Sierra Leone entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Lungi International Airport in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 2026. The process is straightforward — bring the required documents and cash for the visa fee. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swedish passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Sierra Leone. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Freetown will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Freetown International Airport (FNA) | You get a visa on arrival at Lungi International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (USD) — single entry is $80, multiple entry is $150. Have your passport photo and hotel address ready. The queue moves slowly, so budget 30–60 minutes.Check visa fees | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Freetown ask for proof of onward travel. A printed or digital boarding pass showing your flight out of Sierra Leone works. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process. A simple booking.com confirmation is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $200–$300 in cash (USD or EUR) or have a bank statement ready. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you have money for your stay. ATMs in Freetown are unreliable. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring $80–$100 USD in small bills. Change may be limited, so exact change helps.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Lungi International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is usually before baggage claim.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Have your passport and return ticket details handy.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over the fee in USD or local currency. Get a receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After getting the visa, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Keep your passport accessible for spot checks.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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. 800 SEK)
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. 1,500 SEK)
Requires supporting documents and embassy interview.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 2,000 SEK) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa/Residence Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 1,000 SEK) plus school fees
For enrolled students at accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 5,000 SEK) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and registration documents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at airport immigration. | $80 USD (approx. 800 SEK) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; may be subject to additional penalties. | $20 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete or expired 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
Sweden passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone's international airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or entry visa is required.
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (FNA), Freetown
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal 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 may be considered for high-risk travellers.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide. All travellers should use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and take prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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
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 SE 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 $80–$100 USD. Pay in cash (US dollars or Sierra Leonean leones). Cards are not accepted at the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before travel.
The maximum stay is typically 30 days. Confirm with the immigration officer when you receive the visa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Have it ready with your passport.
Visa on arrival is available at Lungi International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy before traveling overland.
No e-visa option is currently available for Swedish passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a blank page, a return/onward ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Cash for the fee. That's it.
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.