Sierra Leone entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Madagascar passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Sierra Leone. Apply online before departure. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Sierra Leone. Apply online at the Sierra Leone Immigration Department portal. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Madagascar passport must be valid for the entire duration of your 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 Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Freetown International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have evidence of enough funds for your stay — a bank statement or credit card works. No fixed amount is published, but around $100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You must apply for and receive an eVisa before you travel. Without it, you will be denied boarding.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. Carry your yellow card with your passport. No card = possible denial of entry or quarantine.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Sierra Leone eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF.
2
Print or save eVisa
Print at least one copy of the eVisa approval email. Also save a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Lungi International Airport (Freetown)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport. No additional forms needed.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no customs checks for personal items. You're free to exit the arrivals hall.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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 option for tourism.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in accredited institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (processing fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for Madagascar passport holders. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Same as eVisa, but processed at embassy. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $150 USD (approx. $150 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Pay at immigration office before departure. | $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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Madagascar is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Risk increases during rainy season; ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Use mosquito repellent, bed nets, 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
13 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Bo
Bo Immigration Office
Bo Town, near the main market
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for southern Sierra Leone.
Practical information for MG 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least 1 week before your flight to be safe. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF.
The official eVisa fee is around $80 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the official eVisa website for the current amount, as fees can change.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) with you.
Your eVisa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Sierra Leone.
No, Sierra Leone does not offer visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation. Keep them together in a folder for quick access.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.