If your Gambian passport has been lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement passport through the Immigration Department in Gambia or the nearest Gambian Embassy if you are abroad. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to complete this process.
Step-by-Step Process for Replacing a Lost or Stolen Gambian Passport:
- Complete the Application Form:
First, you need to fill out the passport replacement application form. This can be obtained from the Immigration Department in Banjul, or you can visit the nearest Gambian Embassy if you are outside Gambia. - Submit the Required Documents:
Submit the completed application form along with the following documents:- Police report detailing the loss or theft of your passport
- Court affidavit (if required for lost passports)
- One passport-sized photograph
- Guarantor’s form signed by a commissioner of oaths, along with:
- Photocopy of the guarantor’s passport data page and National ID or driver’s license
- Father’s letter of consent for minors under 16 years (mother’s letter if the father is deceased)
- Marriage certificate (where applicable)
- Husband’s consent letter (if applicable)
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Letter of identification from the local government of your residence
- Acknowledgement slip and receipt of payment
- Make the Required Payment:
Pay the application fee for the replacement passport. Fees may vary, and the exact amount can be confirmed at the Immigration Department or Gambian Embassy. - Verification and Processing:
After submission, the application will be verified by the Immigration authorities. If all the documents are in order, your application will be processed. If there are any issues, the authorities will inform you. - Collect the New Passport:
Once your replacement passport is ready, you will be notified through email or phone. Be sure to bring proof of identification and surrender your expired or lost passport (if available) when collecting the new one.
Eligibility:
- All Gambian citizens who have lost or had their passport stolen are eligible to apply for a replacement.
Required Documents:
- Completed passport replacement application form
- Police report and court affidavit (if applicable)
- Passport photograph
- Guarantor’s form, signed and verified
- Supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, ID proof, etc.)
Fees:
- The application fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport is GMD 10 for the application form.
- Additional fees for the passport may apply.
Processing Time:
- The replacement passport is typically processed within a few weeks. The exact processing time can vary depending on the application and verification process.
Other Uses of the Passport Replacement:
Replacing your Gambian passport ensures that you can continue using it for international travel, identity verification, and other official purposes. It also serves as a legal document for residency and work in other countries.
Contact Information:
Immigration Department
Address: 21 OAU Boulevard (Dobson Street), Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: +220 422 8717
Email: [email protected]
Fax: +220 422 3063
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Closed on weekends)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Address: No. 4, Marina Parade, Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: +220 422 3578
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mofa.gov.gm
For more detailed information on replacing a lost or stolen Gambian passport, visit the Immigration Department or your nearest Gambian Embassy. This process ensures that you can quickly regain your travel documents.
