Visa - Temporary visa rules for Gambian nationals

On 7 October 2021, the Council of the European Union decided to suspend certain provisions of the Visa Code concerning the processing of visa applications introduced by Gambian nationals irrespective of the applicant’s place of residence. 

On 8 December 2022 the Council also decided to apply an increased visa fee of 120 euros for Gambian nationals with a visa requirement. This decision has now repealed by decision of 12 April 2024. The normal visa fee, currently 90 euros, is now again applied on all visa applications submitted by Gambian nationals irrespective of the applicant’s place of residence.  

About the decision on 7 October 2021

The provisions of the Visa Code mentioned below are suspended temporarily in relation to all visa applications introduced as of 1st November 2021 by Gambian nationals irrespective of the applicant’s place of residence. 

The following provisions have been suspended: 

• The possibility of waiving requirements with regard to the documentary evidence to be submitted by visa applicants, referred to in Article 14(6) of the Visa Code; 
• The general 15 calendar days processing period, referred to in Article 23(1). From now on, the processing period will be 45 calendar days;
• The possibility of the issuing of multiple-entry visas, referred to in Article 24(2) and Article 24(2c); 
• The optional visa fee waiver for holders of diplomatic and service passports referred to in Article 16(5) point (b). Consequently, holders of diplomatic and service passports must pay a fee when introducing a visa application.

The suspension of the regulations does not apply to the following cases:

• Nationals of The Gambia who are family members of an EU citizen to whom the Citizens Rights Directive applies, and nationals of The Gambia who are family members of a British national enjoying a right of free movement and who falls within the scope of application of the withdrawal agreement.
• Nationals of The Gambia applying for a visa in order to participate in meetings organised by international intergovernmental organisations hosted by a Member State, or international conferences hosted by a Member State.   

About the repealed decision on 8 December 2022 (2022/2459) on using an increased visa fee

From and including 1 July 2024, the increased visa fee of 120 euros is no longer applied on applications for visa submitted at the Danish Representations. The regular rules on submission of visa applications apply. 

Read Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/1781 (pdf) 

Read Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/2459 (pdf)

Read Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1231 on repealing desicion 2022/2459 (pdf)