The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia has warned against fraudulent and improper practices by some intermediary agencies and individuals seeking to obtain Chinese visas on behalf of applicants.
In a notice issued on 13 May 2026, the Embassy said the activities were affecting the normal processing of visa applications and could undermine the legitimate interests of applicants.
The Embassy stressed that it had not designated any agency or individual to provide intermediary visa services and advised applicants to complete visa applications through the embassy’s official online platform.
It cautioned that applications containing false information or materials, including forms incorrectly completed by intermediary agencies, would not be accepted.
The embassy also clarified that, apart from visa fees and charges for express or urgent services, it imposed no additional fees on applicants.
According to the notice, the normal visa processing period is four working days from the date the applicant submits a passport and all required supporting documents.
Applicants may, however, be asked during the online review process to revise submitted information or provide supplementary documents before their passports can be accepted for processing.
The embassy urged applicants to regularly monitor the status of their applications through the “Personal Center” section of the online application system and to submit passports only when the status indicates “Passport to be submitted”.
It further warned that applications involving forgery, fraud or other suspected illegal activities would be rejected.
The notice said information relating to fraudulent or improper conduct by intermediary agencies or individuals could be shared with Gambian law enforcement authorities for possible action.
The embassy requested all intermediary agencies handling visa applications to submit their business registration details for record purposes through the email address consulate_gam@mfa.gov.cn.
It added that agencies completing application forms on behalf of applicants must truthfully declare their involvement in the online application process.
For visa inquiries, applicants may contact the Embassy by email at consulate_gam@mfa.gov.cn or by telephone on 4465311 during official working hours from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.