Sierra Leone entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. Just show up at Freetown International Airport (FNA) with your documents and pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they don't accept cards. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready for the visa officer.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration at Freetown Airport asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Air Senegal and Brussels Airlines also check this at check-in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it during visa issuance. A simple Booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Sierra Leone has limited ATM access outside Freetown, so cash is practical. | Recommended |
Cash only — no ATMs before immigration
There is no ATM or currency exchange before the immigration checkpoint at Freetown Airport. Bring enough USD, EUR, or GBP in cash to cover the visa fee (around $80–$100) and any immediate expenses. Old or damaged notes may be rejected.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Sierra Leone strictly enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement. Without the yellow card, you may be denied entry or forced to accept on-site vaccination and possible quarantine. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants — usually to the left of the main passport control booths.
2
Fill out the application form
Grab a visa application form from the counter. Fill it in with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Bring your own pen — the counter pens often run out.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, passport photo (if asked), and yellow fever card. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP). The officer will process your application — this usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
Once approved, the officer will stick a visa sticker in your passport and stamp it. Then head to the main passport control queue for entry clearance. Keep your yellow fever card accessible — they may check it again.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process from landing to exiting the airport typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on queue length.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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 date
CostUSD 80 (approx. 80 USD)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostUSD 150 (approx. 150 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostUSD 120 (approx. 120 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
USD 200–500 (depending on category)
For foreign nationals employed by a Sierra Leone company or organization. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa/Residence Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
USD 100–300
For those enrolled at an accredited educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
USD 500–1,000
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., USD 50,000) in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | USD 80 (approx. 80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may also lead to detention or deportation; avoid overstay. | USD 10 per day (no official cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
South Korea passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., at Freetown International Airport) do not require 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 if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended for some travellers.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travellers.
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, Southern Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the south; limited services.
Practical information for KR 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 $80–$100 USD (or equivalent in euros or pounds). Pay in cash at the visa-on-arrival counter. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring crisp, undamaged notes — old or torn bills may be refused.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel through a Sierra Leone embassy.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but in practice it's usually 30 days. Confirm with the immigration officer when you receive your visa. If you need a longer stay, check with the Sierra Leone embassy before you go.
Yes. Sierra Leone requires all arriving travellers to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card). You must get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival (and possibly quarantined).
You will likely be denied a visa on arrival. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling. If you can't, contact the nearest Sierra Leone embassy to ask about exceptions — but don't count on it.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Land border crossings (e.g., from Guinea or Liberia) may not offer this facility. If you plan to enter overland, check with the Sierra Leone embassy or consulate in advance.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry. But it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation to a country with better care can cost thousands. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is cheap peace of mind.
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.