Sierra Leone entry requirements for Lebanon passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Lebanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) in Sierra Leone. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready at the border.
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 USD 80 in cash ready for the visa fee. The process takes about 15–30 minutes at the immigration counter. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly at the border. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Freetown airport routinely ask for a printed return or onward ticket. Have a copy ready — they may deny boarding if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for it, though enforcement varies by officer. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Have at least USD 500 in cash or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Immigration officers may ask for proof of funds, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. ATMs at the airport are unreliable, and cards are not accepted for visa payments. Bring at least $100 USD in small bills.
Yellow fever certificate required
Sierra Leone requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter. 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 info, purpose of visit, and where you're staying. Fill it in while queuing to save time.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee is typically around $80–$100 USD (exact amount may vary). Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Have the exact amount ready.
4
Receive your visa and enter
Once processed, the officer will stamp your passport with the visa. You're then cleared to enter. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon 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 (same as VoA)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy abroad; same cost as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (estimated)
Available from Sierra Leone embassy; requires invitation letter.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$200 USD (estimated)
Requires company sponsorship and business letter.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (estimated) plus processing
For foreigners employed by a Sierra Leone company. Requires job offer, contract, and company sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa/Residence Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$200 USD (estimated) plus school fees
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
$1,000 USD (estimated) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Sierra Leone. Requires business registration and investment plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash USD at the airport upon arrival. | $80 USD (no other currency accepted) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay. | $20 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Lebanon passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone's international airports (e.g., Freetown International Airport) do not need 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 is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; Lebanon is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria 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
High risk nationwide, including urban areas. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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 in cash.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Compound, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Sierra Leone.
Practical information for LB 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-on-arrival fee is typically around $80–$100 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred. Exact amount may change, so bring a little extra just in case.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type in advance.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Make sure you get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
Immigration may deny entry if you can't show a return or onward ticket. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans, or buy a cheap onward flight to a neighboring country.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy if you're entering overland.
Usually 15–30 minutes at the airport. Have your documents ready and fill out the form while queuing to speed things up.
If you're transiting through Sierra Leone and not clearing immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
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.