Sierra Leone entry requirements for Uzbekistan 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
Uzbek passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) and other official entry points in Sierra Leone. The visa is issued at immigration for a fee. You'll need a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. 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 | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change preferred) for a single-entry visa valid up to 30 days. Have a passport photo ready — the immigration counter has a photo booth but it's often broken.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Sierra Leone strictly enforces this — I've seen people turned away at check-in for having 5 months left. No exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but when they do, they want to see a physical address and phone number. A booking.com confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. The visa-on-arrival fee is $80 USD, and you'll need cash for taxis and incidentals — ATMs in Freetown are unreliable. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sierra Leone. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or SLL). Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Bring small bills to avoid problems with change.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Basic personal details and travel info. Keep it simple — no need for elaborate answers.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (USD or SLL) at the counter. Keep the receipt. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
After receiving your visa, go to the passport control desk. Present your passport with the visa stamp and your boarding pass. Answer any questions about your stay.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Once cleared, head to baggage claim, then customs. No additional forms needed unless you're carrying restricted goods.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Uzbekistan 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 1,275,000 SLL)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy abroad; allows extension.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 2,550,000 SLL)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 6,375,000 SLL) 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
~$200 USD (approx. 2,550,000 SLL) plus school fees
For enrolled students at accredited institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor/Business Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 12,750,000 SLL) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a local business. Requires business registration and investment plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport. | $80 USD (approx. 1,020,000 SLL) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap officially stated; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. 255,000 SLL) |
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
Uzbekistan 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 leaving the airport or changing airports, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Sierra Leone may transit without additional visa.
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; certificate may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialCholeraConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination and safe eating habits advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are 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
1 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
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 UZ 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
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Freetown International Airport (FNA) and all official land border crossings. However, the airport is the most straightforward and commonly used option.
The fee is typically around $80–$100 USD, payable in cash (USD or Sierra Leonean leones). Exact amounts can change, so bring small bills to avoid issues with change.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible at the Immigration Department in Freetown, but you must apply before your visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 9 months old. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown (located near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Immigration may deny you entry or require you to purchase a ticket on the spot. Always have a confirmed return or onward ticket before you fly.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered taxis. The country is welcoming to visitors.
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.