Sierra Leone entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) in Sierra Leone. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs about $80 USD, payable in cash (USD preferred). Have your documents ready before you queue at immigration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Have your passport, a printed return ticket, and the visa fee in cash (USD or local currency) ready. The visa is valid for a single entry, and you cannot extend it.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Freetown will ask to see a printed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding. Have a copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Officers may ask for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Carry enough cash (USD or local currency) or a credit card to cover your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but officers may ask how you'll support yourself. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card). Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD preferred). ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that. Bring $80–$100 in small bills.
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 for visa-on-arrival applicants. Queue here before the main immigration line.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD). The officer will process your application and issue a visa sticker.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the main immigration counter. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Collect your luggage and exit.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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. INR 6,700)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy in New Delhi or online via eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. INR 12,500)
Requires additional documentation; available through embassy.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. INR 16,700) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Sierra Leone employer. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa/Residence Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. INR 8,300) plus tuition fees
For enrollment at a recognized Sierra Leone educational institution. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor/Entrepreneur Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. INR 41,700) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan, registration, and proof of funds. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $80 USD (approx. INR 6,700) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; overstay can also lead to deportation. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
Indian passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (Freetown International Airport) do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country or change airports, a visa on arrival or prior visa 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 risk of yellow fever transmission, including India. Must show certificate upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Sierra Leone; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Sierra Leone, including Freetown. 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
13 Howe 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 Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Reserved Area, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Sierra Leone.
Practical information for IN 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 = 24,713.44 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
No, the visa on arrival is only available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). If you arrive by land or sea, you must get a visa in advance from a Sierra Leone embassy.
It's valid for up to 30 days. You can extend it once you're in the country by visiting the Immigration Department in Freetown. Extensions cost around $50 USD and can add another 30 days.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a neighboring country if you're unsure of your plans.
No, only cash is accepted. USD is preferred, but euros or pounds may be accepted at a less favorable rate. Have small bills to avoid change issues.
Yes, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') upon arrival. This is a legal requirement for all travelers over 1 year old. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
You will likely be refused the visa on arrival. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown. It costs about $50 USD and can extend your stay by another 30 days. Start the process a week before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.