Sierra Leone entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) in Sierra Leone. As of 2026, the process is straightforward: fill out a form at the airport, pay the fee in cash, and receive your visa before clearing immigration. No need to apply in advance.
Apply for Sierra Leone eVisaOfficial portal: Sierra Leone eVisa Portal
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) — they don't accept cards or other currencies. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date | Your Swiss passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Sierra Leone. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, they'll deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Freetown airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A printed flight itinerary or e-ticket works — they don't accept screenshots on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | The visa officer may ask for a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Sierra Leone. Have a printed copy ready — showing a booking on your phone is risky if the network is slow. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks this for Swiss passport holders, but it's a formal requirement for the visa on arrival. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). There are no ATMs or card facilities at the visa counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sierra Leone. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main immigration booths. Fill out the visa application form (provided at the counter).
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR). The officer will process your visa — expect 5–15 minutes.
3
Receive visa and proceed to immigration
Once the visa sticker is in your passport, walk to the immigration booth. The officer will stamp you in. You're now cleared to enter Sierra Leone.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 (approx. CHF 70)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online. Same as visa on arrival but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. CHF 130)
For frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$200 USD (approx. CHF 175)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. CHF 440) per year
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. CHF 880) initial fee
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Includes residency rights and family dependents.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. CHF 88) per year
For enrollment in accredited Sierra Leone institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport. Cash only. | $80 USD (approx. CHF 70) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office before departure. | $20 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension possible at immigration office for up to 30 days. | $50 USD (approx. CHF 45) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa on arrival20%
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
Swiss 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. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is 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 if staying airside.
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, or if transiting through an endemic area. Sierra Leone itself is endemic.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas. Use insect repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe drinking water and food hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Sierra Leone, including urban areas. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis. Use mosquito nets and 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
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 City, near the main market
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visitors in the southern region. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for CH 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 = 24,355.05 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 fee is typically $80–$100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Pay in cash (USD or EUR) at the airport counter. Cards are not accepted. Exact change helps.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a longer visa at the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown before your current visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You may be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Visa on arrival is only available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). If entering by land, you need to arrange a visa in advance at a Sierra Leone embassy or consulate.
No, there is no e-visa system for Sierra Leone. The only option for Swiss passport holders is the visa on arrival at the airport.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a completed visa application form (provided at the counter), your return or onward ticket, and the visa fee in cash. Accommodation proof is helpful but not always required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.