By Nelson Manneh
Travel to China has become easier for Gambian residents as the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Banjul officially launched its consular visa services on Monday, 7th October 2025. The new system allows applicants to apply directly at the embassy, eliminating the need to use a third-party visa center.
The launch was announced by Chinese Ambassador Liu Jin, who described the move as a reflection of the growing friendship and cooperation between China and The Gambia. The initiative also comes ahead of two important milestones in 2026 — the 10th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
According to the Chinese Embassy, the direct visa service aims to make the process more efficient and to promote travel, business, and cultural exchange. All ordinary passport holders can now apply for their visas at the embassy located on Kombo Coastal Road, Bijilo.
Deputy Head of Mission Zhao Shangsen explained the application procedure, noting that Gambians without diplomatic or service passports are required to obtain a visa before traveling to China. Applicants must first complete the visa application form online at https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/ for pre-check before submitting their documents to the embassy.
“Once the pre-check is approved, applicants can submit the required documents to the Consular Section of the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia,” he said. “The required documents include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, sufficient blank pages, and a printed photo.”
He added that Chinese visas are divided into 17 categories including tourism, business, work, study, and family visit whereas applicants must choose the appropriate type based on their purpose of travel.
Mr. Zhao said visa processing takes four working days. Expedited services — next-day, two-day, or three-day options — are available depending on circumstances.
He disclosed that a preferential fee of D3,000 for an ordinary single-entry visa will apply until the end of 2025. Fees for double-entry, multiple-entry, or expedited services differ. All payments are cash-free and must be deposited into the Embassy’s Ecobank account: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Account Number: GMD6240045424. Applicants must include their name and passport number in the payment remarks.
“Direct cash payment is not accepted. Applicants should present the pick-up form and bank deposit receipt on the collection date,” Zhao emphasized. “Apart from mainland China, if you plan to visit Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR, you also need to apply through the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia.”
The visa office operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., excluding public holidays.
To enhance communication, Zhao said the embassy, with the support of GAMTEL, has established two new telephone lines: 220-4460819 for general inquiries (available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.) and 220-4465311 for consular services (available Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.).
For written inquiries, the embassy can be reached via email at [email protected] for general issues and [email protected] for visa and consular matters.
The Chinese Embassy said the launch of its consular visa services is part of its broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations and make travel between the two countries more convenient.
