Sierra Leone entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 12, 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
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) for tourism or business stays. This is the standard entry method in 2026 — no need to apply beforehand. Just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Freetown International Airport (FNA) upon arrival. Have USD 80–100 in cash for the single-entry tourist visa, plus a passport photo. The process takes 15–30 minutes at the immigration counter before baggage claim. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. It also needs at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at FNA asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Airlines flying into Freetown also check this at check-in — have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration officers sometimes ask where you're staying. Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. A booking on Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least USD 500 in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Sierra Leone is a cash-heavy economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Freetown. | Recommended |
Cash only at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile money. Bring crisp, undamaged US dollars or enough Sierra Leonean leones. ATMs at the airport are unreliable.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival for a fee, or denied entry. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
eSIMs work immediately on landing
Airalo eSIMs activate the moment your plane touches down — no need to queue at a local SIM shop. Buy and install before you leave Australia.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually at the far end of the arrivals hall. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
A short form is provided at the counter. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Fill it in while waiting.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, form, and cash. The officer will process payment and issue a receipt. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The visa is stamped or stuck into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. It's usually valid for 30 days single entry.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main immigration queue. Present your passport with the fresh visa. They'll stamp you in. Collect your bags and exit.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 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
CostUSD 100 (USD 100)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 200 (USD 200)
Requires invitation letter or detailed itinerary.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostUSD 150 (USD 150)
Requires business invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
USD 500–1,000 (USD 500–1,000)
For foreign nationals employed by a Sierra Leone company. Requires job offer, contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
USD 100 (USD 100)
For enrolled students at accredited Sierra Leone institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
USD 1,000 (USD 1,000)
For individuals investing at least USD 50,000 in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | USD 80 (USD 80) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | USD 20 (USD 20) |
| Overstay fine (maximum cap)Maximum cumulative fine for overstay. | USD 500 (USD 500) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
Australian passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., at Freetown International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; may be required for all arrivals depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination and hygiene advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are recommended for prophylaxis.
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
15 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo City, near the main market
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southern region.
Practical information for AU 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 = 24,713.44 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 fee is typically around $80–$100 USD (or equivalent in Sierra Leonean leones). It's paid in cash at the airport. Bring crisp, undamaged US dollar bills — old or marked notes may be refused.
Usually 30 days single entry. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Yes, but it's not automatic. Visit the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown (on Walpole Street) before your visa expires. Bring your passport, a letter explaining why you need more time, and the extension fee (around $50–$100 USD). Processing can take a few days.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings like the one from Guinea or Liberia. The process is similar — cash, passport, and a return ticket. But the facilities are more basic, so carry small USD bills and a pen.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over 9 months old. You'll need to show your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival (for a fee) or denied entry.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa before travel through the Sierra Leone Immigration Department's online portal. The cost is similar to the visa on arrival, and processing takes about 3–5 business days. This can save time at the airport, especially during peak hours.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined per day overstayed (around $20–$50 USD per day) and may be questioned at departure. In extreme cases, you could be detained. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.