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4 ways to enter

Sierra Leone visas

Sierra Leone tourist visa

Visitors can use an e-Visa unless they qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival. Separate rules for a tourist visa are not given.

Ways to get a Sierra Leone tourist visa

  2. e-Visa

    eVisa

    Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival must get an e-Visa. Travellers eligible for a visa on arrival can also apply online.

  4. Paid visa on arrival

    Visa on arrival

    Citizens of all European Union member states and the individually listed countries and territories qualify. African Union citizens also qualify, except those from ECOWAS member states, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Mali and Niger.

    Valid for
    1 month.
    Fee
    USD 80 for the standard arrival visa. Eligible African Union citizens pay USD 25, except citizens of Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi and Mauritius, who receive it free.

Who needs it

Visitors must get an e-Visa unless they qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.

Who doesn't

Citizens of ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) member states, plus Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, can enter without a visa or qualify for a free visa on arrival.

Good to know

  • The entry permissions described here are general visitor routes. Separate tourist visa rules are not given.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Sierra Leone?

Visitors must get an e-Visa unless they qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival. Citizens of ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) member states, plus Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, can enter without a visa or qualify for a free visa on arrival.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Sierra Leone?

There are 4 options: Visa-free entry or free visa on arrival (a special permit); e-Visa (an online visa); Free visa on arrival (a visa at the border); Paid visa on arrival (a visa at the border).

Can I apply online for Sierra Leone?

Yes: e-Visa. Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival must get an e-Visa. Travellers eligible for a visa on arrival can also apply online.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Sierra Leone?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Sierra Leone visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Sierra Leone be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Sierra Leone tourist visa rules?

On Sierra Leone's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my tourist visa once I am in Sierra Leone?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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