Sierra Leone entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You'll handle it at Freetown International Airport (FNA) when you land. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just have your documents ready at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — credit cards not accepted. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return flight ready for the visa officer. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Sierra Leone. Airlines at check-in in Canada will enforce this — I've seen people turned away at Pearson for having 5 months left. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration at FNA asks for a confirmed onward or return flight before stamping you in. Budget airlines like Air Senegal and Brussels Airlines check this at check-in too. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers at FNA sometimes ask to see where you're staying, especially if you're arriving late at night. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if you look underprepared they may question your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. There are no ATMs or card payment options at the immigration counter. Bring exact change to avoid delays.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers. Carry your yellow card — it's checked at immigration alongside your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Freetown International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival processing.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. As of 2026, the fee is around $80 USD for a single-entry visa. Have exact change if possible.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the dates and details are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
Once stamped, head to baggage claim and then customs. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
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 (equivalent ~$80 USD)
Apply at embassy or on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (equivalent ~$150 USD)
Requires embassy application; allows multiple entries.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
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
~$100 USD
For enrollment in accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport. | $80 USD (equivalent ~$80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay. | ~$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
Canada 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 hubsLungi 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylactic medication.
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
Brookfields, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo City, Southern Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the south.
Practical information for CA 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 = 24,557.05 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 USD for a single-entry visa. Bring cash in US dollars — exact change is best. Fees can change, so check with the Sierra Leone embassy before you go.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 9 months old. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) — it's checked at immigration.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Land border crossings may have different procedures — check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy if entering by land.
Immigration may refuse entry. Always have a confirmed return or onward ticket. A screenshot on your phone is usually accepted.
No, it's not mandatory for the visa itself. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Sierra Leone can be high, and evacuation insurance is a good idea.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.