Africa-Press – Gambia. The United States has announced new travel restrictions on The Gambia, citing national security concerns tied to high visa overstay rates and the country’s refusal to repatriate its citizens ordered removed from the U.S.
A presidential proclamation issued by President Donald J. Trump identifies The Gambia as having “inadequate screening and vetting procedures” and deficiencies in maintaining accurate identity records, according to U.S. officials. The new policy is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2026.
Under the restrictions, most immigrant and non-immigrant travelers from The Gambia will be barred from entering the United States. Exceptions will apply to lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling with a passport from an unrestricted country, and individuals on official government business.
Data from the Department of Homeland Security’s most recent Entry/Exit Overstay Report show that 12.70 percent of Gambian B-1/B-2 visa holders and 38.79 percent of F, M and J visa holders failed to leave the country before their visas expired.
The proclamation also highlights The Gambia’s longstanding reluctance to accept deportees, a factor U.S. officials say undermines immigration enforcement and public safety.
The Gambia is among 15 countries included in the latest round of travel restrictions, part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration controls and prevent individuals deemed potential threats from entering the country.
The administration said the proclamation will be implemented consistent with federal law and contingent on the availability of government funding.
Officials in Banjul have yet to formally respond, though diplomats expect consultations between the two governments in the coming weeks to address American concerns.
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