Sierra Leone entry requirements for Cameroon passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Cameroonian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) and major land borders. This is the standard way to enter Sierra Leone in 2026 — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with your documents and pay the fee at the immigration desk.
Apply for Sierra Leone eVisaOfficial portal: Sierra Leone eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the period you intend to stay in Sierra Leone. Airlines at Douala and Yaoundé check this before boarding. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Sierra Leone immigration. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Freetown International Airport | You get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Pay the fee in cash — USD is preferred, have the exact amount ready. The process takes 10–15 minutes at the immigration counter. No prior application needed. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sierra Leone | Immigration officers at Freetown ask for a return or onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Airlines also check this at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival counter. A printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry cash (USD or EUR) or a debit/credit card to show you have enough for your trip. Immigration rarely asks, but having $200–$300 in cash avoids any issues. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — USD or Sierra Leonean leones. There is no card payment option at the immigration desk. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and a little extra for unexpected costs.
Yellow fever certificate required
Sierra Leone requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated desk — not the main passport control queue. Join that line.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will tell you the fee — pay in cash (USD or local currency leones). Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates and number of entries before you walk away.
4
Proceed to passport control
Now go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the fresh visa. They'll stamp you in. Collect your bags and exit.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. $80 USD)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Requires embassy application; good for frequent travellers.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year (plus processing fees)
For those with a job offer from a Sierra Leone employer. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa/Residence Permit
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~$100 USD per year (plus processing fees)
For enrolment in accredited Sierra Leone institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor/Business Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (initial fee)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and registration. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport; exact amount may vary. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Available through Sierra Leone embassy or online eVisa system. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Requires application at embassy; not available on arrival. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. $10 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Immigration Department in Freetown before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sierra Leone
No transit visa needed
Cameroon passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (Lungi International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (Cameroon is endemic). Must show certificate upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, including Freetown. Use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and consider prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Freetown
Sierra Leone Immigration Department Headquarters
1 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southern region.
Practical information for CM travellers
Country basics
CapitalFreetown
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySierra Leonean leone (SLL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 24,355.05 SLL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GTypes D (3-pin) and G (3-pin rectangular) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically around $80–$100 USD (or equivalent in Sierra Leonean leones). Pay in cash — USD is widely accepted. Exact amounts can change, so bring a little extra.
Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at major land border crossings like the one from Guinea or Liberia. The process is similar — present your passport, pay the fee, and get the stamp. But the airport is the most straightforward.
The standard stay is 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown. The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100 USD. Extensions are not guaranteed — apply early.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching happens in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered taxis. Check your government's travel advisory for the latest.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.