Sierra Leone entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You'll handle it at Freetown International Airport (FNA) when you land. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for short visits.
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 at Narita and Haneda will check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Freetown International Airport | You get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Pay the fee in cash — USD is accepted, but bring exact change as the immigration counter does not give change. Have your passport photo and return ticket ready.Check visa fees | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Freetown will ask to see your onward ticket out of Sierra Leone. If you arrive without one, they may deny entry or put you on the next flight back. Budget airlines like Air Senegal also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | Immigration officers sometimes ask where you are staying. Have a printed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. If you are staying with friends, get their contact details written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show you can support yourself | Officers may ask how you plan to fund your stay. Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside Freetown. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD). There is no ATM or card payment at the immigration counter. Bring at least $100 in small bills.
Yellow fever vaccine required
All travelers need a yellow fever vaccination and must show the yellow card at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After deplaning, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Basic info: name, passport number, flight details, address in Sierra Leone. A pen is handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around $80–$100 for a single-entry visa. Exact amount can vary, so bring a bit extra.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. The visa is usually valid for 30 days.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. No arrival declaration form is required.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostUSD 80 (USD 80)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online; same as VOA but pre-approved.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 150 (USD 150)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostUSD 100 (USD 100)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
USD 200–500 (depending on category)
For those with a job offer from a Sierra Leone employer. Requires company sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
USD 100–200
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1–3 years, renewable
USD 500–1,000
For individuals investing a minimum of USD 50,000 in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | USD 80 (USD 80) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues. | USD 20 per day (USD 20) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa on arrival20%
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
Japan 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.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; Japan is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Sierra Leone; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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
13 Howe 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 JP 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 visa fee is around $80–$100 USD for a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days. Pay in cash (US dollars preferred). Bring a bit extra in case of exchange rate changes.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Yes, yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers over 9 months old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or entry by Sierra Leone immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Freetown International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules. Check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy if entering overland.
No, there is no online arrival declaration required for Sierra Leone. You'll fill out a paper form at the airport.
Have your passport (with 6+ months validity), return/onward ticket (printed or screenshot), and accommodation booking (email is fine). Cash for the visa fee. Yellow fever card if you have it.
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.