Embassy
Embassy of the United States in Sierra Leone
Leicester Square
Sierra Leone visa requirements for American citizens
American citizens get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone, for up to 30 days.
Passport
USA
United States
Going to
SLE
Sierra Leone
Visa on arrival
A paid arrival visa for tourists and people planning to invest.
- Visa
- On arrival
- Max stay
- 30 days
- Valid for
- 30 days
- Fee
- US$80
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Bring the arrival fee in cash, in a widely accepted currency, plus a passport photo.
Have your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
Queue at the visa-on-arrival desk before immigration in Sierra Leone.
Ways into Sierra Leone
Visa choices for holidays and short visits.
Visa required For your passportUS passport visitor visaAn embassy visa for people with a US passport.
- Fee
- US$160
How to apply
- Check the embassy's document list.
- Complete the form and arrange payment.
- Follow the embassy's steps to submit.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- Yellow fever vaccine
- Apply through the Washington embassy.
- Multiple entries; valid about 1095 days.
- The embassy gives no stay limit per visit.
- The embassy serves the US, Canada and other covered countries.
Visa not requiredECOWAS visa-free entryECOWAS citizens can enter without an entry visa or entry permit.
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Travel with your valid passport.
- Show your travel papers at the border.
Documents required
- Valid passport
- Yellow fever vaccination proof
- The Washington embassy lists free visas for ECOWAS citizens.
- The guide gives no stay limit.
- The guide does not list ECOWAS countries.
eVisaOnline visa applicationApply online and get your visa at the terminal after approval.
How to apply
- Start an application at evisa.sl for each traveller.
- Fill in the form and pay by card.
- Check your status and wait for approval.
- Get your visa at the terminal when you arrive.
Documents required
- Yellow fever vaccination proof
- Children and babies also need their own applications.
- Your online confirmation comes by email.
Visa on arrivalStandard arrival visaA paid arrival visa for tourists and people planning to invest.
- Stay
- 30–60 days
- Valid for
- 30 days
- Fee
- US$80
How to apply
- Show your valid passport when you arrive.
- Pay 80 USD and get your visa.
Documents required
- Valid passport
- Yellow fever vaccination proof
- You can extend your stay by another 30 days.
- The guide does not list all borders offering arrival visas.
Visa on arrivalAfrican Union arrival visaA lower arrival visa fee for people from African Union countries.
- Stay
- 30–60 days
- Valid for
- 30 days
- Fee
- US$25
How to apply
- Show your valid passport when you arrive.
- Pay 25 USD and get your visa.
Documents required
- Valid passport
- Yellow fever vaccination proof
- You can extend your stay by another 30 days.
- The guide does not list African Union member countries.
Visa requiredSingle entry tourist visaA visa for a holiday visit.
- Processing
- 3 days
How to apply
- Check the embassy's document list.
- Complete the form and follow its payment instructions.
- Submit your form and documents.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- Return ticket
- Yellow fever vaccine
- A visa does not guarantee entry.
Visa requiredMultiple entry visitor visaA visa for repeated visits.
- Processing
- 3 days
How to apply
- Choose how long you need the visa.
- Check the embassy's documents and payment instructions.
- Submit your form and documents.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- Return ticket
- Yellow fever vaccine
- A visa does not guarantee entry.
Visa requiredOther passport visitor visasAn embassy visa for people with passports from other countries.
How to apply
- Check whether the embassy accepts your application.
- Complete the form and gather the requested documents.
- Submit with the required payment.
Documents required
- Passport valid 6 months
- Yellow fever vaccine
- Check that the Washington embassy covers where you live.
- Single entry: valid about 180 days.
- Multiple entries: valid 365 days.
- Canadian passports: 75 USD single; 150 USD multiple entry.
Sources (17)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Sierra Leone Immigration Department
- Immigration — Frequently asked questions
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation — Visa
- Government of Sierra Leone — eVisa system
- Immigration — 2026 summit electronic travel authorisation
- Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington — Visa services
- Sierra Leone High Commission in London — Visa service
- London High Commission — Types of visa
- London High Commission — Processing instructions and fees
- London High Commission — How to apply
- London High Commission — Requirements
- London High Commission — Business visa
- London High Commission — Minors
- Official Unified Permit portal — Work and residence
- National Tourist Board — Frequently asked questions
- National Tourist Board — Health and safety
- Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority — Part 9, Facilitation, February 2024
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Coming from United States
- Plugs D GAdapter needed
- MoneySLE Le
- Time+12h
- DrivingOn the rightSame as home
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency019 police999 ambulance
Planning your Sierra Leone trip
Best time to go: October to March is generally dry, hot and sunny. The rainy season runs from April to September, with the heaviest rain in July and August.
- Freetown Peninsula beachesThe peninsula has spectacular beaches that are often quiet or deserted.
- Bonthe TownThis former British colonial town on Sherbro Island has stone churches and a rich local culture.
- Tiwai IslandThis river island in southeastern Sierra Leone has rare wildlife.
- Outamba-Kilimi National ParkThe park combines savanna and jungle with varied wildlife.
Scams to watch for in Sierra Leone
About Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a West African republic on the Atlantic coast, between Guinea and Liberia.
- Capital
- Freetown
- Money
- Sierra Leonean leone (Le)
- Languages
- English
- Time zone
- UTC
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +232
Other Americas passports
Going to Sierra Leone
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Sierra Leone with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do american citizens need a visa for Sierra Leone?
American citizens get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone, for up to 30 days.
How long can american citizens stay in Sierra Leone?
Up to 30 days each visit with the visa on arrival rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Can I get the Sierra Leone visa at the airport?
Yes. American citizens get the visa when they land in Sierra Leone. Carry cash for the fee, a passport photo, your return ticket and hotel details.
Do sierra leonean citizens need a visa for the United States?
Entry to the United States is restricted for sierra leonean citizens: a visa plus special approval.
Do other Americas passports get easier entry to Sierra Leone?
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize Bolivia, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Sierra Leone are easier for american citizens?
Cape Verde, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau Angola, and 3 more let american citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Sierra Leone?
Bring the arrival fee in cash, in a widely accepted currency, plus a passport photo. Have your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
What money is used in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leonean leone (Le). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Sierra Leone?
English.
How strong is the United States passport?
It ranks #12 and reaches 150 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck