Sierra Leone entry requirements for Argentina passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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

Argentine passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Sierra Leone. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and must be obtained online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or business.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Sierra Leone eVisa at the official Immigration Department portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until approved. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your Argentine passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers at Freetown International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before issuing entry.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for it if you arrive without a clear address.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD for the duration of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if questioned.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before travel. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) — immigration at Lungi Airport will ask for it.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for Argentine passport holders. Apply for the eVisa online at least a week before your trip. Print the approval and keep a digital copy on your phone.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Sierra Leone eVisa website. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $80–$100 USD, depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval, which usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Freetown.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: your printed eVisa, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance if you have it. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Lungi International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward if you have all documents ready.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no additional checks for most travellers. You're free to exit the airport.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 80 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism; apply online before travel.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 150 USD)

For frequent visitors; allows multiple entries within validity.

Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.

work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee) + employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer to obtain a work permit and residence visa. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (application fee) + proof of enrollment
For those enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee) + minimum investment of $50,000 USD
For individuals investing in Sierra Leone's economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Offers residency and work rights.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online.$80 USD (approx. 80 USD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity.$20 USD per day (max $500 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application form20%

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

Argentina passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), a visa is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (FNA)

Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; Argentina is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

TyphoidModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Use mosquito repellent, 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
1 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo City, Southern Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions for visitors in the south; limited services.

Practical information for AR 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
updated May 29
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
Police119
Medical999
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's an expedited option for an extra fee that can process in 24–48 hours.
No. As of 2026, there is no visa on arrival for Argentine passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The standard eVisa fee is around $80–$100 USD, depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is made online during the application.
You'll be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Sierra Leone. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) upon arrival. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown. Extensions are typically granted for up to 30 days and cost around $50 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
You'll be refused entry and put on the next flight back. There is no way to get a visa at the airport. Always have your eVisa printed and ready.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.