Sierra Leone entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. Queue at the immigration desk at Freetown International Airport (FNA) and pay the fee in cash. 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). Have a printed copy of your invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation ready — immigration officers often ask for it. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD is preferred, around $80–$100 for a single-entry visa).Sierra Leone Immigration | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your planned departure date from Sierra Leone. Airlines at check-in will enforce this strictly — I've seen people turned away at Auckland and Sydney for not having enough validity. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Freetown will ask for your return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration officers at FNA sometimes ask for this, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (USD is easiest) or a recent bank statement showing you can support yourself during your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but it's smart to have $500+ available. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration desk. Bring USD in small denominations ($20s and $10s) to avoid change issues.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your yellow card — you may be asked to show it alongside your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated desk for visa-on-arrival processing. Queue up — it can take 20-40 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will tell you the fee — pay in USD or Sierra Leonean leones. Get a receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. You're then cleared to proceed to baggage claim.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Cost$80 USD (approx. $80 USD)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrolment in accredited educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure. | $20 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone 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 countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Sierra Leone; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Cholera is present; ensure safe drinking water and food hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Reserved Area, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southern region.
Practical information for NZ 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, but it can vary. Pay in cash — USD is widely accepted, but Sierra Leonean leones work too. Bring small bills because change can be limited.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) — you may be asked to show it at immigration.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Land border crossings may have different procedures — check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy if entering overland.
You may be refused entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
No, it's not a legal requirement, but it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation from Sierra Leone can cost thousands of dollars, and local hospitals often require upfront payment.
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.