Sierra Leone entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) and major land borders. This is the standard entry for tourism or short business trips in 2026. Show up with your documents and pay the fee at immigration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Finnish passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Sierra Leone. No minimum validity period beyond departure is required by Sierra Leone immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | 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 visa is single-entry and not extendable, so plan your exit accordingly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sierra Leone | Immigration officers at Freetown ask for a confirmed onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they check this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Officers occasionally ask for this at the visa-on-arrival desk, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have bank statements or cash (USD or EUR) ready to show you can cover your expenses. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around $100–$200 per day is a safe benchmark if questioned. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). No credit cards, no mobile money. Bring crisp, new bills — old or damaged notes may be refused. ATMs in Freetown are unreliable and often run out of cash.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Sierra Leone requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers. Even if you're coming directly from Finland, carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete — name, passport number, purpose of visit, address in Sierra Leone. A pen is provided, but bring your own just in case.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the fee in USD or EUR. The officer will give you a receipt. Keep it — you may need it for exit.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the dates and your name are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main passport control queue. Present your passport with the new visa. You'll be stamped in and can collect your luggage.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €93)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy/consulate before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.
Multiple Entry Visa
Max stay30 days per entry, valid 6 months
Validity6 months
Cost$200 USD (approx. €186)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must be arranged before arrival.
work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €465) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, typically 1–4 years
~$100 USD (approx. €93) plus school fees
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €930) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and registration. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $80 USD (approx. €75) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No official cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry bans. | $20 USD per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not standard for visa-on-arrival; contact immigration office for case-by-case approval. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Finland passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., at Freetown International Airport) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if transiting through an endemic area; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers but outbreaks occur; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Use insect repellent, bed nets, and take prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or 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
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; limited services.
Practical information for FI 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 standard single-entry tourist visa on arrival costs around $80–$100 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Bring crisp, new bills; old or damaged notes may be refused.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings, including the border with Guinea and Liberia. The process is similar — fill out a form, pay the fee, and get the sticker. However, the airport is the most straightforward and well-staffed location.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days single entry. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Even if you're coming directly from Finland, you may be asked to show proof. Get the vaccine and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card).
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown (located on Siaka Stevens Street). The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100 USD. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and a reason for the extension (e.g., tourism, business). Extensions are not guaranteed.
Overstaying can result in a fine (typically around $50–$100 USD) and possible detention or deportation. The fine is paid at the Immigration Department before you leave. Avoid overstaying — it's not worth the hassle.
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.