Procedure
To apply for an Emergency Passport or Emergency Travel Document from the Government of The Gambia, follow the steps below:
- Visit or Contact the Nearest Gambian Embassy or Consulate
- Complete an application for an emergency passport and submit it to the Gambian Embassy or Consulate in your current country of residence.
- Use the contact details listed in the Office Locations & Contacts section to reach the nearest mission.
- Embassy staff will guide you through the specific application requirements and schedule an appointment if needed.
- Prepare the Required Documents
- Applicants must present proof of identity, citizenship, and residence.
- If the passport is lost or stolen, a police report must be included.
- Submit Your Application
- Attach all documents to your completed form and submit them in person at the embassy.
- Some missions may accept submissions via post or courier depending on local policies.
- Verification and Processing
- The consulate will verify your information and confirm your citizenship through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Banjul.
- Once approved, the emergency passport will be issued for travel back to The Gambia.
- Collection
- Applicants will be notified when the document is ready for collection or dispatch.
Note: An emergency passport allows entry into The Gambia only for citizens who have lost or misplaced their regular passport abroad.
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Birth Certificate
- National Identity Card
- Consular Card
- Copy of previous travel documents (passport or emergency document)
- Police Report (for lost or stolen passports)
- For applicants under 16 years old:
- Birth certificate containing both parents’ names
- Letter of consent signed by both parents
- Parents’ ID or Travel Card Documents
Office Locations & Contacts
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
No. 4, Marina Parade
Banjul, The Gambia, West Africa
Tel: +220 422 3578 / +220 422 3577
Fax: +220 422 7917
Email: [email protected]
Telex: 2351
Embassies of The Gambia Abroad:
Applicants can apply at any Gambian Embassy or Consulate in their current country. Contact details are available through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or local directories.
Eligibility
- All Gambian citizens residing or traveling abroad who have lost, damaged, or had their passports stolen are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be able to prove their Gambian nationality through valid identification documents.
- The emergency passport is strictly for one-way travel to The Gambia.
Fees
- The application fee for an emergency passport is determined by each Gambian mission abroad.
- Fees may vary depending on the location and should be paid directly to the embassy or consulate handling the application.
Validity
- The Emergency Passport is valid only for a single journey to The Gambia.
- It expires immediately upon arrival and cannot be used for international travel beyond The Gambia.
Processing Time
- Processing time varies by location, typically ranging from 3 to 10 working days after submission.
- Additional time may be required for verification with authorities in Banjul, especially in cases of lost or stolen passports.
Instructions
- Ensure that all forms are completed accurately and legibly.
- All supporting documents must be authentic and up-to-date.
- A police report is mandatory in the event of a lost or stolen passport.
- For minors, parental consent and documentation from both parents are required.
Required Information
Applicants will need to provide:
- Full Name
- Date and Place of Birth
- Gender and Nationality
- Current Address and Contact Number
- Passport Number (if applicable)
- Details of Lost or Stolen Passport
- Names and ID details of Parents (for minors)
Need for the Document
A Gambian Emergency Passport enables citizens stranded abroad to return home legally when their standard passport has been lost, stolen, or expired. It serves as an official temporary travel document recognized by immigration authorities.
Information Which Might Help
- Emergency passports are issued only for returning to The Gambia and not for continued travel to other countries.
- Applicants should report lost or stolen passports immediately to both local authorities and the nearest Gambian Embassy.
- Upon arrival in The Gambia, holders must apply for a new standard passport at the Department of Immigration in Banjul.
Other Uses of the Document
- Serves as proof of citizenship for emergency repatriation.
- Provides legal authorization for boarding flights to The Gambia.
External Links
- Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia – UK: https://www.gambiaembassy.co.uk
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs – The Gambia: https://mofa.gov.gm







