Sierra Leone entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Rwandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You don't need to apply before you travel — just show up at Freetown's Lungi International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Rwandans visiting Sierra Leone.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport (Lungi). Have your passport, a printed return ticket, and cash for the visa fee — around $80 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. The queue moves slowly, so budget 30–45 minutes at the visa counter.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Rwandan passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Sierra Leone does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your entire stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Freetown ask for a printed or digital onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Airlines also check this at check-in — have a copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it printed speeds things up if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have a bank statement or cash showing you can cover your stay — around $500 USD equivalent. Not always checked, but better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash. There are no card machines at the counter. Bring USD or Sierra Leonean leones in small denominations.
Yellow fever certificate required
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Carry your yellow card with your passport — you may be asked to show it at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Lungi International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. You'll see a dedicated visa-on-arrival counter — join that queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport and supporting documents. The officer will process your visa and tell you the fee. Pay in cash (USD or Sierra Leonean leones). Keep the receipt.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued, you'll get a sticker in your passport. Then go to the main passport control queue for entry stamping. That's it — you're in.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy or online. Same as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD
For frequent travellers. Must apply at embassy.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year
For foreign nationals employed by a Sierra Leone company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at accredited Sierra Leone institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD at the airport upon arrival. | $80 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $20 USD per day |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown before current visa expires. | $50 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Rwanda 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. For landside transit or overnight stays, 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 countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Rwanda. Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers, but outbreaks occur. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) 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
23 Walpole Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, photo, and fee in USD.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in southern Sierra Leone.
Practical information for RW 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, but it can change. Pay in cash — US dollars or Sierra Leonean leones are accepted. Small bills are best because change may be limited.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You get a single entry for a set period (usually 30 days). If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
You'll likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure about your plans.
Yes, Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travellers. Carry your yellow card — you may be asked to show it at immigration.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Lungi International Airport in Freetown. For land border crossings, check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy or consulate before you travel.
Expect 20–40 minutes at the visa counter, plus passport control. It's usually straightforward, but queues can be longer during peak arrival times (evenings and weekends).
You'll be refused entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
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.