Until recently, Gambians wishing to travel to China were required to travel to Dakar, Senegal for visas.
With the launch of the first Chinese visa service in The Gambia, that burden has been lifted. Applicants who spoke to our reporter hailed the move as a “gigantic step” in strengthening the already warm and friendly relations between the two nations. Many described the new development as transformative, praising the Chinese Embassy in Banjul for bringing essential service closer to the people.
Zhao Shangsen, the deputy Chinese ambassador to The Gambia, speaking to journalists at the embassy office in Bijilo yesterday, said: “To facilitate exchanges between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of The Gambia, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in The Gambia officially started Chinese visa and consular legalisation services from 7 October 2025.”
Shangsen added: “If you are not holding a Gambian Diplomatic or Service passport, a Chinese visa is needed to visit China. Applicants for Chinese visas must first complete the Visa Application Form online for pre-check (https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/).”
“Once the pre-check is approved, applicants can submit the required documents to the Consular Section of the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia.”
The required documents, he explained, include a valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity and sufficient blank visa pages, as well as a printed photo. “Chinese ordinary visas comprise 17 categories, such as tourism, business, work, study, and family visits. Applicants need to select the appropriate visa type according to their purpose of travel and submit the corresponding supporting documents.”
According to the deputy ambassador, it takes four working days to process the visa. “Expedited next-day services and two- or three-day services are available, depending on individual circumstances.”
A preferential fee of 3,000 dalasis for an ordinary single-entry visa is currently applied until the end of the year. For double-entry, multiple-entry, or expedited services, fees vary.
“Applicants are required to deposit the visa fee into the Embassy's account at Ecobank.”
“Direct cash payment is unfortunately not accepted. Account Name: Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Account Number: GMD6240045424. Please note the applicant's name and passport number in the remarks column, and collect the visa on the date indicated with the pick-up form and bank deposit receipt.”
“Apart from mainland China, if you are planning to visit Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR, you also need to come to the Chinese Embassy for an application.”
“As it stands now, the visa office opens on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (excluding public holidays). Address: Consular Section, Chinese Embassy in The Gambia, Kombo Coastal Road, Bijilo TDA, The Gambia.”
“As President Barrow rightly stated, China and The Gambia have established a strategic partnership grounded in mutual respect and friendship. This year marks the ninth anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of The Gambia, a milestone that reflects the strength of bilateral ties between the two nations.”
“In 2025 alone, over 1,000 Gambians from all walks of life have travelled to China to participate in workshops, seminars, and various exchange programmes. This vibrant engagement is a testament to the robust and growing relationship between the two nations.”
Concluding, he said, “The opening of the Chinese visa office in The Gambia comes at an ideal moment. It represents a crucial pillar in enhancing people-to-people exchanges and deepening the friendship between our countries.”
“This will go a long way in addressing the challenges we used to face, crossing borders, paying for hotels, food, and transport just to get a visa,” said Sheriff Saidykhan, Vice President of The Gambia Press Union. “Now, we can apply right here at home. It’s a relief and a sign of true partnership.”
When asked whether he encountered any difficulties during the visa process, the Vice President of the GPU, who was also an applicant, said: “I didn’t encounter any difficulties. The entire process went smoothly without any predicament,” he stated.
