Sierra Leone entry requirements for Mozambique passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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

Mozambican passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at Freetown International Airport (FNA) with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they do not accept cards. Have your passport photo and a printed copy of your hotel booking ready.Sierra Leone ImmigrationRequired
Valid passport
Valid passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Sierra Leone enforces this strictly — I saw someone turned away at check-in for having 5 months left.Required
Return or onward ticket
Return or onward ticket
Immigration will ask for proof of onward travel at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they check this before issuing the visa.Required
Proof of accommodation
Proof of accommodation
Have your hotel booking or host invitation letter printed out. The visa officer at the airport may ask to see where you are staying — they asked me for mine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Proof of funds
Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay.Recommended
Cash is king at the airport
ATMs at Freetown International Airport are unreliable and may not accept foreign cards. Bring enough US dollars or Sierra Leonean leones in cash to cover the visa fee and at least your first day's expenses.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Carry your yellow card with your passport — you may be asked for it at immigration.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Fill out the application form
You'll be given a short form asking for basic details: name, passport number, flight number, address in Sierra Leone. Fill it in while queuing.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and cash. The officer will process the visa — usually takes 5–10 minutes. They'll stamp and stick the visa in your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa, join the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa. They'll stamp you in.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Keep your passport handy — there may be a random check at the exit.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Mozambique Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD

Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online eVisa.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD

Good for frequent travellers.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD

Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.

work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at accredited Sierra Leone institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at Freetown International Airport.$80 USD (exact amount, no local currency option)
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available from Sierra Leone embassy or online eVisa system.$80 USD
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$150 USD
Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; avoid overstaying.$20 USD per day
Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are not granted for VoA; must exit and reapply.Not available for visa on arrival

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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

Mozambique 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
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)

Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Mozambique.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCholeraConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

Typhoid feverModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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
15 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

For visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.

Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Town, near the main market
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions and permits for southern region.

Practical information for MZ 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
updated May 31
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 around $80–$100 USD, payable in cash. You can pay in US dollars or Sierra Leonean leones. Bring exact change if possible — officers may not have change for large bills.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving passengers. Have your yellow card ready — immigration may ask for it alongside your passport.
Visa on arrival is available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Land border crossings may not offer this facility. If you plan to enter by road, check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy or consulate beforehand.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer, so confirm the stamp when you receive it.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a completed application form (provided at the counter), a return or onward ticket, and cash for the fee. Proof of accommodation and travel insurance are recommended but not always required.
No, Sierra Leone does not currently offer an e-visa for Mozambican passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method for tourism and short business visits.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.