Sierra Leone entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Colombian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Sierra Leone. Apply online before you travel — processing takes 3–5 business days. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard way to visit for tourism or business.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Sierra Leone eVisa at the Immigration Department portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Colombian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Sierra Leone does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but your passport must cover your full stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Freetown International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Cash, credit card, or bank statement showing you can support yourself during the stay. No minimum amount is published, but around $100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') to enter Sierra Leone from Colombia. Without it, you risk being denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Malaria is a real risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Sierra Leone. The CDC recommends prophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Also use mosquito repellent and sleep under a mosquito net. Symptoms can appear up to a year after exposure — seek medical help immediately if you develop fever.
eVisa is straightforward
The eVisa application is simple and fast. Apply online, pay by card, and receive your approval by email in 3–5 days. No need to visit an embassy. Just print the approval letter and bring it with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Sierra Leone Immigration Department portal (immigration.gov.sl). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee ($80 USD for single entry, $150 USD for multiple entry) by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Once approved, you'll get a PDF approval letter — print it and keep it with your passport.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave for the airport, gather: your printed eVisa approval letter, passport (with at least one blank page), return or onward ticket (printed or on your phone), and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter). Also have a bank statement or cash to show funds if asked.
3
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (Lungi)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign nationals. Have your passport, eVisa approval letter, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and you're in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Exit the airport and proceed to your accommodation
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage (if any) and proceed through customs. There's a taxi stand outside — negotiate the fare before getting in. A ride to Freetown (across the water) costs around $30–$50 USD including the ferry or hovercraft. Have your hotel address ready.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. $80 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; each stay can be extended.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. $500 USD)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Sierra Leone employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For those enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. $1,000 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for up to 30 days. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay FineCharged for each day overstay, capped at $500. | $50 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (Freetown)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Colombia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Sierra Leone. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
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 CO 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
Processing takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email as a PDF. Print it and carry it with your passport.
Yes, tourist eVisas can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Go to the Sierra Leone Immigration Department Headquarters at 1 Walpole Street, Freetown (Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00). Bring your passport, visa, and proof of funds. The extension fee is around $50 USD.
Overstays are fined $50 USD per day, capped at $500 USD. Pay the fine at the immigration office in Freetown before you leave. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Colombia. You'll need to show the yellow fever certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or required to get vaccinated on arrival.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching happens in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Malaria is widespread — take prophylaxis and use mosquito repellent. Medical facilities are limited, so travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
No. Sierra Leone does not offer visa on arrival for Colombian passport holders. You must obtain an eVisa before travel. The only exception is for transit passengers staying airside for less than 24 hours.
The local currency is the Sierra Leonean leone (SLL). US dollars are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and for taxi fares. ATMs are available in Freetown but may be unreliable. Carry some cash in US dollars or leones for smaller purchases.
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.