Sierra Leone entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian 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 your 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport | Tanzanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Have $80 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa fee. The process takes about 15–20 minutes at the immigration counter before passport control.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Airlines at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro check this before boarding — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration at Freetown asks for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Airlines also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Required for entry from Tanzania | Sierra Leone requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers arriving from Tanzania. Carry the original WHO-approved yellow card — immigration checks it at the health desk before passport control. | Required |
Cash only at the airport
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. There are no ATMs before immigration, and card payments are not accepted. Bring USD or SLL in small denominations.
Yellow fever certificate required
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Have your yellow card ready — it's checked alongside your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter — join the queue.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form (usually given on the plane), and pay the visa fee in cash. The officer will process your visa sticker.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is affixed, go to the passport control booth. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it for departure.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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, non-extendable
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, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
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 enrollment in accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 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. | $80 USD (approx. 80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if stay exceeds visa-free or visa period. | $20 USD per day (max cap $500 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not permitted for this visa type. | Not available for visa on arrival |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Tanzania passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone do not need 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 travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Tanzania.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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
15 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring passport and photos.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo City, near the main market
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for southern region.
Practical information for TZ 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 $80–$100 USD, payable in cash at the airport. Carry small bills — change may not be available. You can also pay in Sierra Leonean leones at the official exchange rate.
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 traveling.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card — immigration may check it.
Visa on arrival is available at Freetown International Airport. Land border crossings may not offer this facility — check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy if you plan to enter by road.
Yes, as long as you hold a Tanzanian passport and arrive at Freetown International Airport. Transit stops don't affect eligibility.
No, Sierra Leone does not offer an e-visa for Tanzanian passport holders. The only option is visa on arrival at the airport.
Overstaying can result in fines at immigration when you leave. The exact amount varies — avoid it by keeping track of your entry date.
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.