Banjul (BJL) — The Complete 2026 Airport Guide
Banjul is a small, single-terminal airport with an outsized runway — long enough that NASA once kept it on the books as a Space Shuttle emergency landing site. It’s the gateway to The Gambia’s “Smiling Coast”, and for most arrivals the trip is package-simple: a coach to the beach. The one thing that catches almost everyone is the cash security fee you pay twice — coming in and going out. Land knowing that and you’ll breeze through.
Last verified: July 2026. Fares, fees and entry rules for The Gambia change often — confirm the security-fee amount, your visa-free stamp length and any taxi tariff on the day, at the airport and on official signage.
Quick reference
| Detail | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Airport | Banjul International Airport, IATA BJL / ICAO GBYD — also called Yundum. The Gambia’s only commercial airport, a single-terminal building opened in 1997 and rehabilitated in 2021 |
| Location | At Yundum, ~23 km southwest of Banjul city — but only ~20 km (30–40 min) from the coastal resort strip (Kololi, Senegambia, Kotu, Bakau), which is where nearly all visitors are headed |
| Security fee | A US$20 fee on arrival AND US$20 on departure (US$40 total), paid in cash at a kiosk — USD, GBP, EUR or dalasi accepted. Budget for this; it surprises first-timers |
| To the resorts | Most people ride a pre-booked package coach (free, waiting outside). Otherwise a green tourist taxi — agree the fare first, roughly GMD 1,500–2,000 (~£18–25 / €20–28) |
| Entry | Visa-free for UK, EU, Commonwealth and ECOWAS nationals. Yellow-fever certificate required if you’re arriving from a risk country (and generally recommended) |
| Watch out for | The double security fee · taxi and porter touts at arrivals · paying fares in foreign cash at a mark-up · no reliable ride-hailing (no Uber) |
The one thing to know: you pay a cash security fee twice
Almost every complaint about Banjul airport is really about one thing — the Airport Security Fee. It is US$20 on the way in and US$20 on the way out, so US$40 a head over a return trip, and it is not included in your ticket or your package price. You pay it in cash at a kiosk: US dollars, pounds, euros or Gambian dalasi are all accepted (dalasi is roughly GMD 1,400 for the $20). On arrival the desk sits before immigration, so you can’t slip past it, and the queue can be slow.
Children aged one and under and passengers merely transiting are exempt. The government has said it is working towards folding the fee into airfares, but as of 2026 it is still collected at the airport — so carry small denominations of a hard currency and don’t rely on a card. A family of four is looking at US$160 across the trip that many arrive not expecting.
One terminal, a runway built for a Space Shuttle
Banjul is refreshingly simple: one passenger terminal handling all arrivals and departures, with around seven check-in desks, immigration, a duty-free shop, a snack bar downstairs and the Air View restaurant upstairs. There’s no terminal-hopping, no people-mover, no airside train — you walk everywhere. After a US$31 million rehabilitation funded by the Saudi Fund for Development, completed in November 2021, the runway, apron and terminal were all refreshed.
The oddity is the scale of the runway. At 3,600 m (11,811 ft) it is far longer than a small West African airport needs, and that’s deliberate history: from the late 1980s until around 2002, NASA designated Banjul an emergency and augmented landing site for the Space Shuttle, chosen because it sat under the flight path of low-inclination launches from Florida. The designation lapsed once missions shifted to higher inclinations, but the runway remains — which is why wide-body charters and Turkish Airlines’ year-round jets land here without a second thought. The site began life as a World War II Allied airfield.
Looking ahead: The Gambia has gone out to tender for an entirely new, larger terminal under a public-private (build-operate-transfer) model, driven by apron and terminal congestion in peak winter season. That is a multi-year project still at the bidding stage in 2026 — so for now you’re using the same 1997 terminal, and it can feel tight when several charter flights land close together.
Getting to the resorts (Kololi, Senegambia, Kotu, Bakau)
Here’s the good news that the “23 km from Banjul” figure hides: you are almost certainly not going to Banjul city. The tourist strip — Kololi, the Senegambia area, Kotu and Bakau — is only about 20 km from the airport, a 30–40 minute drive, and that’s where the hotels are. Banjul city itself, on its island, is a longer haul and not where package tourists stay.
| Option | Price | Time to the strip | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package transfer coach | Included in your holiday | ~30–45 min | The default for TUI and other tour bookings — coaches wait just outside the main exit (usually to the right). Zero hassle |
| Green tourist taxi | ~GMD 1,500–2,000 (~£18–25 / €20–28 / $23–30) | ~30–40 min | Official regulated cabs with a government tariff board outside — the sensible independent choice. Agree the fare before you get in |
| Yellow local taxi | Negotiable, cheaper if shared | ~40 min | Cheaper but unregulated, older cars, harder bargaining — fine if you know the going rate |
| Hire car | From ~£30–45/day | — | Hertz has an airport kiosk; others deliver. Driving is on the right; roads and lighting are rough. For confident drivers only |
Tourist taxis — agree the price, always
Regulated tourist taxis are green (with a yellow stripe) and are the standard independent option. They have no meters, but main destinations have a fixed government tariff posted on a board outside the terminal — read it before you negotiate. Realistic 2026 fares to the resort strip run around GMD 1,500–2,000; you’ll find older listings quoting far less, but those are out of date, so treat the board and a confirmed price as your reference. Pay in dalasi if you can — quoting the fare in pounds or euros invites a mark-up. Fix the number and the destination out loud before the boot closes.
Arrivals: touts, porters and the “bumster” thing
Gambians are, genuinely, some of the warmest hosts in West Africa — but the walk out of arrivals is a soft target for hustlers, and it helps to know the script before you land. Expect to be approached by unofficial taxi touts, “helpful” porters who then want a tip, and street guides. On the coast you’ll also meet the bumsters — young men who attach themselves as friends, guides or go-betweens and eventually angle for money, drinks or more. None of this is dangerous; it’s persistent.
- Be friendly but firm. A smile and a clear “no thank you, I’m fine” works. You don’t owe anyone an argument, and rudeness isn’t needed.
- Handle your own bags unless you actually want a porter — agree a small tip in dalasi first if you do.
- Only use the green tourist taxi rank or your named transfer rep. Ignore anyone offering a car from the crowd.
- Keep your luggage tags — staff at the exit may check the tag against your bag.
Entry: visas, the stamp, and yellow fever
The Gambia is one of the easier African countries to enter for most of our readers.
- Visa-free for a long list of nationalities. Citizens of the UK, full EU member states, Commonwealth countries (including Canada and Australia) and ECOWAS do not need a visa for tourism or business stays. The government states this as up to 90 days.
- The stamp you actually get may be shorter. In practice immigration often stamps arrivals in for a shorter initial period — UK government guidance cites a 28-day stamp on arrival, extendable at the immigration office in Banjul if you’re staying longer. If your trip is a standard one- or two-week beach holiday this never matters; if you’re staying for months, plan to extend. Check the length written in your passport before you leave the desk.
- Passport validity: keep it valid for the duration of your stay (six months’ validity is the safe rule of thumb some carriers still enforce).
- Yellow fever: a vaccination certificate is required if you’re arriving from a country with yellow-fever transmission risk, and it’s broadly recommended for The Gambia itself. Coming straight from the UK or Europe you may not be asked, but carry the certificate if you have one — and get the jab at least 10 days ahead for it to count.
- Visa on arrival exists for nationalities not on the visa-free list (a fee applies, shorter stay), but check your own status before flying rather than banking on the desk.
Money, SIMs, food and facilities
Money: the currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD / D), and it’s a closed currency you can’t get before you arrive. There’s a bank (Trust Bank) with an ATM and a bureau de change in the terminal — draw or change a modest amount for your taxi and first day, but you’ll get better rates and more ATMs on the coast at Senegambia. Pounds and euros are widely usable at hotels, but everyday spending is easier in dalasi. Prefer the ATM over airport exchange booths where you can.
SIM cards & data: local networks (Africell, QCell, Gamcel) sell cheap prepaid SIMs, but the airport isn’t the reliable place to buy one — pick a SIM up in the resort area where you can register it properly, or sort an eSIM before you fly for instant data on landing.
Food & shopping: keep expectations modest — this is a small airport. There’s a duty-free shop, a ground-floor snack bar and the Air View restaurant on the top floor for a proper plate and a drink. It’s a place to grab a coffee, not a dining destination; eat at your hotel or in Senegambia. There is no sprawling Priority Pass lounge network to plan around — if you want fast-track or a private meet-and-greet, arrange it through your tour operator in advance rather than expecting to buy it on the spot.
Practicalities: the terminal can be hot, especially if there’s a baggage delay — keep water in your hand luggage and a jacket somewhere accessible. There’s a help desk, a police post and porters (who expect a tip). Arrival processing includes a passport check and biometric photo, and it can be slow when a full charter lands, so build in patience.
Who flies here, and when
Banjul is overwhelmingly a winter-sun destination, busiest in the November-to-April dry season when European package tourists chase the beaches. The 2026 line-up of scheduled and charter carriers includes Brussels Airlines and TAP Air Portugal (seasonal, roughly November–March), Royal Air Maroc and Vueling, Turkish Airlines — the one carrier flying year-round from Istanbul and the only nonstop link toward the Middle East — plus regional operators like Air Peace, Air Senegal, ASKY and ValueJet. Charter and leisure flights come via TUI (including TUI fly from the Netherlands and, new for winter 2026, TUI’s first direct Birmingham service from 2 November) and Neos from Italy.
Because it’s so seasonal, the terminal swings from quiet to congested. A midweek off-season arrival is sleepy; a Saturday in high season with two charters landing together is when the queues, the heat and the touts all peak at once — the case for a pre-booked transfer.
Connections
Banjul is mostly a point-to-point airport, not a hub — most people fly here to stay here. Real onward connections exist chiefly via Turkish Airlines (over Istanbul), Brussels Airlines (over Brussels), TAP (over Lisbon) and Royal Air Maroc (over Casablanca), and those you’ll normally book as one ticket so your bags are checked through. With a single terminal, any connection you do make here is physically simple — but frequencies are thin and largely seasonal, so don’t build a tight self-connection on separate tickets; leave generous time and expect to reclaim and re-check bags if you do.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Banjul airport security fee, and when do I pay it?+
It’s US$20 per person on arrival and another US$20 on departure — US$40 over a return trip — collected in cash at a kiosk. You can pay in US dollars, pounds, euros or Gambian dalasi (about GMD 1,400 for the $20). The arrival desk is before immigration, so you can’t skip it. Children aged one and under and transit passengers are exempt. Carry small notes; card payment isn’t reliable.
Do I need a visa to visit The Gambia?+
Not if you hold a UK, EU, Commonwealth or ECOWAS passport — those nationalities enter visa-free for tourism. The government allows up to 90 days, though immigration often stamps a shorter initial period (UK guidance cites 28 days), extendable at the immigration office in Banjul. Other nationalities may use a visa on arrival or apply in advance, so check your status before flying. The separate US$20 security fee still applies to everyone.
How do I get from Banjul airport to Kololi or the Senegambia strip?+
The resort strip (Kololi, Senegambia, Kotu, Bakau) is about 20 km away, a 30–40 minute drive. Most visitors ride a pre-booked package transfer coach that waits outside the exit. Independently, take an official green tourist taxi — agree the fare first, around GMD 1,500–2,000 (roughly £18–25 / €20–28). There’s no reliable Uber or Bolt, so use the regulated taxi rank rather than an app or a stranger’s car.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for The Gambia?+
You must show a yellow-fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with transmission risk, and it’s broadly recommended for The Gambia in any case. Travelling directly from the UK or Europe you may not be asked, but carry the certificate if you have one. The vaccine needs about 10 days to take effect, so arrange it well before you travel.
Is Banjul really a NASA Space Shuttle landing site?+
It was. From the late 1980s until around 2002, NASA listed Banjul as an emergency and augmented landing site for the Space Shuttle, because its long runway sat under the path of low-inclination launches from Florida. The designation lapsed when missions moved to higher inclinations, but the 3,600 m runway remains — which is why wide-body charters and long-haul jets use it comfortably today.
What currency should I bring, and is there an ATM at the airport?+
The currency is the Gambian dalasi, which you can’t buy before you arrive. The terminal has a bank ATM and a bureau de change — draw or change a small amount for your taxi and first day, then use ATMs on the coast at Senegambia for better rates. Pounds and euros are accepted at many hotels, but day-to-day spending is easier in dalasi.
Is there a lounge or good food at Banjul airport?+
Facilities are modest. There’s a duty-free shop, a ground-floor snack bar and the Air View restaurant upstairs for a proper meal, but no large Priority Pass lounge network to rely on. If you want fast-track or a private meet-and-greet, arrange it through your tour operator in advance rather than expecting to buy it at the airport. Plan to eat at your hotel or in Senegambia.
How far is the airport from Banjul city and the beaches?+
The airport is at Yundum, about 23 km southwest of Banjul city itself — but only around 20 km (30–40 minutes) from the coastal resort strip where nearly all visitors stay. So despite the name, most arrivals never go into Banjul city; they head straight to Kololi, Senegambia, Kotu or Bakau.
At a glance
| Codes | BJL / GBYD — Banjul International Airport (Yundum) |
| Terminal | Single terminal, ~7 check-in desks; opened 1997, rehabilitated 2021; new terminal at tender stage |
| Runway | 3,600 m (11,811 ft) — a former NASA Space Shuttle emergency landing site (c.1988–2002) |
| Distance | ~23 km to Banjul city; ~20 km (30–40 min) to Kololi / Senegambia / Kotu / Bakau |
| Security fee | US$20 arrival + US$20 departure, cash (USD/GBP/EUR/GMD), before immigration |
| To the resorts | Package coach (included) or green tourist taxi ~GMD 1,500–2,000; no reliable ride-hailing |
| Entry | Visa-free for UK / EU / Commonwealth / ECOWAS; yellow-fever certificate if from a risk country |
| Season | Winter-sun peak Nov–Apr; Turkish year-round, most others seasonal charter |
Before you fly
- 📊 Check what a good fare to The Gambia looks like — our price-check tool shows the typical deal range so you know a bargain when you see one.
- 🧳 Baggage checker — confirm your airline’s carry-on and checked allowance before you pack (charter and package fares vary a lot).
- 🏝️ The Gambia travel guide — beaches, the river, best time to go and how to get around the Smiling Coast.
🏝️ Planning the trip? Read our The Gambia travel guide — beaches, the river, best time to go, and how to get around.
