Sierra Leone entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Bring USD $80–$100 in cash for the single-entry fee, plus a passport photo. The queue moves slowly, so budget at least 30 minutes at the visa counter.
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 (FNA). Have your passport, a printed invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation, and the visa fee in cash (USD) ready — around $80–$100 for a single-entry visa. The immigration officer will process it at the counter before passport control. | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Sierra Leone. Have at least one blank page for the visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Freetown will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they issue your visa on arrival. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (USD) to cover your stay — at least $100–$200 per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in USD cash. ATMs at Freetown airport are unreliable, and credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Bring enough cash for the visa and at least $200 for expenses.
Malaria is a real risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Sierra Leone. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the visa on arrival counter. Have your passport, passport photo, and USD cash ready. The queue can take 30–60 minutes.
2
Pay the visa fee and get your visa
Hand over your documents and pay $80 USD for a single-entry visa or $120 USD for multiple entries. They'll issue a visa sticker in your passport.
3
Proceed to immigration
With your visa sticker, go to the immigration officer. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and you'll be stamped in.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$120 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; must have valid reason.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
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 (application fee)
For enrollment in accredited institutions in Sierra Leone. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing at least $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 cash (USD) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $80 USD |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Available at the same point of entry; request at immigration counter. | $120 USD |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $20 USD per day |
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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is needed.
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 hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; Vietnam is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Sierra Leone. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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
13 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Sierra Leone.
Practical information for VN 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
No, visa on arrival is only available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). If you arrive by land or sea, you need to get a visa from a Sierra Leone embassy beforehand.
You can extend your stay at the Sierra Leone Immigration Department Headquarters in Freetown (13 Walpole Street). The extension costs around $20 USD per day, with a maximum cap of $500 USD. Bring your passport and cash.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Vietnam is not endemic, but if you transit through an endemic area, you may need proof. It's safest to get the vaccine anyway.
No, the visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD). Bring exact change if possible — the immigration counter may not have change for large bills.
You'll be fined $20 USD per day, with a maximum cap of $500 USD. Pay at the immigration office before you leave. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime occurs in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables out of sight. Medical facilities are limited, so travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly advised.
No, if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. If you leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival. Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa can transit without a visa for up to 48 hours.
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.