Banjul International Airport at a glance
The airport is at Yundum, about 25 km south-east of Banjul. The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority runs it, with one shared terminal for arrivals and departures. Most hotels on the resort coast are a 30 to 50 minute drive away, according to one transfer operator.
Plan for cash on arrival. An airport security charge applies on the way in and on the way out, and the sources disagree on whether you can pay it by card.
Transfers from the airport
Published offers in October 2026. Book before you fly or agree the price before you leave.
| Option | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private driver (Musa Sanneh) | GMD 1,000, €25 or £20 | To hotels in Kololi and Bakau. It is unclear whether the price is per vehicle for every group size |
| Transfer (Solomon Tours) | €15 per person | Air-conditioned, help with luggage, English-speaking driver, no night surcharge. Kotu, Kololi, Bakau, Bijilo, Cape Point. Group discount from 2 people, amount on request |
| Pre-booked transfer (SenGambia Experience Tours) | €25 per person for 1 to 4 travellers, €20 for 5 to 14 | Kombo and Kololi area, 30 to 50 minutes. Booking at least 48 hours ahead is recommended, then 24/7 service. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before. 10 percent off from 6 travellers |
| Taxi at the airport | About GMD 1,000 to Kololi, Kotu and Senegambia, GMD 1,400 to Banjul | A July 2025 estimate that may be out of date. Fares are negotiable |
SenGambia lists children under 5 free and half price for ages 6 to 10, and does not say how age 5 is treated. Ask the operator before you book.
Book a private transfer from Banjul Airport (BJL) in advance on Kiwitaxi.
Our picks: a day trip with hotel pick-up
Hotel pick-up makes this an easy first free day after you land; it crosses into Senegal, so have your passport ready.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours that include hotel pickup
Day trips and river cruises you can book for your first free day, with live prices and availability.
The airport security charge
Pay it on arrival and again when you leave.
The amount
British advice lists $20 per arrival and per departure, and also accepts euros, pounds and Gambian currency without a fixed rate. German advice says $20 or €20 in cash. Austrian advice gives GMD 1,000, with €20, $20 or 12,000 XOF as alternatives, also in cash.
Card payments
British advice says a Visa card is possible, but the machines are often out of order. Do not rely on a card. Carry the amount in cash for both directions.
Who does not pay
Children up to and including 1 year and transit passengers are exempt, according to British advice. Travellers from the US pay the charge in addition to the visa.
Entry and visas by passport
Rules depend on your nationality and route, so check your own government's page before you travel.
| Passport | Rule | Passport validity |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Free visa issued on arrival for 21 to 28 days. A longer stay needs a paid extension. Show a return ticket and enough funds | 6 months beyond the trip |
| Austria | No visa for up to 28 days. Check the entry stamp, especially at land borders. The cream-coloured emergency passport is accepted only for leaving | At least 6 months |
| Switzerland | Visa-free since 19 May 2025, without prior permission | – |
| United Kingdom | No visa for full British citizens. A stamp for 28 days, with up to two extensions of 28 days | Valid for your stay |
| United States | Visa required, before travel or on arrival. Visa on arrival costs $100 to $105 in cash, in dollars or dalasi | Valid for your stay, one blank page |
Other nationalities, and some British passport types, have different rules. Do not assume that all European passports are visa-free.
Yellow fever and health
The US CDC says proof of yellow fever vaccination is required from travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever, including after more than 12 hours in transit at an airport there. Direct arrivals from the US do not need proof. The CDC also recommends the vaccine for travellers aged 9 months and older. German advice names no compulsory vaccinations, which is not advice to skip travel vaccines. Malaria occurs throughout the country. Talk to a travel-medicine doctor before you go.
Arrival tips
A few points for your first day.
Money
The currency is the dalasi, and the economy is largely cash-based. Change money at banks or licensed exchange offices only. Cash machines outside the Senegambia area are limited and unreliable.
Travelling at night
German advice says to avoid overland trips at night, and checkpoints can cause delays. If your flight lands late, arrange a pickup in advance.
Current situation
Protests over long power cuts began on 8 September 2026 around Banjul, Serrekunda and Brufut. A presidential election is set for 5 December 2026. Stay away from demonstrations and follow your government's advice.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go after you land.
Banjul Airport: frequently asked questions
How far is Banjul Airport from the hotels?
The airport is about 25 km from Banjul. One transfer operator estimates 30 to 50 minutes to the Kombo and Kololi area. Traffic and checkpoints can change that.
How much is the airport security charge?
British advice lists $20 on arrival and again on departure. German advice says $20 or €20 in cash, and Austrian advice says GMD 1,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. Carry cash for both directions.
How much is a taxi from the airport to Kololi?
A July 2025 estimate gives about GMD 1,000 to Kololi, Kotu and Senegambia and GMD 1,400 to Banjul. Fares are negotiable and may have changed, so agree the price first.
Do I need a visa for The Gambia?
It depends on your passport. German citizens receive a free visa on arrival for 21 to 28 days, Austrians and full British citizens need none, Swiss citizens have been visa-free since 19 May 2025, and US citizens need one. Check your own government's page.
Is there a public bus from the airport?
Book a transfer in advance or agree a taxi price before you leave the airport.