Foreign travel advice

Sierra Leone

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Sierra Leone’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Sierra Leone set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .ÌýÌý

Passport validity requirementsÌý

To enter Sierra Leone, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date of your visa application.ÌýÌý

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.Ìý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. Ìý

Visa requirementsÌý

You must have a visa to enter Sierra Leone.Ìý

Applying for a visaÌý

You can get a visa to visit or for business travel either:Ìý

  • when you arrive in Sierra Leone for 80 US dollars, paid in cash in US dollars
  • before you travel – Ìý

Single entry visas are valid for 90 days from date of issuing for visits up to a maximum of 30 days.Ìý

Multiple entry visas are valid for 365 days from date of issuing and are valid for multiple separate trips for up to a maximum of 30 days for each visit.Ìý

If you’re travelling for a purpose other than a visit or business, you must get a visa before you travel. Contact the .Ìý

Vaccine requirementsÌýÌý

To enter Sierra Leone, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination. Ìý

For more details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .Ìý

Airport security feeÌý

All passengers must pay a 25 US dollar airport security fee on arrival and departure. You must show proof of payment before immigration. You can pay:Ìý

  • in advance online through Ìý
  • on your mobile through Orange ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥ or AfrimoneyÌý
  • at United Bank for Africa or Sierra Leone Commercial BankÌýÌý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict rules about .

You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.Ìý

Export of precious stonesÌýÌý

You must have an export licence to leave Sierra Leone with precious stones. Check the quality of any gems or minerals you buy. Any deals that appear too good to be true probably are.Ìý