Get Your Sierra Leone Visa Online
Fast, secure visa processing for beach holidays, eco-tourism, and unforgettable West African adventures
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Sierra Leone Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications approved within 3-5 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details, travel plans, and intended activities in Sierra Leone. Our intelligent validation system guides you through each section, checking for common errors and ensuring your application meets Sierra Leone Immigration requirements.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of accommodation. Our visa specialists review every document against Sierra Leone Immigration standards before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
3
We submit to Sierra Leone Immigration
Your verified application is transmitted directly to Sierra Leone's Immigration Department. We monitor processing status in real-time and proactively communicate any updates, requests for additional documentation, or status changes via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa by email
Your approved Sierra Leone visa arrives as a PDF document. Print it clearly on A4 paper and present it at immigration along with your passport. Welcome to Salone — prepare to experience West Africa's most beautiful beaches!
Sierra Leone Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Single entry for beaches and eco-tourism
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For commercial activities and mining visits
Visa on Arrival
Up to 30 days
Available for select nationalities
Transit Visa
Up to 7 days
For travelers passing through Sierra Leone
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate mandatory
- Passport photo 35x45mm, white background
- Hotel booking or invitation letter required
- Return flight or onward travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Tourist & Visitor Visas
Sierra Leone welcomes international visitors to experience its stunning natural beauty, from pristine beaches to lush rainforests. The country's visa system provides straightforward options for tourists seeking West African adventures.
Tourist Visa — Single Entry
The standard Sierra Leone tourist visa allows a single entry with stays up to 90 days — ideal for beach holidays along the Freetown Peninsula, wildlife encounters at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and exploring the country's rich cultural heritage. This visa suits most leisure travelers visiting Sierra Leone for beaches, eco-tourism, or cultural experiences. You can engage in tourism activities, visit friends and family, and attend non-commercial events.
Visa on Arrival
Sierra Leone offers visa on arrival for citizens of select countries at Lungi International Airport (FNA). This option allows stays up to 30 days and provides convenience for spontaneous travelers. However, pre-arranged visas are recommended for smoother entry processing, especially during peak travel periods.
Business & Special Purpose Visas
Business Visa
Sierra Leone's business visa caters to professionals conducting commercial activities within the country. Given Sierra Leone's significant mining industry (diamonds, rutile, bauxite) and growing investment opportunities, business visas are common for industry professionals, investors, and trade representatives. This includes attending business meetings and conferences, exploring mining and investment opportunities, establishing trade contacts, conducting market research, and negotiating contracts. Business visas allow stays up to 90 days.
Work & Residence Permits
Foreign nationals intending to work in Sierra Leone must obtain a work permit through the Ministry of Labour. This is separate from entry visas and requires employer sponsorship. Mining companies, NGOs, and international organizations operating in Sierra Leone typically handle work permit arrangements for their expatriate staff.
Entry Requirements & Health
Essential Requirements
All Sierra Leone visa applicants must meet these fundamental requirements:
• Passport validity: Minimum 6 months beyond your intended arrival date with at least two blank pages for entry stamps
• Yellow fever vaccination: Mandatory for all travelers regardless of origin. You must present your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at immigration — entry will be refused without it.
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm) with white background, taken within the last 6 months
• Accommodation proof: Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from a host in Sierra Leone
• Travel itinerary: Flight bookings showing entry and exit from Sierra Leone
• Sufficient funds: Evidence of financial means to support your stay
Health Considerations
Beyond yellow fever vaccination, travelers should consider malaria prophylaxis as Sierra Leone is a high-risk area. Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and ensuring routine vaccinations are current. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
Entry Points & Processing
Entry Points & Immigration
Sierra Leone visas are valid at all official entry points including:
• Airport: Lungi International Airport (FNA) — the main international gateway, located across the bay from Freetown. Ferry, water taxi, or helicopter transfers connect to the capital.
• Land borders: Official crossing points with Guinea (Pamelap, Gbalamuya) and Liberia (Bo Waterside) — ensure you have proper documentation as border formalities can be thorough.
• Seaport: Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown handles cruise ships and some commercial passenger vessels.
Processing Times & Application Timing
Standard visa processing takes 3-7 business days, though most applications receive decisions within 5 business days. Processing may take longer during peak periods or if additional documentation is required. We recommend applying at least 3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow buffer time for any additional documentation requests or unforeseen delays.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.6Customer rating
97%Approval rate
"Visiting Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary was a dream come true! DoVisa made the visa process incredibly simple. Got approved in 4 days with no issues at Lungi Airport."
"River No. 2 Beach was worth every step of the journey. The visa application was straightforward and the team helped me understand the yellow fever requirements."
"Applied for a business visa for mining industry meetings. The process took about a week but communication was excellent throughout. Professional service."
"First time traveling to West Africa and was nervous about the visa. DoVisa's document checklist made everything clear. Approved in just 3 days!"
"Excellent service for our NGO team traveling to Freetown. All five visas processed together and approved on the same day. Highly recommend!"
"Good experience overall. The application form was easy to complete and support answered my questions about transit requirements quickly."
"Beach holiday in Sierra Leone was amazing! The visa was the easiest part of planning. Tokeh Beach exceeded all expectations."
"Applied on a Wednesday, approved by Monday. The ferry from Lungi to Freetown was an adventure in itself. Thank you DoVisa for the smooth visa process!"
"Helpful reminder about yellow fever vaccination requirement. The visa arrived as promised and immigration at Lungi was straightforward with printed documents."
"Traveled to Sierra Leone for volunteer work. DoVisa guided me through the proper visa type and documentation. Very professional team!"
Sierra Leone Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone offers several visa categories for international travelers. Tourist visa allows stays up to 90 days for holidays, beach vacations, eco-tourism, visiting friends and family, and general tourism. Business visa permits stays up to 90 days for commercial activities including meetings, mining industry visits, investment exploration, and trade. Transit visa allows stays up to 7 days for travelers passing through Sierra Leone to another destination. Work permits are required for employment and must be arranged through the Ministry of Labour with employer sponsorship. Visa on arrival is available for select nationalities at Lungi International Airport for stays up to 30 days. The right visa depends on your travel purpose, duration, and nationality.
Is a yellow fever vaccination mandatory for Sierra Leone?
Yes, yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers to Sierra Leone, regardless of your country of origin or transit history. This is one of the strictest requirements in Africa. You must present your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (yellow card) at immigration — entry will be refused without it. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival to be considered valid. The yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime protection, so a single vaccination is sufficient. Get vaccinated at an approved travel health clinic that can issue the official yellow card. Keep this document safe as you'll need it for entry and may be asked to present it during your stay.
How long does Sierra Leone visa processing take?
Sierra Leone visa processing typically takes 3-7 business days, with most applications receiving decisions within 5 business days. Processing times can vary based on several factors: Application completeness significantly impacts speed — applications with clear documents, correct photos, and accurate information process faster. Business visas may require additional verification of invitation letters and business documentation. Peak periods around holidays and dry season travel months may experience slightly longer processing. Recommendations: Apply at least 3 weeks before travel to allow buffer time; ensure all documents meet requirements; respond promptly to any additional information requests. DoVisa's pre-submission review helps ensure applications are complete, reducing the risk of delays.
What documents are required for a Sierra Leone visa?
Essential documents for all applications: Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival with minimum two blank pages; recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm, white background, taken within 6 months); completed application form with accurate travel details; yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory). Additional requirements by visa type: Tourist visa: Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter from host), round-trip flight itinerary, travel insurance recommended, proof of sufficient funds. Business visa: Invitation letter from Sierra Leonean company or organization on official letterhead, employer support letter, company registration documents, detailed business itinerary. Documents should be clear, legible scans in PDF or JPEG format.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone offers visa on arrival at Lungi International Airport (FNA) for citizens of select countries. This option allows stays up to 30 days and is available for a fee payable in US dollars or local currency. However, we strongly recommend obtaining your visa in advance for several reasons: Pre-approved visas ensure smoother immigration processing; visa on arrival may not be available during system issues or peak periods; having documentation ready prevents potential delays or complications; some airlines may not board passengers without a valid visa. The visa on arrival option is best suited as a backup or for genuinely spontaneous travel. Citizens of ECOWAS member states may have different arrangements under regional free movement protocols.
How do I get from Lungi Airport to Freetown?
Lungi International Airport is located across the Sierra Leone River estuary from Freetown, requiring a water crossing. Transport options: Ferry — Government ferry service runs several times daily, taking about 45 minutes; most economical option but schedules can be irregular. Water taxi/speedboat — Private boats take about 30-40 minutes; faster and more frequent than ferries; book through your hotel or at the airport. Helicopter — Quickest option at about 10 minutes; operated by Paramount Airlines; must be pre-booked; most expensive option. Hovercraft — When operational, takes about 30 minutes. Tips: Book water transport in advance, especially for evening arrivals; carry US dollars for transport fees; allow extra time for the crossing in your travel plans. Most hotels can arrange airport transfers including the water crossing.
What is the best time to visit Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone has two distinct seasons that affect travel experiences. Dry Season (November-April): Best time for most visitors. Sunny weather, lower humidity, and calm seas make this ideal for beach holidays, wildlife viewing, and general tourism. December-February offers the most comfortable conditions. Roads are more accessible during this period. Rainy Season (May-October): Heavy rainfall, particularly June-September. Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. Some roads become difficult or impassable. Beach swimming can be dangerous due to strong currents. Some eco-lodges close during peak rains. Recommended timing: November-March for beaches and general tourism; December-February for the driest conditions; November and April for shoulder season value with decent weather. Year-round average temperatures range from 25-30C (77-86F).
Can I extend my Sierra Leone visa once I arrive?
Yes, Sierra Leone visas can be extended at the Immigration Department in Freetown. Where to apply: Central Immigration Office in Freetown. Requirements: Valid passport with remaining pages, completed extension application form, passport photographs, proof of sufficient funds for extended stay, accommodation confirmation, and the extension fee. Process: Applications are processed within a few days to a week depending on workload. Important: Apply before your current visa expires — overstaying is a serious offense that can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Extensions are discretionary and may be refused. Recommendation: If you anticipate needing a longer stay, consider applying for a longer initial visa period rather than relying on extensions.
Is Sierra Leone safe for tourists?
Sierra Leone has made remarkable progress since the end of its civil war in 2002 and is generally safe for tourists in main tourist areas. Safe areas: Freetown (tourist areas, hotels, beaches), Freetown Peninsula beaches (River No. 2, Tokeh, Bureh), Banana Islands, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and established tourism routes. Practical advice: Use reputable tour operators and guides; avoid walking alone at night; keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items; follow local advice about areas to avoid; ensure comprehensive travel and health insurance; carry copies of important documents separately from originals. Health considerations: Malaria prophylaxis is essential; drink only bottled or treated water; ensure yellow fever and other recommended vaccinations are current. Sierra Leoneans are known for their warmth and hospitality toward visitors.
What currency is used in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone's official currency is the Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL). Cash is king — Sierra Leone is primarily a cash economy. Credit and debit cards have very limited acceptance, mostly at high-end hotels in Freetown. US Dollars are widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions, hotel payments, and tourist services. Bring clean, undamaged US dollar bills (preferably $50 and $100 notes for better exchange rates). Money exchange: Banks and licensed forex bureaus in Freetown offer the best rates. Avoid informal street money changers. ATMs: Limited availability; some exist in Freetown but reliability varies. Don't depend on ATMs — bring sufficient cash. Tips: Carry a mix of US dollars and local currency; smaller Leone notes useful for local transport and small purchases; inform your bank of travel plans.
Can I work in Sierra Leone with a tourist visa?
No, Sierra Leone tourist visas do not permit employment. Tourist visas are strictly for leisure activities, sightseeing, beach holidays, visiting friends and family, and attending non-commercial events. Business visas allow commercial activities like meetings, site visits, and negotiations, but not paid employment. Legal employment requires a work permit from the Ministry of Labour, which involves employer sponsorship and must be arranged before starting work. Volunteer work: Genuine volunteer activities with registered NGOs may be conducted on tourist visas, but any work that could be performed by a Sierra Leonean should have proper authorization. Penalties: Working illegally risks fines, deportation, and future visa complications.
What are Sierra Leone's main tourist attractions?
Sierra Leone offers unique attractions that remain relatively undiscovered. Beaches: River No. 2 Beach, Tokeh Beach, Bureh Beach, and Lumley Beach offer stunning Atlantic coastline with golden sands and palm trees. Wildlife: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates chimpanzees in natural forest habitat; Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary hosts pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, and diverse primates. Nature: Freetown Peninsula's rainforest-covered mountains; Banana Islands for snorkeling and relaxed island life; Outamba-Kilimi National Park for elephants and wildlife. Culture: Freetown's Cotton Tree landmark and colonial architecture; Bunce Island's historical significance in the Atlantic slave trade; vibrant local markets. History: Diamond mining heritage sites; post-war reconciliation monuments. Sierra Leone's tourism industry is developing, offering authentic experiences without crowds.
Do I need travel insurance for Sierra Leone?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Sierra Leone, though not technically mandatory for visa approval. Why it's essential: Medical facilities in Sierra Leone are limited, and serious conditions may require medical evacuation to neighboring countries or Europe. Quality private healthcare in Freetown can be expensive. Coverage to include: Medical expenses including hospitalization; emergency medical evacuation (very important); trip cancellation and interruption; lost or delayed baggage; personal liability. Health considerations: Ensure your policy covers tropical diseases including malaria; some policies exclude high-risk activities or require additional coverage. Recommendations: Choose a policy with at least $100,000 medical coverage and $250,000 evacuation coverage; keep policy documents accessible; save emergency contact numbers on your phone. Some visa applications may request proof of insurance.
What happens if my Sierra Leone visa application is rejected?
Sierra Leone visa rejections are uncommon but can occur. Common rejection reasons: Incomplete or unclear documentation; passport validity issues; photos not meeting specifications; missing yellow fever certificate; previous immigration violations; insufficient proof of funds or accommodation; concerns about purpose of visit. If rejected: You'll receive notification that your application was unsuccessful. You can reapply immediately with improved documentation addressing potential issues. Prevention: Ensure documents are complete and clear before submission; verify passport has 6+ months validity and two blank pages; provide comprehensive travel plans; include proof of funds; most importantly, ensure you have valid yellow fever vaccination documentation. DoVisa guarantee: If rejection results from our processing error, we provide a full refund of service fees and complimentary reapplication assistance.
Can I travel to Guinea or Liberia from Sierra Leone?
Yes, Sierra Leone shares land borders with both Guinea and Liberia, and cross-border travel is possible. Border crossings: Guinea — Pamelap and Gbalamuya crossings in the north/northeast. Liberia — Bo Waterside crossing in the southeast. Visa requirements: Each country requires its own visa. ECOWAS citizens may have free movement privileges. Other nationals must obtain visas in advance — apply at the respective embassies in Freetown or before your trip. Practical considerations: Road conditions vary significantly; 4WD recommended for most border routes. Border formalities can be time-consuming — allow extra time. Some crossings may have limited hours. Road travel is challenging during rainy season (May-October). Sierra Leone visa: A standard single-entry Sierra Leone visa only allows one entry — if you exit to Guinea or Liberia, you'll need a new visa to return unless you have a multiple-entry visa.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help 24/7Ready to Explore Sierra Leone?
Discover pristine beaches and incredible wildlife in West Africa's hidden gem
Apply NowOr apply via our mobile app
