Sierra Leone entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone in 2026. You'll receive a single-entry visa at Freetown International Airport (FNA) or at land borders. The process is straightforward but you need to have certain documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Have USD 80–100 in cash for the visa fee — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. The immigration officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Maltese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Sierra Leone. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Freetown asks for a return or onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy of your booking or the airline app open on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least USD 500 in cash or a credit card showing available balance. Immigration can ask for proof that you can support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. ATMs at the airport are unreliable. Bring crisp, undamaged bills. Have $80–$100 USD ready.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sierra Leone. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short visa application form at the counter. Fill it out in capital letters. Basic info: name, passport number, flight details, address in Sierra Leone.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival fee is typically around $80–$100 USD (exact amount may vary). Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Have the exact amount if possible.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will process your application, take your photo (sometimes), and stick a visa in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, go to the passport control desk. Hand over your passport with the visa sticker. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the stamped passport safe.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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. €73)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from embassy; same as VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €137)
Must be applied for at Sierra Leone embassy before travel.
Business Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €91)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €183) application fee + employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour, then apply for residence at Immigration. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa/Residence Permit
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~$100 USD (approx. €91) application fee
For those enrolled at a recognized Sierra Leonean institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Investor/Entrepreneur Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €457) application fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business registration and proof of investment. May lead to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $80 USD (approx. €73) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Assessed at immigration upon departure; no official cap known. | $20 USD (approx. €18) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Malta 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. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., for an overnight layover), a visa on arrival is required.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission; may be requested upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. All travellers should take prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) and use insect repellent.
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
23 Siaka Stevens 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 southern Sierra Leone.
Practical information for MT 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 on arrival fee is approximately $80–$100 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Exact amount may vary slightly, so bring a bit extra.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at major land border crossings, not just at Freetown International Airport. The process and fee are similar.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible at the Immigration Department in Freetown.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown. The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100 USD. Start early.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Sierra Leone. You may be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night, use registered taxis, and keep valuables secure. The visa on arrival process is straightforward.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.