Sierra Leone entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Pay $100 USD in cash (exact change) at the visa counter before immigration. This visa is valid for a single entry, with the maximum stay set by the immigration officer on arrival — typically up to 30 days. Have your return ticket, hotel booking, and passport with 6 months' validity ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change recommended) — credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready for the immigration officer.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. Airlines at Nairobi and Addis Ababa check this strictly before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration at Freetown will ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they check this at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have a printed hotel reservation or invitation letter from your host. Immigration officers at FNA routinely ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration may ask for proof of funds if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa counter at Freetown International Airport only accepts US dollars in cash. No credit cards, no other currencies. Bring $100 USD in exact change — crisp, undamaged bills.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. Kenya is a yellow fever endemic country, so this is strictly enforced. Without it, you may be denied entry.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Freetown Airport is well-established for Kenyan passport holders. Have your documents ready, pay the fee, and you'll be through in 15–20 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to the visa-on-arrival counter before immigration. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. Pay $100 USD in cash (exact change). The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport.
2
Proceed to Immigration
With your visa sticker, go to the immigration desk. The officer will check your passport, ask about your stay, and may request proof of funds or accommodation. Answer clearly and honestly.
3
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. No arrival declarations required. You're free to enter Sierra Leone.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (estimated)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy in Nairobi or online if available. Allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
$200–$500 USD (estimated, varies by employer)
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa/Residence Permit
Duration of studies (1–4 years)
$100–$300 USD (estimated)
For enrollment in a recognized Sierra Leonean institution. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and medical clearance.
investor visa
Investor/Business Visa
1 year, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan, registration, and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $100 USD (exact amount, no currency conversion needed) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | $20 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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., at Freetown International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission (including Kenya). Must show certificate upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Sierra Leone; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, 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
15 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, 2 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 KE 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
Yes, you can extend your stay by visiting the Sierra Leone Immigration Department Headquarters in Freetown (15 Walpole Street). Bring your passport, 2 passport photos, and the extension fee in cash. The process usually takes 1–2 days. Overstaying costs $20 USD per day.
Visa on arrival is only available at Freetown International Airport. If you're entering by land from Guinea or Liberia, you must get a visa in advance from a Sierra Leone embassy. Plan ahead.
Yes. Kenya is a yellow fever endemic country, so you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Sierra Leone. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
No. The visa counter only accepts cash in US dollars. Bring $100 USD in exact change — bills that are crisp and not torn. ATMs are available after immigration but may not dispense USD.
Overstay fines are $20 USD per day. You'll need to pay at the immigration office before leaving the country. Avoid overstaying — it can affect future visa applications.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime like pickpocketing occurs in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night, use registered taxis, and keep valuables secure. Medical facilities are limited — travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
No, if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a transit visa. But if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, you must get a visa on arrival.
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.