Gambia

Last Updated: 2026-04-02

Official Portal: Government of The Gambia

Embassy Finder: Gambian Embassies Worldwide

Quick Facts

Category	Details
Residency for naturalization	15 years of continuous residence
Language requirement	No formal language test; English is the official language
Civics test	None
Processing time	12—36 months (highly variable)
Naturalization fee	Variable; set by immigration authorities
Dual citizenship	Not permitted under the 1997 Constitution
Citizenship by birth in Gambia	No automatic jus soli for children of non-citizens
Citizenship by descent	Yes, through Gambian father or mother (2001 amendment)
Governing law	Constitution of The Gambia (1997), Chapter IV; The Gambia Nationality and Citizenship Act

Dual Citizenship

The Gambia does not permit dual citizenship under the 1997 Constitution.

Section 13 of the Constitution states that a citizen of The Gambia who acquires the citizenship of another country ceases to be a citizen of The Gambia. Key provisions:

A Gambian citizen who voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship automatically loses Gambian nationality.
A foreign national naturalizing as Gambian must renounce all other citizenships.
There is no waiver or exception mechanism, even for citizens by birth.
The prohibition applies equally to citizenship acquired voluntarily and through marriage to a foreign national (if the person accepts the spouse’s nationality).

Reform efforts: Following the political transition after Yahya Jammeh’s departure in 2017, the Constitutional Review Commission (2019-2020) recommended allowing dual citizenship in a draft new constitution. As of 2026, the draft constitution has not been enacted, and the 1997 prohibition remains in force. Diaspora Gambians (particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, and Scandinavia) continue to advocate strongly for reform.

ECOWAS dimension: While dual citizenship is prohibited, Gambian citizens benefit from the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons (1979), allowing visa-free travel and 90-day stays across the 15 ECOWAS member states.

Acquisition of Nationality

By Birth (Jus Soli)

The Gambia does not grant automatic citizenship based solely on birth within its territory. A child born in The Gambia to two non-Gambian parents does not acquire Gambian nationality at birth.

Exception: A child born in The Gambia who would otherwise be stateless may be entitled to Gambian nationality.

By Descent (Jus Sanguinis)

Under the 1997 Constitution (as amended in 2001):

A person born to at least one parent who is a citizen of The Gambia acquires Gambian citizenship at birth, regardless of place of birth.
The 2001 amendment removed the prior restriction that limited transmission through fathers only, extending equal rights to Gambian mothers.
A person born outside The Gambia to a Gambian parent must register the birth with a Gambian diplomatic mission to formalize citizenship.

Historical note: Before the 2001 amendment, citizenship by descent was transmitted only through the father. Persons born before 2001 to a Gambian mother and non-Gambian father may face challenges establishing citizenship and should consult the Immigration Department.

By Adoption

Gambian law does not provide for automatic acquisition of nationality through adoption. An adopted child of a Gambian citizen may apply for naturalization under standard or facilitated procedures, depending on the circumstances.

By Marriage

Marriage to a Gambian citizen does not confer automatic nationality. A foreign spouse may apply for registration as a citizen after meeting residency requirements and demonstrating genuine marital community. The application is subject to discretionary approval by the authorities, and the applicant must renounce any foreign nationality.

By Naturalization

Naturalization requirements under the Gambia Nationality and Citizenship Act:

Requirement	Details
Residence	15 years of continuous lawful residence in The Gambia
Good character	No serious criminal record; references from Gambian citizens
Financial stability	Ability to support oneself and dependents
Language	Adequate knowledge of English or a local language
Integration	Demonstrated commitment to The Gambia
Renunciation	Must renounce all prior nationalities
Age	Must be of full age (18+)
Oath	Must take the oath of allegiance

The 15-year residency requirement is one of the longest in Africa. Naturalization is granted at the discretion of the President on the advice of the relevant minister.

Loss and Renunciation

Voluntary Renunciation

A Gambian citizen who has acquired or intends to acquire foreign nationality may renounce Gambian citizenship by written declaration. The renunciation takes effect upon registration.

Involuntary Loss

Gambian nationality is lost when a citizen:

Voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country.
Obtained citizenship through fraud, false representation, or concealment of a material fact (may be deprived by order of the President).
Has shown disloyalty or disaffection through acts or speech (grounds for deprivation, subject to due process).
Has traded or communicated with an enemy during wartime without authorization.

Deprivation of citizenship requires a hearing before a committee and is subject to judicial review.

Restoration of Nationality

A person who lost Gambian citizenship may apply for restoration by:

Submitting an application to the Immigration Department
Demonstrating residence in The Gambia or intent to reside
Renouncing any foreign nationality currently held
Satisfying the authorities of good character

Restoration is discretionary and requires presidential approval. There is no automatic right to restoration.

Stateless Persons and Foundlings

A foundling discovered in The Gambia is presumed to be a citizen until the contrary is proven.
Children born in The Gambia who would otherwise be stateless may qualify for Gambian nationality.
The Gambia is party to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees but has not ratified the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

Document Checklist

Completed citizenship application form

Birth certificate (original + certified translation if not in English)

Valid passport or travel document

Proof of 15 years continuous residence in The Gambia

Police clearance certificate (from The Gambia and country of origin)

Character references from Gambian citizens (typically 2-3)

Proof of employment or financial means

Marriage certificate (if applying based on marriage)

Renunciation certificate from prior nationality

Passport-sized photographs (4)

Receipt of application fee payment

Sources

Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia (1997) — Chapter IV, Sections 9-14 on citizenship. https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gambia_2018
The Gambia Nationality and Citizenship Act — Primary statute governing naturalization and registration.
Gambia Immigration Department — Responsible for processing citizenship applications. https://www.gid.gov.gm/
ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons (1979) — Provides visa-free travel among member states. https://www.ecowas.int/
Constitutional Review Commission Report (2020) — Recommended dual citizenship among other reforms. https://www.crc220.org/

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