The High Commission of the Gambia in London is the Gambia’s diplomatic mission to the United Kingdom. Gambian nationals in the UK turn to it for passports and official documents. As both countries are members of the Commonwealth, the mission is called a High Commission and is headed by a High Commissioner rather than an ambassador.
Contact Details
| Address | 57 Kensington Court, London W8 5DG, United Kingdom |
| Telephone | +44 20 3928 9770 |
| Fax | +44 20 7229 9225 |
| gambiahighcomuk@btconnect.com | |
| Head of Mission | Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner |
| National Day | 18 February (Independence Day) |
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:30 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:30 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:30 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:30 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:30 - 13:00 |
Opening hours as published in the FCDO London Diplomatic List (October 2026). Please confirm before your visit, especially on UK bank holidays and Gambian public holidays.
Location of the High Commission
Before your visit
You will find the high commission at 57 Kensington Court (London W8 5DG).
- Opening hours (FCDO list): Monday to Thursday from 09:30 to 17:00; Friday from 09:30 to 13:00.
- Bring: your passport, plus originals and copies of every document needed for your application.
The high commission and its network in the UK
Fatou Bensouda heads the high commission as high commissioner; the FCDO list gives 25 November 2025 as the start date.
Consular services
Typical consular services include:
- Gambian passports and emergency travel documents
- Registration of births, marriages and deaths
- Certification and legalisation of documents
- Citizenship and civil register matters
- Visas for travellers who need one for the Gambia
Do I need an appointment?
Ask in advance whether your service needs a booked slot.
Closing days
Like most offices in the UK, the high commission closes on UK bank holidays; the Gambian national day (18 February) often means a closure too. If your visit falls close to a holiday, confirm by phone or e-mail.
Emergency assistance
Gambian nationals in urgent need of help can reach the high commission on +44 20 3928 9770. Consular staff can replace lost travel documents and inform family members; they do not provide legal representation or money. In the UK, the emergency number is 999 (or 112).
Diplomatic missions of the Gambia in the United Kingdom
The Gambia in the United Kingdom
- London – High Commission of the Gambia (this page)
Frequently asked questions about the High Commission of the Gambia in London
Where is the Gambian High Commission in London?
At 57 Kensington Court, London W8 5DG.
What are the opening hours of the Gambian High Commission in London?
According to the FCDO London Diplomatic List: Monday to Thursday from 09:30 to 17:00; Friday from 09:30 to 13:00. Confirm before visiting.
Who is the high commissioner of the Gambia to the UK?
Fatou Bensouda (High Commissioner), according to the London Diplomatic List of October 2026.
What is the difference between a high commission and an embassy?
None in practice: Commonwealth countries call their embassies in each other’s capitals high commissions, headed by high commissioners.
Is the Gambian High Commission closed on the national day?
The FCDO list gives 18 February for the Gambia; missions usually close or hold a reception on that day.
Details checked on 10 October 2026. Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – London Diplomatic List (October 2026). Rules and opening hours can change. Confirm with the high commission before your visit.
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