Sierra Leone entry requirements for Romania 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
Romanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) and major land borders. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips in 2026 — no need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Freetown International Airport | You get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (USD or EUR) — around $80 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have your passport photo and hotel address ready for the application form at the counter.Visa info | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sierra Leone | Immigration officers at Freetown ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Airlines also check this at check-in — without it, you won't board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means, especially for longer stays. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or EUR. Cards are not accepted. Bring small denominations to avoid problems with change.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Romanians can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport and land borders. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your documents and cash.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport (FNA)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR). The officer will process your visa and affix the sticker.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued, go to the passport control line. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa sticker safe — you'll need it when leaving.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If asked, show your accommodation booking.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. €75)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from embassy. Same as VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €140)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy in Bucharest or nearest consulate.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €93)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (depending on category)
For foreign nationals employed by a Sierra Leone company. Requires job offer, work contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa/Residence Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100–$300 USD
For enrolled students at accredited Sierra Leone institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor/Entrepreneur Permit
1–3 years, renewable
~$500–$2,000 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $80 USD (approx. €75) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry bans. | $20 USD per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not guaranteed; apply at Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown. | Varies, typically $50–$100 USD |
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
Romania 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 you need to enter the country or change airports, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if you have been in an endemic area; Sierra Leone requires a valid Yellow Fever certificate for entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolio (booster)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is endemic throughout Sierra Leone; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and avoid standing water.
CholeraModerate risk
Cholera is present; ensure safe drinking water and food hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high year-round across the country. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers. 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
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
Sierra Leone Immigration Department – Bo Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for southern Sierra Leone. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for RO 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 fee is typically around $80–$100 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Pay in cash at the airport — cards are not accepted. Bring small bills to avoid change issues.
Yes, you can extend your stay at the Immigration Department in Freetown. Extensions are not automatic — you must apply in person. The cost and processing time vary.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Carry your WHO-approved yellow card — you may be asked to show it at immigration.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, like the ones from Guinea and Liberia. The process is similar — have your documents and cash ready.
Sierra Leone does offer an e-visa for some nationalities, but Romanians can simply get the visa on arrival. There's no advantage to applying online unless you want to save time at the airport.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for up to 30 days. If you need longer, apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown before your visa expires.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and accommodation booking. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended. Have everything in a folder for quick access.
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.