By Abubacarr
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By Dr Alieu O Faal
In August 2025, Senegal introduced a new visa regime based on the principle of reciprocity: citizens of countries that require visas for Senegalese nationals must now obtain a visa before entering Senegal. This list includes major markets such as the United States, China, France, and several other European nations. While Senegal anticipates substantial revenue from the e-visa system, the policy has already begun to take a toll on its economy.Reports from Dakar indicate that hotels are experiencing unusually low occupancy rates. Street traders and small businesses are recording sharp declines in sales, while both tourism and business travel inflows have slowed considerably. Attractions that once drew steady streams of visitors such as the Monument De La Republique, the Bandia Reserve Zoo in Sindia, and the Villages Des Arts and many others are now witnessing unprecedented drops in numbers. The very lifeblood of Senegal’s economy—tourism and business travel—is faltering under the weight of restrictive entry requirements.This development, though challenging for Senegal, could present The Gambia with a rare economic opportunity. By positioning itself as the more accessible and business-friendly destination in the subregion, The Gambia can attract displaced travelers, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking a convenient alternative. This is more than a tourism strategy—it is a national economic opportunity that must be seized now.To fully take advantage this opening can present, Gambian authorities must act with foresight and tact. Smart diplomacy will be key: quietly promoting the country’s openness to visitors and businesses while maintaining cordial relations with our neighbors. With the dalasi under pressure and economic growth still sluggish, such a strategy could inject new energy into trade, tourism, and investment—creating much-needed jobs, especially for young people, while boosting foreign exchange earnings.Introducing visa-on-arrival or short-term visa waivers for targeted categories—such as business travellers, conference participants, and investors—would send a powerful signal that The Gambia is open for business. We must also look inward at our own policies. The airport tax introduced more than three years ago has become a burden on both inbound and outbound travelers, dampening tourism and trade. By removing or significantly reducing this levy, we can stimulate air travel, attract airlines, and restore Banjul International Airport as a vibrant hub for the subregion. Increased passenger flows will in turn boost revenues through landing fees, ground operations, and related services.The benefits of taking advantage of this opening extend beyond tourism. More visitors mean higher demand for local goods, crafts, and services, directly impacting small businesses and street traders who are currently struggling. Increased investment inflows can also create new enterprises, providing much-needed jobs for Gambian youth at a time when unemployment remains a pressing national concern.Senegal’s visa restrictions may be their economic setback, but they can be The Gambia’s advantage. By acting quickly, the government can attract displaced business and leisure travelers; stimulate domestic job creation as well as strengthen the dalasi with increased foreign exchange inflows that can support local businesses including SMES, petty traders, and service providers. All these can be achieved in a sustained promotional campaign involving all major stakeholders in the services sector, the tourism industry and other businesses under the umbrella of the GCCI while maintaining security safeguards associated with open-door policies with strong vetting to prevent misuse by criminal or exploitative actors.The geopolitical winds of the subregion have shifted. Where one door closes in Dakar, another may be opening in Banjul. If The Gambia can act swiftly and strategically, Senegal’s new visa policy could become a catalyst for renewed growth, transforming a regional challenge into a national advantage. Investors, conference organisers, and tourists inconvenienced by Senegal’s new policy could find a natural home in The Gambia—if we make it easy for them.
About the Author:Dr Alieu O Faal is an international consultant with extensive experience across the public and private sectors. He previously served as Senior Resident Adviser at the Ministry of Finance and as a key partner at WYG International, a UK-based consulting firm. He currently serves as a Subject Matter Specialist at the National Assembly. Dr. Faal holds a PhD in Finance, an MBA, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He has authored numerous articles on state-owned enterprise (SOE) governance, international trade, and public financial management, and is also an accomplished business consultant.
