Sierra Leone entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA) in Sierra Leone. This is the standard way to enter for tourism or business in 2026 — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (FNA). Have $80 USD in cash ready for the single-entry visa fee, plus two passport-sized photos. The process takes about 15–20 minutes at the immigration counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Freetown airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sierra Leone. Immigration may ask for it if you look uncertain about where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Have at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks this, but budget airlines flying into Freetown sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. No cards, no other currencies. Bring crisp, undamaged bills in small denominations ($20s and $10s).
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Sierra Leone. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Freetown International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete — name, passport number, flight details, accommodation. Use a pen (bring your own just in case).
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in USD cash at the counter. Keep the receipt — you'll need it to collect your passport.
4
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 10–20 minutes. The officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before you leave the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
Once you have your passport back, head to baggage claim, then customs. Keep your passport handy — customs may ask to see it.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online eVisa. Same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. $500 USD) plus processing
For those with a job offer from a Sierra Leone company. Requires employer sponsorship and Ministry of Labour approval. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. $100 USD) plus tuition
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$1,000 USD (approx. $1,000 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD) upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay beyond authorized period incurs daily fine, capped at $200. | $20 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. $50 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
Russian passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., Freetown) 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 may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; Sierra Leone is endemic.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
All regions, including Freetown. Use insect repellent, bed nets, and take prophylactic medication (e.g., 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
23 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for southern region. Limited services.
Practical information for RU 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
No — the visa on arrival is only available at Freetown International Airport (FNA). If you're entering by land from Guinea or Liberia, you must get a visa from a Sierra Leone embassy or consulate before you travel.
The fee is typically around $80–$100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Bring exact change in crisp US dollars — no torn or marked notes. The visa office does not accept credit cards or other currencies.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Freetown before your visa expires.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown (near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The process takes a few days and costs around $50–$100 USD. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
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.
Immigration will likely deny your visa on arrival. You must have a confirmed onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable, but a printed copy is safer.
No — only cash in US dollars is accepted. There are ATMs at the airport, but they may not be reliable. Bring enough USD cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.