Sierra Leone entry requirements for Greece passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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

Greek passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone in 2026. Pay the fee and get your visa stamped at Freetown International Airport (FNA) or any official entry point. No advance application needed.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) or Lungi International Airport. Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change recommended) and have a passport photo ready. The process takes 10–15 minutes at the immigration counter.Visa infoRequired
Valid passport
Original passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Freetown airport ask for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
International Certificate of Vaccination
Sierra Leone requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving travellers. You will be asked to show it at immigration — without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.Required
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile money. Bring US dollars or Sierra Leonean leones. ATMs at the airport often don't work, and exchange rates at the airport are poor.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sierra Leone. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow booklet with you.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter or window for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Fill out the application form
You'll get a small form to complete — name, passport number, flight details, where you're staying. Bring a pen.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the fee in cash (USD or SLL). Keep the receipt — you may need it later.
4
Get your visa stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and any other documents if asked.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

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. €73)

Apply at Sierra Leone embassy in Athens or nearest embassy; may require invitation letter.

Tourist Visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €137)

For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.

Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €91)

Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.

work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €182) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Sierra Leone company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. €91) plus school fees
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €455) plus investment proof
For individuals investing in Sierra Leone (minimum $50,000 USD). Requires business plan and registration. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash at the airport; exact change recommended.$80 USD (approx. €73)
Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)Available at Freetown International Airport; requires additional justification.$100 USD (approx. €91)
Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues.$20 USD per day (approx. €18)

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

Greece 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, for connecting flights, ensure you have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If you need to change airports or leave the transit area, you must obtain a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
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; Greece is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Sierra Leone; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; ensure safe drinking water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis. Use insect repellent and bed nets.

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, photos, and fee in cash (USD or SLL).

Bo
Bo Immigration Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Regional office for southern Sierra Leone; limited services for extensions.

Practical information for GR 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 = 24,573.84 SLL
updated May 19
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
Police119
Medical999
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The fee is typically around $80–$100 USD, payable in cash (US dollars or Sierra Leonean leones). Bring exact change if possible. The amount can change, so check with the Sierra Leone embassy or a recent travel forum before you go.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. The standard visa on arrival is for a single entry.
You'll likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever, or if you're transiting through such a country. Even if you're coming directly from Greece, it's safer to get the vaccine and carry the certificate — immigration may ask for it.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders like the one from Guinea. The process is the same as at the airport — fill a form, pay the fee, get stamped.
You may be refused entry. Immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap bus/ferry out of the country if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, but keep it in a money belt or hidden pouch. ATMs at Freetown airport are unreliable and may not accept foreign cards. Bring crisp US dollars (no tears, no marks) — old or damaged notes may be refused.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.