Getting there
Sierra Leone visa on arrival and eVisa at Freetown airport
Short answer
- Stay on a visa on arrival
- 30 days, extendable by 30 days, per the National Tourist Board 2
- Policy status
- Announced September 2019 with immediate effect 1
Who needs a visa
In early September 2019 the Ministry of Internal Affairs, through the Immigration Service, announced a new entry policy with immediate effect, as reported by Africanews 1. ECOWAS citizens enter visa free under the bloc's protocol 1. Countries that already had visa free arrangements with Sierra Leone kept them 1. African Union nationals outside ECOWAS can get a visa on arrival for US$25 1. Most other nationals pay US$80 on arrival, including citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, EU states and the BRICS countries 1.
The National Tourist Board's visitor FAQ, last modified on 5 May 2023, repeats the US$25 and US$80 fees 2. It says holders of 16 listed nationalities are not charged for a visa on arrival under reciprocal agreements 2. The sources differ on Singapore. Africanews in September 2019 listed it among countries whose nationals pay US$80 1. The tourist board in May 2023 listed it as not charged 2.
The reciprocal list
The National Tourist Board lists these nationals as not charged for a visa on arrival 2.
The eVisa
The Sierra Leone Immigration Department directs visa applicants to the official eVisa portal at evisa.sl 3,4. The National Tourist Board says visitors apply online before arrival, pay electronically and receive confirmation by email 2. The portal's fee table could not be read for this page, so the eVisa fee is not given here.
The Civil Society Consortium on Internal Security said in July 2026 that the Securiport system supports the online eVisa, as reported by Premier Media 5. This is the consortium's statement and was not confirmed in a government document.
On arrival at Lungi
On 20 June 2026 the Department's Audit Committee advised the airport team to make more space for visa sticker machines to cut waiting times 6. Business travellers who want a multiple entry visa can apply at a consular office, or enter on a single entry visa and apply after arrival, the National Tourist Board says 2.
Visa fees are separate from the US$25 Airport Security Fee. That fee was suspended from 6 July 2026 until further notice 7.
Extensions and permits
A visa on arrival can be extended by another 30 days through the Immigration Department in Sierra Leone, the National Tourist Board says 2. Work permits, residence permits, extensions and reentry are handled on the government's Visa and Permits Portal, the Immigration Department says 3.
Common questions
How much is a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone?
US$25 for African Union nationals and US$80 for most others, per the 2019 Ministry statement and the 2023 Tourist Board FAQ 1,2.
Where do I apply for a Sierra Leone eVisa?
On the official portal at evisa.sl, which the Immigration Department links from its website 3,4.
How long can I stay on a Sierra Leone visa on arrival?
30 days, extendable by 30 days through the Immigration Department, per the National Tourist Board 2.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@sierraleoneairportguide.com.
Sources
- Africanews, as reported by Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban: Sierra Leone starts visa free entry for ECOWAS, US$25 for other AU citizens (7 September 2019)
- National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone: Visitor FAQs (last modified 5 May 2023)
- Sierra Leone Immigration Department: Official website, visas and permits (accessed 24 October 2026)
- Sierra Leone Immigration: eVisa website (accessed 24 October 2026)
- Premier Media, as reported by Matthew Bakarr: Civil Society Consortium raises concern over suspension of Securiport (9 July 2026)
- Sierra Leone Immigration Department: Audit Committee inspects Freetown International Airport (20 June 2026)
- Premier Media, as reported by Matthew Bakarr and George M.O. Williams: Government suspends USD 25 Airport Security Fee (6 July 2026)
Related
- Arriving at Freetown International Airport
What to expect on arrival at Freetown International Airport at Lungi: visa on arrival or eVisa, yellow fever proof, customs, fees and transfer to Freetown.
- Passenger data and border technology at Freetown International Airport
Who logs passenger data at Lungi, what the law says on advance passenger information, the Securiport role and the July 2026 fee suspension.
- Exemptions from Sierra Leone airport fees and travel tax
What official sources say about exemptions from the Foreign Travel Tax, the airport security fee and aviation charges in Sierra Leone.
- The US$25 airport security fee at Freetown
History and status of the US$25 airport security fee at Freetown International Airport, paid to Securiport and suspended from 6 July 2026.
- Passports and travel documents for Sierra Leone
Passport validity rules for entering Sierra Leone, how Sierra Leoneans apply for or renew a passport online, the US$100 fee and rules for dual nationals.