Sierra Leone entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Israeli passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You'll handle it at Freetown International Airport — no need to apply beforehand. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and have a passport photo ready. The process takes about 15–20 minutes. | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Sierra Leone immigration checks this strictly at the border. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Freetown will ask to see a return or onward ticket before issuing your visa on arrival. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. Bring exact change if possible. There are no ATMs before immigration.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Sierra Leone. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival processing. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete — basic personal details, flight info, and where you're staying. A pen is useful to have handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. US dollars are accepted (around $80–$100 for a single-entry visa). Exact change helps. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before you walk away. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD
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 at the airport upon arrival. | $80 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $20 USD per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension may be possible at immigration office; subject to approval. | $50 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Israel 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
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (Freetown)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; certificate may be checked at entry.
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.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including Freetown. 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
23 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern region.
Practical information for IL 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
The visa fee is around $80–$100 USD for a single-entry visa. Bring cash in US dollars — exact change is helpful. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown (on Walpole Street) before your visa expires. The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100 USD.
Visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders. The process is similar — fill out a form, pay the fee, and get your visa. Carry cash in US dollars.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Sierra Leone. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) with you. You may be asked to show it at immigration.
No, Sierra Leone does not currently offer an e-visa for Israeli passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard option.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about $50–$100 USD, and you may be questioned by immigration. It's best to extend your visa before it expires or leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.