Sierra Leone entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You don't need to apply before you travel — just show up at Freetown International Airport with the right documents and cash. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but you need to be prepared.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Pay $80 USD in cash for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the visa officer will ask for both.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry. Sierra Leone enforces this strictly — airlines also check it before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Freetown ask for a confirmed onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Sierra Leone. The visa officer may ask to see it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to confirm you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile money. Bring crisp USD bills in small denominations ($20s and $10s). The immigration desk may not have change for $100 bills.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival. If you don't have one, you may be vaccinated at the airport for a fee, but it's better to get it done before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Freetown International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's usually a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Bring a pen.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — USD or Sierra Leonean leone. The fee is around $80–$100 USD. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. There's usually no further checks unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. £63)
Standard visa on arrival option for UK passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. £118)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy before travel; allows multiple entries.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. £79)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. £158) plus processing fees
For UK nationals with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. £79) plus university fees
For UK nationals enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. £395) plus investment proof
For UK nationals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Sierra Leone. Requires business plan and approval from the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD at the airport upon arrival. | $80 USD (approx. £63) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. £16) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (Lungi International Airport) do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all travellers due to risk in Sierra Leone.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended for high-risk travellers.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southern region.
Practical information for GB 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 typically around $80–$100 USD, payable in cash (USD or Sierra Leonean leone). Bring small denominations — the immigration desk may not have change for large bills.
No. The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. There is no card machine at the immigration counter. Bring crisp USD bills.
The standard visa on arrival is usually issued for 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown. The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100 USD. Bring your passport and a passport photo.
Yes. Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at some land border crossings, but the process is less consistent. Flying into Freetown International Airport is the most reliable option.
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.