Sierra Leone entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You'll sort it at Freetown International Airport (FNA) when you land. This has been the standard process since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Pay the visa fee in cash (USD) — exact amount varies by nationality, typically around $80–$100 USD. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready to show at the visa counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Irish passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Freetown airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for this at the visa on arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to see proof you can support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or local currency). There's no card payment option. Bring small bills.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After deplaning, follow signs to Immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Queue up, have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Basic personal details, passport info, and purpose of visit. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or local currency). Exact amount varies, but expect around $80–$100 USD. Have small bills ready.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to baggage claim
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Double-check the validity dates. Then head to baggage claim and customs.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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. €74)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online; same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €139)
For frequent travellers; requires supporting documents.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €185) plus processing
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. €93)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $80 USD (approx. €74) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if stay exceeds visa validity; pay at immigration office before departure. | $50 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
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
Ireland passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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 yellow fever risk; may be required for all entrants.
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; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination may be considered.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Use mosquito repellent, nets, 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
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
Handles extensions for visitors in the southern region.
Practical information for IE 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
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 typically around $80–$100 USD. Pay in cash (USD or local currency). Small bills are best.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before you travel.
You'll be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy if you're entering overland.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), return or onward ticket, and proof of first night accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
Usually 15–30 minutes, depending on the queue. Have your documents ready and cash in hand to speed things up.
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.