Can you keep your Gambia citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Gambians born in The Gambia may keep their Gambian citizenship when they become U.S. citizens, but naturalised Gambians are not allowed to hold another nationality.
What the law says
- Dual nationality has been allowed in The Gambia since 2001 for Gambians born in The Gambia.
- Naturalised persons are not allowed to have other nationalities.
- Gambian nationals can renounce their nationality pending approval by the state.
- Nationals may be denaturalised for performing acts, like voting, which are afforded to citizens of another country.
- Persons who lost their status because of dual nationality may be permitted to naturalise if they wish to repatriate.
“Dual nationality has been allowed in The Gambia since 2001 for Gambians born in The Gambia.”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether Gambia lets you keep yours.
Source: Gambian nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Gambia embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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