Sierra Leone Visa — Quick Facts
Most nationalities need a visa. Here's what to know before you apply.
Freetown 72-Hour Survival Sheet — $3
Arriving soon? The 72-hour survival sheet covers the airport, visa, money and getting around — everything this guide describes, in one printable page.
Visa on arrival cost
USD 80 (most nationalities) — pay in USD cash at the airport
eVisa available
Yes — apply at evisa.sl before travel; recommended to avoid queues
Visa-free countries
ECOWAS citizens (West African nationals) enter free
Length of stay
30 days standard; extendable at Immigration Dept in Freetown
eVisa processing
3–5 business days; apply at least 1 week before travel
Yellow fever
Vaccination certificate REQUIRED for entry — no exceptions
How to Get Your Sierra Leone Visa
Two routes — eVisa is recommended for a smoother arrival.
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eVisa (Recommended)
Apply online at evisa.sl before travel. Fill the form, pay USD 80 online, receive your eVisa by email. Print it and carry it to the airport. Bypasses the visa-on-arrival queue.
Read full guide →
✈️
Visa on Arrival
Available at Lungi Airport for most nationalities. Join the VOA queue, fill a form, pay USD 80 cash (bring exact change), get your stamp. Can take 30–90 minutes.
Read full guide →
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Embassy Visa
Obtainable from Sierra Leone embassies before travel. Required for some nationalities. Check with the nearest SL embassy if you're unsure.
Read full guide →
⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate: You MUST present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival. Without one you will be denied entry or vaccinated at the airport (at your expense). Get your jab at least 10 days before travel.
Extending Your Stay
Staying longer than 30 days? Here's how to extend.
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Visa Extension Process
Visit the Immigration Department on Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown. Bring passport, photos, fee (approx NL 500,000). Process takes 1–3 days.
Read full guide →
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Residence Permits
Staying 6+ months? Apply for a temporary residence permit. Required for NGO workers, expats and business residents.
Read full guide →
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Visa-Free Countries
ECOWAS citizens (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, etc.) can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Some other nations have bilateral agreements.
Read full guide →
Before You Travel — Checklist
Documents and jabs to sort before flying to Sierra Leone.
Passport validity
Must be valid for 6+ months beyond your entry date
Yellow fever vaccine
Required — get it 10+ days before travel
eVisa or VOA plan
Apply at evisa.sl or have USD 80 cash for on arrival
Travel insurance
Strongly recommended — medical evacuation is expensive
Malaria prophylaxis
Start before travel — consult your doctor
Travel advisory
Check your government's Sierra Leone travel advisory