Sierra Leone entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) and all official land borders. This has been the standard procedure since 2024. You'll fill out a form, pay the fee in cash (USD or local currency), and present your passport and onward ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Have $80 USD in cash for a single-entry visa (30 days) or $150 USD for multiple-entry (90 days). Bring two passport photos and a printed copy of your hotel booking.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Sierra Leone strictly enforces this — airlines check it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Have a hotel booking or invitation letter ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination Yellow fever vaccination | Sierra Leone requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving travelers. Carry the WHO-issued International Certificate of Vaccination — airlines and immigration check it. | Required |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or local leones). ATMs at the airport are often out of order or charge high fees. Bring enough crisp USD bills to cover the visa fee plus a buffer for taxis and food.
Yellow fever — know your route
If your flight has a layover in a yellow fever endemic country (e.g., Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia), you may be required to show a yellow fever vaccination card upon arrival in Sierra Leone. Check your itinerary and carry your card if there's any doubt.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' / 'Immigration'. The queue can be slow — expect 30–60 minutes. Have your passport, photo, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be handed a small form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and address in Sierra Leone. Use a black pen. If you don't have one, ask the officer.
3
Pay the visa fee
At the payment counter, hand over the fee in crisp USD or local leones. They'll give you a receipt. Keep it — you'll need it for the next step.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a visa on arrival sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away. Common issues: wrong dates or misspelled name.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After clearing immigration, collect your bags. Customs is usually a quick bag scan. If you're carrying large amounts of cash (over $10,000 equivalent), declare it.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Good for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. $200 USD) application fee
For US citizens 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 (approx. $100 USD)
For US citizens enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. $500 USD)
For US citizens 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 at the airport upon arrival. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained from Sierra Leone embassy before travel. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. $20 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
US citizens transiting through Sierra Leone (Lungi International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
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
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, 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
23 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Reserved Area, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for southern region.
Practical information for US 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 $80–$100 USD (or equivalent in Sierra Leonean leones). Bring crisp, undamaged USD bills — no older than 2009. ATMs at the airport are unreliable, so don't count on them.
Yes. US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all official land border crossings, including the main ones from Guinea and Liberia. The process is similar — fill out a form, pay the fee, get a sticker. Cash only.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from the US, you don't need it. But if you've been in any African or South American country with yellow fever in the last 10 days, you must show your yellow card. Sierra Leone itself is endemic, so carrying the card is smart anyway.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
No. Cash only — USD or Sierra Leonean leones. Bring crisp, clean USD bills. The airport exchange booth gives poor rates, so exchange a small amount if needed.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) happens in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night, don't flash valuables, and use registered taxis. The country is politically stable as of 2025.
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.