Sierra Leone entry requirements for Luxembourg passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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

Luxembourg passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You'll handle the paperwork at Freetown International Airport (FNA) or land borders. This has been the case since at least 2024.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Sierra Leone. Airlines at Luxembourg Airport (LUX) will check this before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Sierra Leone
Immigration officers at Lungi International Airport (FNA) routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Have your return flight or next destination booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have bank statements or cash (USD or EUR) showing you can support yourself. There's no fixed minimum, but $100–$200 per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
Visa on arrival
Obtain at Lungi International Airport
You get a visa on arrival at Freetown's Lungi Airport. Pay the fee in USD (cash only) — single entry costs $80, multiple entry $150. Have two passport photos ready.Check visa feesRequired
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring US dollars or euros in small denominations. ATMs at the airport are unreliable.
Yellow fever certificate required
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your yellow card — they may ask at immigration.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Visa on Arrival' — it's clearly marked. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, address in Sierra Leone. Fill it in with a pen (bring your own just in case).
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around $80–$100 USD (cash only, exact change preferred). They accept US dollars, euros, or Sierra Leonean leones. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Get your visa stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before you walk away. The visa is usually valid for 30 days.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There's usually no further checks unless you're carrying something unusual.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Luxembourg Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)

Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online; allows longer stay than VoA.

Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. €138)

Ideal for multiple visits; must apply in advance.

Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$120 USD (approx. €110)

Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.

work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €184) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Sierra Leone employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. €92) plus school fees
For enrollment in accredited educational institutions in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor/Entrepreneur Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business registration and investment plan. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport.$80 USD (or equivalent in EUR)
Overstay fine (per day)No official cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues.$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

Luxembourg 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 leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa on arrival is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
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; may be required for all arrivals depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Malaria is endemic throughout Sierra Leone; all travellers should take prophylaxis and use mosquito avoidance measures.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Dengue outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; no vaccine available, so mosquito bite prevention is key.

CholeraModerate risk

Cholera is present, especially during rainy season; ensure safe food and water practices.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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 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 Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions for visitors in southern Sierra Leone.

Practical information for LU 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
updated May 19
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
Police119
Medical999
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The fee is typically $80–$100 USD. They accept US dollars, euros, or Sierra Leonean leones. Bring cash in small denominations — exact change is appreciated.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Check the sticker before leaving the counter. If you need longer, ask about extensions at the immigration office in Freetown.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown. The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100 USD. Start early — don't wait until the last day.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) — they may ask at immigration.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, like the one from Guinea. The process is similar — fill a form, pay the fee, get the stamp. But expect less English and fewer facilities.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa online before you go. The cost is about the same as the visa on arrival, but it saves time at the airport. Check the official Sierra Leone immigration website for the latest link.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. They may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card is fine.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.