Sierra Leone entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese 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.
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 to show at the visa counter. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Sierra Leone. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Freetown airport always ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Sierra Leone. The visa on arrival officer will ask for it — a booking confirmation email works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be denied entry without proof of yellow fever vaccination. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
Cash is king at the airport
There are no ATMs before immigration and card payments are not accepted for the visa fee. Bring enough USD in small bills to cover the fee and any immediate expenses.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and the visa fee in cash. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa stamp, join the main passport control line. Show your passport and any additional documents if asked. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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. €73)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €137)
For frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €91)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €182) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Sierra Leone employer. Requires contract, company sponsorship, and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €91)
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €455)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport. Valid for up to 30 days. | $80 USD (approx. €73) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. €18) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not guaranteed; apply at immigration office before expiry. | Varies, typically $50–$100 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete yellow fever vaccination20%
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
Portugal passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (Lungi International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, you may require a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if you have been in an endemic area; certificate must be presented on arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended for high-risk travellers.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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
10 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photo, and fee.
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 PT 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
Expect to pay around $80–$100 USD (or equivalent in Sierra Leonean leones). Bring small USD bills — change may not be available. Fees can change, so check with the Sierra Leone embassy before you travel.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'll need to visit the Immigration Department in Freetown. Start the process before your visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Sierra Leone. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at Freetown International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy or consulate before attempting to enter by land.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. USD is widely accepted, but have small denominations. ATMs are scarce at the airport.
An onward ticket (out of Sierra Leone) is sufficient. It doesn't have to be a return to Portugal — just proof you're leaving Sierra Leone.
Usually 15–30 minutes, but can be longer during peak arrival times. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
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.