Sierra Leone entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. No advance application needed — just show up at Freetown International Airport with your documents and pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your UAE passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 6 months validity at check-in. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Freetown International Airport | UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or local currency) — have the exact amount ready. The process takes 10–15 minutes at the immigration counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Freetown will ask to see a return or onward ticket before stamping your visa. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this strictly. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Have cash (USD or local currency) or a bank statement showing you can support yourself during your stay. There's no fixed minimum amount, but showing $200–$500 is safe. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring USD in small denominations — $20s and $10s are easiest.
Yellow fever vaccination required
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arrivals. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' — it's usually separate from the main passport control line.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and your return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. USD is preferred, but Sierra Leonean leones are also accepted. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix the visa sticker into your passport. Check that the dates and your name are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Take your passport with the new visa to the main passport control desk. They'll stamp you in, and you're free to collect your luggage.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry) – pre-arranged
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 367 AED)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy/consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 551 AED)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 734 AED)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. 1,836 AED) per year
For those with a job offer from a Sierra Leone employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 734 AED) per year
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 3,673 AED) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. Exact amount may vary slightly. | $80 USD (approx. 294 AED) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues. | $20 USD per day (approx. 73 AED) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sierra Leone
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., at Freetown International Airport) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; Sierra Leone is endemic, and proof may be requested upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers but can occur during outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including Freetown. Use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and consider prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Freetown
Sierra Leone Immigration Department – Headquarters
23 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash (USD or SLL).
Bo
Regional Immigration Office – Bo
Bo Government Reserved Area, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Sierra Leone.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalFreetown
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencySierra Leonean leone (SLL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 24,581.09 SLL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GTypes D (3-pin) and G (3-pin rectangular) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival fee is typically around $80 USD or equivalent in Sierra Leonean leones. Exact amounts can change, so bring a bit extra in small USD bills.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving passengers. Carry your yellow card — you may be asked to show it at immigration.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Freetown International Airport. For land border crossings, check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy before travel.
No, there is no e-visa system for Sierra Leone. The visa on arrival is the standard method for UAE passport holders.
Immigration may refuse entry. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket. A flexible ticket you can change later works fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.