๐ Visa โ Do You Need One?
Most visitors to Sierra Leone can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Lungi International Airport (FNA). The process is straightforward and takes 15โ30 minutes if you have your documents ready.
Visa on Arrival Cost
| Stay Duration | Fee (USD) | Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 days | $80 | Extendable at Immigration, Freetown |
| Up to 90 days (business) | $150 | Requires business invitation |
| ECOWAS nationals | Free | Up to 90 days |
โ๏ธ Lungi Airport โ Arrivals Guide
Lungi International Airport (IATA: FNA) is Sierra Leone's main international gateway, located on the Lungi Peninsula across the Sierra Leone River estuary from Freetown. The airport is modern, functional and busier than most first-time visitors expect.
Airlines Flying to Sierra Leone
- Brussels Airlines โ Brussels (most frequent European route)
- Air France โ Paris CDG
- Turkish Airlines โ Istanbul
- RwandAir โ Kigali (East African connections)
- Air Cรดte d'Ivoire โ Abidjan
- ASKY Airlines โ West Africa connections
After Arrivals โ Getting to Freetown
Because Lungi Airport is on a peninsula, you cannot drive directly to Freetown. Your main options:
- Government Ferry โ Cheapest option (~SLE 50). Runs scheduled times, can be crowded. ~45 min crossing.
- Speedboat/Hovercraft โ USD 30โ40 per person. Faster (~20 min), more comfortable, multiple operators.
- Helicopter โ USD 80โ120. Quickest, premium option. Book in advance.
- Stay in Lungi โ Avoid the crossing entirely. Hariom Yogi Guest House is directly opposite the terminal โ ideal for early/late flights.
๐จ Where to Stay in Sierra Leone
Accommodation in Sierra Leone ranges from simple guesthouses to comfortable business hotels. The main choices are Freetown (city hotels), Lungi (airport proximity), and beach resorts on the Peninsula.
Staying Near Lungi Airport
For travellers transiting or arriving late/departing early, Lungi offers several guesthouses. Hariom Yogi Guest House (yogistay.com) is the closest property to the terminal โ literally opposite the airport gates. 9 rooms, secure, WiFi, 24/7 support, from USD 30/night.
Staying in Freetown
Freetown has international-standard hotels from USD 80/night (Cape Sierra, Country Lodge) to mid-range guesthouses. The Aberdeen and Hill Station areas are popular with NGO and expat travellers.
Beach Resorts (Freetown Peninsula)
The Freetown Peninsula has some of West Africa's most beautiful beaches โ Tokeh, River No. 2, John Obey. Several boutique eco-lodges and beach camps operate here, ideal for leisure travellers.
๐ต Money & Currency
Sierra Leone's official currency is the Leone (SLE), redenominated in 2022 (1 new Leone = 1,000 old Leones). USD is widely accepted at hotels, supermarkets, and major restaurants.
ATMs & Cash
ATMs are available in Freetown (Rokel Bank, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, access bank). Lungi has limited ATM coverage โ bring enough USD cash for at least the first 24 hours. Small USD bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) are most useful.
Mobile Money
Mobile money is widely used across Sierra Leone. Orange Money and Africell Money are the two main platforms. Get a local SIM at the airport and load money for day-to-day transactions.
๐ก๏ธ Safety in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is significantly safer than its historical reputation suggests. The country has been peaceful since 2002 and is a major destination for NGO staff, UN personnel, business travellers and tourists.
- Petty theft in markets and crowded areas โ keep valuables secured
- Use hotel-arranged or trusted taxis rather than unmarked vehicles
- Freetown traffic can be chaotic โ allow extra journey time
- Swimming at some beaches has dangerous currents โ ask locals before entering the sea
- Malaria is present โ take prophylaxis and use repellent, especially at dawn/dusk
๐ฆ๏ธ Weather & Best Time to Visit
Sierra Leone has two seasons: dry (NovemberโApril) and rainy (MayโOctober). The dry season is the best time to visit for most travellers โ beaches, roads, and the interior are all accessible.
- NovโJan: Dry, harmattan winds from the Sahara, cooler evenings, excellent visibility
- FebโApril: Hot and dry, peak beach season, best wildlife visibility
- MayโOct: Heavy rains, lush green, some roads impassable โ experienced travellers only
๐ NGO, Expat & Business Travel
Sierra Leone hosts a large international community โ UN agencies, major NGOs (IRC, Save the Children, MSF, WFP), mining companies and business delegations. Globe2Me specialises in supporting these groups with:
- Corporate hotel rates at vetted Lungi and Freetown properties
- Crew change and port services at the Port of Freetown
- Airport transfers and long-stay accommodation
- On-the-ground support via WhatsApp โ a real person who lives here
๐บ๏ธ What to See in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is dramatically underrated as a destination. Beyond Freetown, the country offers world-class beaches, rainforests, wildlife, and cultural depth.
- Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary โ Pygmy hippos, 11 primate species
- Freetown Peninsula beaches โ Tokeh, River No. 2, Bureh โ among West Africa's finest
- Gola Rainforest National Park โ UNESCO-listed biodiversity, bird-watching
- Old Fourah Bay College โ First university in Sub-Saharan Africa (1827)
- Cotton Tree, Freetown โ Historic symbol of freedom for freed slaves
- Bunce Island โ Preserved slave fort in the Sierra Leone estuary
๐ Getting Around
Within Freetown, shared taxis (poda-podas) and okadas (motorcycles) are the local way. For safety and comfort, hotels can arrange private taxis. Uber-style apps are not available โ WhatsApp your hotel for trusted driver contacts.
Intercity travel is by shared bush taxi or chartered vehicle. Roads improve steadily each year but some interior roads require 4WD in the rainy season.