Sierra Leone entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Bangladeshi passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You'll need a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. This policy is effective as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) or Lungi International Airport. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD) — $80 for single entry, $100 for multiple entry. Have your passport photo and hotel booking ready at the counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Airlines at Dhaka (DAC) will check this before letting you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Freetown will ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for it at the visa on arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry enough cash (USD) or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but $50–100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD). There is no ATM or card payment at the immigration counter. Bring enough small bills to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Lungi International Airport (Freetown)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Fill in your personal details, flight info, and address in Sierra Leone. A pen is handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa on arrival fee in cash (USD is widely accepted). As of 2026, the fee is around $80–$100 for a single-entry visa. Exact amount may vary — bring small bills.
4
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before you leave the counter. You're now cleared to enter.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Have your passport and visa stamp ready for a final check at the exit.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. 9,500 BDT)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy in advance; same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 17,800 BDT)
For frequent travellers; must apply before travel.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 23,700 BDT)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 59,000 BDT) plus processing
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 23,700 BDT) plus school fees
For enrollment in accredited Sierra Leone institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. 118,500 BDT) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport. | $80 USD (approx. 9,500 BDT) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,400 BDT) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not permitted for this visa type. | Not available for visa on arrival |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear accommodation20%
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
Bangladesh passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., Freetown International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, for land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk, including Bangladesh (endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Sierra Leone; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated water; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Take prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) and use insect repellent.
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 and photos.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles local immigration matters; limited services.
Practical information for BD 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 approximately $80–$100 USD for a single-entry visa. Pay in cash (USD is preferred). Bring small bills as change may be limited.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — check with the immigration office in Freetown if you need more time.
Extensions are not officially available for visa on arrival. If you need a longer stay, apply for a visa at the Sierra Leone embassy before travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your date of entry.
Visa on arrival is primarily available at Lungi International Airport in Freetown. Land border crossings may not offer this facility — check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime occurs in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables secure, and register with your embassy. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.