Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa bordered by Guinea to the north and northeast, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest. As a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Sierra Leone participates in the regional freedom of movement protocol. Since September 2019, the country significantly liberalised its entry policy by introducing free visa on arrival for African Union citizens and paid visa on arrival for a wide range of other nationalities.

2. ECOWAS Visa-Free Access

Citizens of all 15 ECOWAS member states enjoy visa-free access to Sierra Leone under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. This protocol allows citizens to enter, reside, and seek employment within member states without a visa.

ECOWAS Member States (Visa-Free) • Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire • The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau • Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger • Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone (host country) • Togo

3. Visa on Arrival

From September 2019, Sierra Leone introduced a visa on arrival policy. This is available at Freetown’s Lungi International Airport and two major border crossing points. The fee is USD 80 for most nationalities.

3.1 Visa on Arrival — Eligible Countries

The following groups of travellers are eligible for visa on arrival at a fee of USD 80:

Paid Visa on Arrival (USD 80) — Eligible Groups • All African Union (AU) member states not covered by ECOWAS • All European Union member states • United States, Canada, United Kingdom • Australia, New Zealand • Japan, South Korea, Singapore • Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar • Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Colombia • India, China (see diplomatic note below) • Approximately 80 additional countries with bilateral agreements

3.2 Free Visa on Arrival

Selected countries receive a free visa on arrival (no fee charged). This is part of Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to promote regional integration and bilateral ties.

Free Visa on Arrival Countries • China (diplomatic and service passports): 1-month free entry • Iran (diplomatic and service passports): 1-month free entry • Select countries under active bilateral agreements

4. E-Visa

For nationalities not eligible for visa on arrival, Sierra Leone offers an e-Visa system. Applications are submitted online through the official Sierra Leone Immigration Department portal. The e-Visa is required to be obtained before travel.

E-Visa Application Requirements • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity • Completed online application form • Digital passport photo meeting specifications • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host letter) • Proof of sufficient funds • Return or onward travel ticket • Payment of applicable visa fee online • Processing time: typically 3–5 working days

5. Entry Points

Entry Point	Type	Visa on Arrival Available
Lungi International Airport, Freetown	Air	Yes
Jendema Border Crossing (Liberia border)	Land	Yes
Pamelap Border Crossing (Guinea border)	Land	Yes
Other land border crossings	Land	No — advance visa required

6. General Entry Requirements

Requirements for All Visitors • Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity • Return or onward ticket • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay • Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory) • Valid visa, e-Visa, or eligibility for visa on arrival • Accommodation details

Note: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers entering Sierra Leone, regardless of nationality or entry type. Travellers without a valid certificate may be vaccinated at the port of entry, subject to additional charges.

7. Visa Extension

Visitors wishing to extend their stay beyond the initially granted period must apply for an extension at the Sierra Leone Immigration Department office in Freetown. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities and must be applied for before the original permission expires.