Flag of the GambiaThe Gambia is not a Contracting Party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, so a UK FCDO apostille is only the first step. After apostilling, every document must also be stamped by the Gambian High Commission in London.

  • 1

    UK FCDO apostille (after any required notarial certification).

  • 2
    Consular legalisation at the Gambian High Commission in London.

We are an FCDO-registered legalisation agent. Once your documents reach our London office, we can manage the full chain: checks → certification (if needed) → apostille → Embassy legalisation → return delivery.

Legalisation path for Gambia – summary

  • 1
    Certify – if the paper is not already a UK public document, have it notarised
  • 2

    Apostille – obtain the FCDO apostille (standard or premium).

  • 3
    Consular attestation – submit the apostilled original, photocopy, cover letter, and passport copy to 57 Kensington Court; pay £50 cash and collect after 2–3 weeks.

Once both the UK apostille and the Gambian consular stamp are affixed, the document is valid for use throughout The Gambia.

Key points for Gambia:

  • Hague status: non-member – you need both a UK apostille and a Gambian consular stamp.
  • Consular fee: £50 per document, payable in cash only at the High Commission.

  • Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, Friday 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

  • Consular processing: typically 2–3 weeks once the file is lodged.
  • Only original apostilled documents are accepted; scans or notarised copies are refused.
  • Include one photocopy for retention by the consular office.
  • Attach a short cover letter with your contact details and the purpose of legalisation.
  • Provide a passport copy of the document’s signatory (or applicant) stapled to the submission.
  • Walk-in submissions are accepted, but expect to wait; the courier service may be more reliable.

Processing times:

  • UK notarisation (if needed): Same day by appointment

  • FCDO apostille – standard: 3 – 4 working days

  • FCDO apostille – express: 1 working day

  • FCDO apostille – premium: ≈ 5 – 6 h once lodged

  • Consulate – 2-3 weeks

Price examples for legalisation for Gambia:

Document Type Cost per document
Business documents + notarisation + apostille + Gambian legalisation £356
Personal documents + notarisation + apostille + Gambian legalisation £325

Prices include all fees and VAT

Need assistance?

If you find the legalisation process overwhelming or time-consuming, consider seeking assistance from a professional document legalisation service like us. We can handle the entire process on your behalf, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and peace of mind.

Included in our embassy attestation service:

  • We advise and check that your documents meet attestation criteria
  • If documents need to be certified, we get a solicitor
  • We submit your documents to the FCDO for the apostille
  • We arrange and complete embassy attestation
  • Documents are returned by your preferred chosen method
  • You’ll also get a digital copy of your attested documents
  • We are competitively priced with no hidden fees
  • We have a service guarantee! If we can’t get your documents attested, we refund our fee.

FAQs

Do you legalise “personal” documents too, or is it only for trade?

Both. The High Commission describes legalisation as “mostly applies to international commerce”, but UK personal documents (birth/marriage certificates, court orders, DBS/ACRO, etc.) are still commonly submitted when the receiving office in The Gambia requests the High Commission stamp.

If you need the Gambia High Commission stamp, use a UK notary (the High Commission expects a notary’s signature/seal before the FCDO apostille). If you only need an FCDO apostille, a solicitor-certified document can be apostilled (provided the solicitor’s signature is recognised).

Yes — if your apostille is already in place, we can take over from there and lodge it with the High Commission for legalisation.

No — if the receiving party treats them as separate documents, the High Commission usually stamps/charges per document. If you’re trying to reduce consular fees, the only legitimate way is to check whether your receiving authority will accept a single combined instrument (we’ll tell you if that’s viable for your paperwork).

Yes — and this is one of the most common reasons for Gambia’s legalisation. The High Commission specifically frames legalisation as largely used for international commerce, so corporate packs are routine.

Embassy attestation service.

Attestation can be a complicated process. We are here to help. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.

Embassy attestation service.

Attestation can be a complicated process. We are here to help. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.