Gambia Embassy can provide new passports, emergency travel certificates, and consular cards to its citizens

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in Charlotte or anywhere in the state of North Carolina and have difficulty applying for a Gambia visa, or require assistance with any part of the process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Gambia visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the Gambian government.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans. 

We provide the following Gambia visa services for our customers:

  • Gambia Tourist Visa
  • Gambia Business Visa
  • Gambia Missionary Visa
  • Gambia Official Visa
  • Gambia Hotel Accommodations