Foreign travel advice

Sierra Leone

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, 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 Sierra Leone High Commission in the UK.  

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers entering Sierra Leone. 

Passport validity requirements 

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

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

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.  

Visa requirements 

You must have a visa to enter Sierra Leone. 

Applying for a visa 

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

  • when you arrive in Sierra Leone for 80 US dollars, paid in cash in US dollars
  • before you travel – apply online for an e-visa 

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

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. 

If you’re travelling for a purpose other than a visit or business, you must get a visa before you travel. Contact the Sierra Leone High Commission in the UK

Vaccine requirements  

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

For more details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Sierra Leone guide

Airport security fee 

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: 

  • in advance online through Securipass 
  • on your mobile through Orange Money or Afrimoney 
  • at United Bank for Africa or Sierra Leone Commercial Bank  

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Sierra Leone.

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

Export of precious stones  

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.