Sierra Leone entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Sierra Leone. Apply online before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry. Processing times vary, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Sierra Leone eVisa at the Immigration Department's official 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 duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Sierra Leone. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Freetown International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — bank statements, credit card, or cash. Immigration rarely checks, but it helps if questioned about your ability to support yourself. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Sierra Leone, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Sierra Leone eVisa website or use the recommended portal. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a paper copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Iraq, the airline will check your eVisa, passport validity, and return ticket. Have all documents ready in a folder.
4
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. Answer clearly and politely.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
Once your passport is stamped, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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. $80 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For frequent visitors; must show travel history.
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 (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. $500 USD) plus processing
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Sierra Leone employer. Requires contract, company sponsorship, and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. $100 USD) plus school fees
For enrollment in accredited educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. $1,000 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Iraqi passport holders; non-refundable. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged upon departure if overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Possible at immigration office; subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check airline requirements.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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; 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 recommended for all travellers.
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
All regions, including Freetown; use mosquito repellent and consider prophylaxis like 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, eVisa, and fee.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Complex, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for southern region; limited services.
Practical information for IQ 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 usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer during peak times. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies depending on nationality and processing speed. Expect to pay around $80–$120 USD. Check the official eVisa website for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the authorized stay expires. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Iraqi passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained in advance.
Sierra Leone requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Iraq is not considered a risk country, but check with your airline or the embassy to be sure.
No, the eVisa is valid for a single entry only. If you leave Sierra Leone and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen due to incomplete information or errors. Double-check all details before submitting. If rejected, you can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Sierra Leone embassy or consulate for guidance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.