Liu Jin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China
By Fatou Sillah
The Chinese Embassy in Banjul on Tuesday officially launched its consular and visa services at its premises in Bijilo, marking a new chapter in China–Gambia diplomatic and people-to-people relations. The service, which takes effect on October 7, 2025, aims to facilitate travel, education, business, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Through the new initiative, the embassy will begin issuing visas and offering consular legalization services to Gambian citizens and residents seeking to travel to China for purposes such as education, business, medical treatment, tourism, and cultural programs.
According to embassy officials, the launch reflects China’s commitment to making consular assistance more accessible to Gambians by allowing visa applications to be processed locally. The service is expected to reduce both time and cost for applicants while deepening cooperation and exchanges between the two countries.
The consular section is located within the Chinese Embassy compound along the Kombo Coastal Road in Bijilo. Services will be available twice a week—from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.—excluding public holidays. Applicants are encouraged to visit the embassy’s official website for details on application requirements, fees, and procedures.
Speaking at the ceremony, Zhao Shangsen, Deputy Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia, described the opening as a timely and strategic move to further strengthen bilateral relations.
“Under these circumstances, it’s the best time for this embassy to open the visa office to the general public in The Gambia because we do consider the opening of the visa office a crucial pillar for the further enhancement of the people-to people exchanges between the two countries,” Mr. Zhao.
He explained that the new visa office will simplify application procedures and improve convenience for travelers.
“We have prepared a press release in which we have all the details with regard to the specifics of the visa service. For example, who needs to apply for a visa? If you are not a diplomatic passport holder, if you are not a service passport holder, you need to come to the embassy to apply for a China visa,” he added.
Mr. Zhao emphasized that the new service will not only streamline travel arrangements but also promote greater mutual understanding and cooperation between the peoples of China and The Gambia.
The launch of the consular and visa services represents a significant milestone in the growing friendship between the two countries and underscores China’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships under the framework of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).