Sierra Leone entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Spanish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You'll handle it at Freetown International Airport (FNA) after landing. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Sierra Leone. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain upon landing at Freetown International Airport | You can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Have your passport, a printed return ticket, and cash (USD or EUR) ready for the visa fee — the exact amount varies by nationality, typically around $80–$100 USD. The queue can be slow, so budget 30–45 minutes after landing.Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sierra Leone | Immigration officers at Freetown ask for a printed return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Airlines also check this at check-in. A one-way ticket without proof of onward travel will get you refused boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having a booking speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to demonstrate you can cover your stay without working. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD). There are no ATMs before immigration, and cards are not accepted. Bring $100 in small bills.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs extra).
What happens at the border
1
Land at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually near the main passport control counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form at the counter. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Fill it in with a pen (bring one just in case).
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is typically around $80–$100 USD. Pay in cash (US dollars are preferred). Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the stamp says 'Visa on Arrival' and the dates are correct. You're then free to proceed to baggage claim.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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. €73)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy in Madrid or online via eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. €137)
Requires invitation letter or hotel bookings for each visit.
Business Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. €91)
Requires letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
$200–$500 USD (approx. €182–€456) depending on sector
For those with a job offer from a Sierra Leone company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 4 years
$100 USD (approx. €91) plus tuition
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor/Entrepreneur Permit
1–3 years, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD (approx. €456–€912)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or local currency at Freetown International Airport. Cash only. | $80 USD (approx. €73) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. €18) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are rare for VoA; apply at Immigration Office in Freetown. | Varies, typically $50–$100 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete yellow fever proof20%
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
Spain passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., at Freetown International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, you must obtain a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverSierra Leone requires a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from endemic countries or with a history of travel to endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is endemic throughout Sierra Leone; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination and careful eating/drinking habits advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round across all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
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
15 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo City, near the main market
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southern region.
Practical information for ES 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 = 24,573.84 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 around $80–$100 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
It's typically valid for 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Freetown.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown. The extension fee is about $50 USD, and processing takes a few days.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival, not departure.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most official land border crossings, but the process is smoother at Freetown International Airport. Have cash and your documents ready.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — either a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. A bus ticket or ferry booking may also work, but a flight is safest.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.