The Gambia government has begun the first phase of registration and issuance of new Biometric National Identity Cards to citizens aged 18 and above.

The rollout, being conducted through the Ministry of Interior, began on 4 August 2026 at designated enrolment centres across the Greater Banjul Area.

The first phase covers Banjul, Kanifing, Bundung, Abuko, Brusubi, Sanyang and Brikama, where authorities expect the highest demand for registration.

Following the completion of the Greater Banjul Area exercise, registration will be extended to other parts of the country.

The rollout will move to Sibauor in Foni West Coast Region and Jarra Soma in the Lower River Region from 7 September 2026.

Registration in the North Bank Region, covering Barra, Kerewan and Farafenni, as well as Central River Region-North, including Kaur, will begin on 11 September.

The exercise will then move to Central River Region-South, covering Janjanbureh, and the Upper River Region, including Basse and Fatoto, from 21 September 2026.

The government says the fee for a new National Identity Card is D250, 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 existing cards free of charge during the rollout.

Similarly, holders of enrolment printouts issued by the Gambia Immigration Department will be processed at no cost.

Eligible citizens are being urged to cooperate with registration officials to ensure the exercise is conducted smoothly, securely and efficiently.

Applicants must present at least one nationally recognised document to establish their identity and eligibility.

These include a valid Gambian passport, a Gambian birth certificate, or a valid or expired National Identity Card previously issued by the Gambia Immigration Department.

Applicants who do not possess any of these documents will be required to be identified and vouched for by both the Alkalo of their place of residence or origin and the Seyfo of the district.

In the Greater Banjul Area, registration is being conducted at designated centres in Kanifing, Banjul, Bundung, Brusubi, Abuko, Brikama and Sanyang.

The government has encouraged citizens to register at the centre serving their area of residence where applicable.

It described the biometric identity card programme as an important national initiative and called on eligible citizens to participate in the registration exercise.

By Adama Makasuba