Sierra Leone entry requirements for Indonesia 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
Indonesian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. It costs $80 USD, is valid for 30 days, and cannot be extended. Pay in cash and have your return ticket ready.
Apply for Sierra Leone eVisaOfficial portal: Sierra Leone eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and have a passport photo ready. The process takes 15–30 minutes.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they may deny entry without it. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Be ready to show cash, bank statements, or a credit card. Immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your visit. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa (e.g., tourist visa from the embassy) before you travel. Overstaying is expensive and can cause future entry problems.
Cash only for visa and expenses
ATMs are scarce and unreliable in Sierra Leone. Bring enough USD cash for your entire stay — including the $80 visa fee. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at entry. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is before passport control. Have your passport, return ticket, and $80 USD cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Have two passport-size photos handy. If you don't have photos, some counters offer a photo service for a small fee.
3
Pay the visa fee and receive your visa
Hand over your passport, form, photos, and $80 USD. The officer will process the visa and stamp your passport. This usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
With your visa stamp, go to the passport control queue. The officer may ask about your stay, accommodation, and return ticket. Answer clearly and confidently.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no further checks unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Indonesia 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 1,500,000 IDR)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy in Jakarta or nearest consulate. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$200 USD (approx. 3,000,000 IDR)
Ideal for frequent visitors; must apply in advance at embassy.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. 2,250,000 IDR)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company and business registration proof.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. 7,500,000 IDR) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals employed by a Sierra Leone company. Requires job offer, contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 15,000,000 IDR) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Sierra Leone. Requires business plan and registration. Includes residency rights for family.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 3,000,000 IDR) plus tuition proof
For enrollment in accredited Sierra Leone institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport. Valid for up to 30 days. | $80 USD (approx. 1,200,000 IDR) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | $20 USD per day (approx. 300,000 IDR) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa on arrival is not extendable; must leave and re-enter for longer stays. | Not available for VoA |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
Indonesia passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., Freetown International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country or change airports, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
- If connecting to a domestic flight, you must clear immigration and obtain a visa on arrival.
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission (including Indonesia, which is endemic). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialCholeraRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Sierra Leone; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination and safe eating habits advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide, including Freetown. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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
1 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (USD/Leones).
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Sierra Leone. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for ID 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
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type (like a work or student visa) before you travel.
Overstay fines are $20 USD per day. There's no official cap, so costs can add up quickly. Overstaying can also cause problems when you try to leave or re-enter Sierra Leone in the future.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). If you're entering by land border or seaport, you must get a visa in advance from a Sierra Leone embassy.
Yes. All travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission (including Indonesia) must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at entry. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
You will almost certainly be denied entry. Immigration officers at Freetown Airport routinely check for onward or return tickets. Airlines also check this before boarding — you may not even be allowed to fly.
No. Only cash is accepted, and USD is preferred. Bring exact change if possible. Some counters may accept Sierra Leonean leones, but the exchange rate will be poor.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing occurs in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night. Medical facilities are limited — travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.