By Fatou Krubally
The Gambia Government has begun the first phase of registration and issuance of new biometric National Identity Cards for citizens aged 18 and above, with the exercise currently underway across the Greater Banjul Area.
According to a press dispatch issued by the Office of the Government Spokesperson on Monday, registration began on Aug. 4, 2026, in Banjul, Bundung, Abuko, Brusubi, Sanyang and Brikama.
The nationwide rollout will be conducted in phases, with registration scheduled to begin in Sibanor and Jarra Soma on Sept. 7.
The North Bank Region, covering Barra, Kerewan and Farafenni, as well as Kaur in the Central River Region-North, is scheduled to follow on Sept. 11.
The government said registration will subsequently continue in other parts of the country, including the Central River Region-South and the Upper River Region, covering Basse and Fatoto.
A first-time National Identity Card will cost D450, payable at any Ecobank branch across the country.
However, holders of valid and unexpired National Identity Cards previously issued by the Gambia Immigration Department will be able to replace their cards free of charge during the rollout.
Holders of Immigration Department enrolment printouts will also be processed free of charge during the replacement period.
Applicants are required to present at least one recognised identification document, including a valid Gambian passport, Gambian birth certificate or a valid or expired National Identity Card previously issued by the Immigration Department.
Those who do not possess any of the required documents must be identified and vouched for by both the Alkalo and Seyfo of their place of residence or origin.
In the Greater Banjul Area, registration is being conducted at designated centres, including the Kanifing ID Card Centre, Banjul Immigration Headquarters, Bundung and Brusubi Police Stations, Abuko Immigration Office, Brikama ID Card Centre and Sanyang Immigration Office.
The government has urged eligible citizens to cooperate with registration officials to ensure an orderly and efficient registration process.
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