Sierra Leone entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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
Filipino passport holders need an eVisa to enter Sierra Leone. The eVisa is a straightforward online application — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Sierra Leone eVisa | Apply for your Sierra Leone eVisa online at the Immigration Department portal before travel. The eVisa is mandatory for Philippine passport holders — you will not be allowed to board without an approved eVisa. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Sierra Leone. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sierra Leone | Immigration at Freetown International Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Without one, you risk being refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD equivalent. Sierra Leone is a cash-based economy, so bring some US dollars in cash for immediate expenses. ATMs are scarce outside Freetown. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination card at immigration. No card = possible denial of entry or a fine. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
eVisa is digital — no embassy visit needed
The entire process is online. You never need to go to an embassy or consulate. Just apply, pay, receive the PDF, and show it on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Sierra Leone eVisa portal (search 'Sierra Leone eVisa official site'). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee (around $80–$100 USD depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval as a PDF. Save it to your phone and print a paper copy to keep in your carry-on. The approval includes a QR code that immigration will scan.
3
Prepare your arrival documents
Before you land, have these ready: your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket confirmation, and first-night hotel booking. Keep them together in a folder or clear plastic sleeve.
4
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport — that's your entry.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a quick bag scan). You're in. If you arranged an eSIM, it should activate as soon as you connect to the local network.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$80 USD (approx. 4,480 PHP)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. 8,400 PHP)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 11,200 PHP) plus processing
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 (approx. 5,600 PHP)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 28,000 PHP)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Philippines passport holders. | $80 USD (approx. 4,480 PHP) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD (approx. 1,120 PHP) per day |
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
Philippines 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; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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
1 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo City, Sierra Leone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the southern region.
Practical information for PH 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 = 24,334.28 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
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. There's also an expedited option (24–48 hours) that costs more — around $150 USD. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Sierra Leone and re-enter with a new eVisa, or apply for a longer-term visa at the immigration office in Freetown before your current visa expires.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity, you have a criminal record, or your application has errors. You can reapply after fixing the issue. Contact the Sierra Leone Immigration Department for specific reasons.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No. The eVisa is the only option for Filipino passport holders. There is no visa on arrival. You must have the eVisa approved before you board your flight.
The local currency is the Sierra Leonean leone (SLL). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger businesses, but you'll need leones for taxis, markets, and smaller shops. Bring crisp, new US dollar bills (no tears or marks) to exchange at banks or forex bureaus in Freetown.
Sierra Leone is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) happens in crowded areas, especially in Freetown. Avoid walking alone at night, don't flash valuables, and use registered taxis. The political situation is stable as of 2026.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.