Sierra Leone entry requirements for Pakistan 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
Pakistani passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Freetown International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Sierra Leone eVisaOfficial portal: Sierra Leone eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Sierra Leone. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sierra Leone | Immigration officers at Freetown International Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry or directed to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Sierra Leonean leones. No cards, no mobile money. Bring enough USD in good condition to cover the fee and some extra for incidentals.
Yellow fever certificate may be checked
Even though Pakistan isn't a yellow fever country, Sierra Leone immigration can ask for proof of vaccination. Get the shot and carry the yellow card — it's a common reason for denial at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Freetown International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control line.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form at the counter. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and address in Sierra Leone.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or SLL). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You're in.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 22,000 SLL)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 41,000 SLL)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
$200–500 USD (approx. 55,000–138,000 SLL) depending on category
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. 27,500 SLL) plus tuition
For enrolled students at accredited institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or local currency at entry. Valid for up to 30 days. | $80 USD (approx. 22,000 SLL) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $20 USD per day (approx. 5,500 SLL) |
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
Pakistan holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., Freetown International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, for land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk (including Pakistan). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including Freetown. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and take prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).
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 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Reserved Area, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for southern region.
Practical information for PK 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
The fee is typically around $80–$100 USD, payable in cash at the airport. Bring US dollars in good condition (no tears or marks) or Sierra Leonean leones. Cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or check with the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown before your visa expires.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Pakistan is not a yellow fever endemic country, but you may still be asked for the certificate. Get the vaccine and carry the yellow card.
Visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders. The process is similar — fill a form, pay the fee, get the stamp. But facilities may be more basic, so carry extra cash and patience.
Sierra Leone does not currently offer an e-visa for Pakistani passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard option. No need to apply in advance.
Have your passport (6+ months validity), return ticket (printed or on phone), first night hotel booking, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Cash for the visa fee. A copy of your travel insurance is also smart to have.
Usually 15–30 minutes, but can be longer if multiple flights arrive at once. The queue moves steadily. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
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.