Sierra Leone entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. Handle it at Freetown International Airport (FNA) after landing. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and have a passport photo ready. The process takes 15–30 minutes, and the visa is valid for up to 30 days. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Airlines at Bahrain International Airport will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Freetown routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Sierra Leone. Officers may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination International certificate of vaccination | You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sierra Leone. Immigration checks this at the airport — without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival. | Required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or SLL). There are no card payment facilities at immigration. Bring small bills to avoid change issues.
No e-visa option
There is no e-visa system for Sierra Leone. The only option for Bahraini passport holders is the visa on arrival. No pre-approval needed.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Freetown International Airport
After your flight arrives, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa on arrival fee in cash (USD or local currency — SLL). Exact amount varies, but expect around $80–$100 USD. Keep small bills handy.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. You're then free to proceed to baggage claim and exit the airport.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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$80 USD (approx. 30 BHD)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online; same cost as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 56 BHD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 38 BHD)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 75 BHD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa / Residence Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 38 BHD) plus tuition
For those enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 188 BHD) plus registration fees
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash at the airport upon arrival. | $80 USD (approx. 30 BHD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day (approx. 7.5 BHD) |
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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (Lungi International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., overnight layover), a visa on arrival 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 endemic countries; 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
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Sierra Leone, including Freetown. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine 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, photos, and fee in cash.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Reserved Area, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Sierra Leone.
Practical information for BH 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–$100 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars or Sierra Leonean leones (SLL) are accepted. Small bills help.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. For longer stays, apply for a different visa type before travel.
The maximum stay is not specified in the database, but typically visa on arrival allows 30 days. Confirm with immigration upon arrival.
No arrival declaration form is required. You just need your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling to Sierra Leone.
It's not officially required, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sierra Leone can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
This information applies to Freetown International Airport. For land border crossings, check with the Sierra Leone embassy or consulate before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.