Sierra Leone entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Icelandic passport holders need an eVisa to enter Sierra Leone. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. This requirement is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for an eVisa at the Sierra Leone Immigration Department portal. The application takes about 15 minutes — upload your passport scan and a passport-style photo. Approval usually comes within 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Icelandic passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Sierra Leone. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by law, but airlines may check for at least 6 months — check with your carrier before check-in. | 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 flight or a ticket to your next destination ready — they will check it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host can speed up the immigration process. While not always requested, having a printed copy avoids delays if the officer asks where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay, especially if you're staying longer than a week. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no exceptions
You cannot get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. Apply for the eVisa online before you travel. Without it, you'll be denied boarding.
Yellow fever vaccination required
All travellers must show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Get the shot at least 10 days before departure and carry your Yellow Card.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Sierra Leone eVisa portal (if available) or check with the nearest embassy. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa document. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport (6+ months validity), printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Lungi International Airport (Freetown)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward but can be slow — expect 20–40 minutes.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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. $80 USD)
Standard eVisa; can be extended once at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible per stay.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. $500 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. $200 USD) plus school fees
For enrollment in accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. $1,000 USD) plus investment proof
For those investing at least $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and registration. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Iceland passport holders applying online. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Same as eVisa; no separate fee for single entry. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Available for frequent travellers; valid for multiple entries within 6 months. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day overstaying the visa validity. | $20 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Iceland passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., at Lungi International Airport) 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 is required.
Transit hubsLungi 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; recommended for all visitors.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic nationwide, especially in rural areas. Use insect repellent, bed 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, visa, and fee.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Reserved Area, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southern region.
Practical information for IS 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
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer during peak periods. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
No. Sierra Leone does not offer visa on arrival for Icelandic passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The official eVisa fee varies — check the Sierra Leone eVisa portal for the current amount. Expect around $80–$100 USD. Payment is usually online by credit card.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of arrival in Sierra Leone.
Yes. Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) with you.
Extensions are not available for eVisa holders. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
Immigration may refuse entry. Airlines also often check for onward tickets at check-in. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
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.