Sierra Leone entry requirements for Zambia 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You'll handle it at the airport in Freetown — no need to apply before you travel. 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 at Freetown International Airport (Lungi) or any land border. Pay $80 USD in cash — they don't take cards or other currencies. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready; the immigration officer will ask for both before stamping you in. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Airlines at Lusaka and Addis Ababa check this strictly — if you're under 6 months, they won't let you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Freetown will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket before issuing your visa. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works. If you're flying out to another country, make sure it's a real booking — they've been known to call the airline to verify. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival counter routinely ask for this. If you're staying with friends, get them to write a simple letter with their address and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement showing you can support yourself | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing you have funds. Immigration rarely asks for this, but if you look like you're traveling on a shoestring, they might. ATMs in Freetown are unreliable — bring enough USD for your entire stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. There is no ATM or card payment at the immigration counter. Bring enough USD to cover the fee (around $100) plus any unexpected costs.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your yellow card with your passport — you may be asked to show it at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter — not the same as the main passport control line.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket if asked. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around $80–$100 for a single-entry visa. Have exact change if possible.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. You're then free to proceed to baggage claim and customs. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia 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 (approx. 1,600 ZMW)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online if eVisa available.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. 3,000 ZMW)
For frequent travellers; must meet entry requirements each time.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$200 USD (approx. 4,000 ZMW)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 10,000 ZMW) plus processing
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
~$200 USD (approx. 4,000 ZMW) plus school fees
For enrolled students at accredited institutions in Sierra Leone. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 20,000 ZMW) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Sierra Leone. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD at the airport upon arrival. | $80 USD (approx. 1,600 ZMW) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Apply at immigration office before current stay expires. | Varies, typically $50–100 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Zambia passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., at 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 may be required.
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Zambia, as Sierra Leone is at risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic year-round. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylaxis like atovaquone-proguanil or 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
1 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bo
Bo Immigration Office
Bo City, Southern Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related issues in the south.
Practical information for ZM 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 approximately $80–$100 USD for a single-entry visa. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Exact change helps avoid issues.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or check with the Immigration Department in Freetown before your visa expires.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers. Carry your yellow card — you may be asked to show it at immigration.
You'll likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Freetown airport.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most official entry points, including the main land borders. The process is similar to the airport — have cash ready.
No advance form is required. You'll fill out an arrival card on the plane or at the airport. No online registration or e-visa application is needed for Zambians.
Immigration may refuse entry. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
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.