Sierra Leone Visa Requirements 2026Entry Rules & Visa-Free Access by Passport

Visa-free nationalities
14
Visa on arrival
100
eTA / e-Visa
84
Total streamlined
198
Visa required in advance
0

Sierra Leone's visa policy is restrictive relative to other destinations worldwide. Every nationality not covered by visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry can apply online for an eTA or e-Visa - no embassy visit required.

Visa-free

Countries Whose Citizens Can Visit Sierra Leone Visa-Free (14)

Passport holders from these countries can enter Sierra Leone without a visa - no embassy appointment, no advance fee.

Visa on arrival

Nationalities That Get Visa on Arrival to Sierra Leone (100)

Citizens of these countries can obtain a visa stamp at the Sierra Leone border on arrival - no advance embassy visit required.

Show all 100

eTA / e-Visa

eTA & e-Visa Eligible Countries for Sierra Leone (84)

These nationalities can apply for an electronic travel authorisation or e-Visa online before travel - no embassy visit required.

Show all 84

Fees

Sierra Leone Visa Fees (updated 2 Jul 2026)

  • Sierra Leone eVisa

    30 days, single entryofficial sourceevisa.sl ↗

    USD 80

  • Visa on Arrival - non-AU nationals

    official sourceslid.gov.sl ↗

    USD 80

  • Visa on Arrival - African Union nationals

    official sourceslid.gov.sl ↗

    USD 25

  • Landing Visa - non-ECOWAS African Union citizens (single entry)

    single entryofficial sourceslid.gov.sl ↗

    SLE 250,000 (~$10,261)

  • Landing Visa - other nationalities (single entry)

    single entryofficial sourceslid.gov.sl ↗

    SLE 800,000 (~$32,835)

  • Landing Visa - non-ECOWAS African Union citizens (multiple re-entry)

    multiple re-entryofficial sourceslid.gov.sl ↗

    SLE 375,000 (~$15,391)

Show all 7 fees

  • Landing Visa - other nationalities (multiple re-entry)

    multiple re-entryofficial sourceslid.gov.sl ↗

    SLE 1,200,000 (~$49,253)

Compare official tourist-visa fees across every destination →

Transit

Sierra Leone Transit Visa

Sierra Leone publishes a transit visa product for travellers passing through to another destination. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and whether you stay airside - see how transit visas work.

Transit (Visa-Free Airside Transit)

Short airport transit for passengers continuing to a third country without formally entering Sierra Leone.

up to 1 dayfree

Per official Sierra Leone diplomatic-mission guidance (kw.slembassy.gov.sl/visas, sa.slembassy.gov.sl/visa-services), no transit visa is required for passengers holding a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 24 hours who remain in the international transit area of Freetown (Lungi) International Airport and hold the documents required for their onward destination. Travellers who need to leave the transit area, or non-ECOWAS travellers transiting overland, require a standard landing visa or entry visa instead. There is no separate paid transit-visa product.

Apply here ↗

FAQ

Sierra Leone Visa Requirements FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Sierra Leone?

It depends on your nationality - the lists above show every nationality that can enter Sierra Leone visa-free, with a visa on arrival or with an eTA or e-Visa. Every nationality we track qualifies for one of these streamlined routes.

Which countries can visit Sierra Leone without a visa?

14 countries can visit Sierra Leone without a visa in 2026, including: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia. Use Earth Visa to check whether your specific passport grants visa-free access to Sierra Leone.

How do I apply for a Sierra Leone tourist visa?

If your nationality is not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival to Sierra Leone, you can apply online for an eTA or e-Visa - no embassy visit required. You will generally need:

  • Valid passport
  • Completed online application
  • Digital photo
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of onward travel

Processing times and fees vary by nationality and visa category - see the visa types and fees on this page for the exact figures.

How long can I stay in Sierra Leone without a visa?

The maximum visa-free stay duration in Sierra Leone varies by nationality. Common allowances are 30, 60, or 90 days. See the visa-free country list above for specific stay durations per nationality.

Check your specific visa requirements for Sierra Leone

Enter your passport to instantly see whether you need a visa for Sierra Leone, how long you can stay, and what documents you need.

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