Sierra Leone entry requirements for Brazil passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Brazilian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. Pay the fee in cash at Freetown International Airport and have your documents ready. This policy has been in place since at least 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at the airport | You get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Have USD 80 in cash for the single-entry visa (30 days). Bring a passport photo — if you don't have one, they'll charge an extra USD 10 to take it on the spot.Check visa fees | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Brazilian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry. Sierra Leone doesn't enforce the 6-month rule strictly, but airlines do — if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Freetown ask for a confirmed onward ticket. If you don't have one, they'll direct you to a nearby travel agency to buy one on the spot — expect to pay a premium. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Officers rarely ask for a hotel booking, but having one printed or on your phone avoids delays. If you're staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their contact details works. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate Required for entry | Sierra Leone requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving passengers. You'll be turned away at immigration without it — no exceptions. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel. | Required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars preferred. There is no ATM at the visa counter, so bring enough cash with you.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Look for a dedicated visa on arrival counter and join that queue.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash — US dollars are accepted. The fee is around $80–$100 depending on your nationality. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Then go to the main passport control line, show your passport, and get your entry stamp. You're in.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Brazil Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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$100 USD (approx. R$ 500)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy in Brasília or online via eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. R$ 1,000)
Requires invitation letter or detailed itinerary.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. R$ 2,500) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. R$ 750)
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. R$ 5,000)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $80 USD (approx. R$ 400) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Brazil passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone 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 risk of yellow fever transmission (Brazil is considered endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Risk increases during rainy season; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including Freetown. Use mosquito nets, repellent, and take 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
For visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo City, near the main market
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southern region.
Practical information for BR 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 = 24,334.28 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. Bring cash in US dollars — smaller bills are easier. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Usually 15–30 minutes at Freetown International Airport, depending on how many flights arrived at the same time. It's straightforward.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most official entry points, including land borders. The process is similar — cash payment and document check.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use registered taxis. The visa process itself is routine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.