Sierra Leone entry requirements for Slovakia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Slovak passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Lungi International Airport in Freetown. Bring your documents and cash for the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry for tourism and short business visits.
Apply for Sierra Leone eVisaOfficial portal: Sierra Leone eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Freetown International Airport (FNA) or Lungi Airport. Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change preferred) — they don't accept cards. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready, as the visa officer may ask to see them before stamping. | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sierra Leone. Airlines at departure check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, they'll deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Freetown asks for a confirmed onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — show it at the visa counter. | 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. The visa officer may ask for it — a booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. Bring crisp, clean bills — old or damaged notes are often refused. There are no ATMs at the airport before immigration.
Yellow fever vaccine required
All travellers entering Sierra Leone must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow booklet with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Lungi International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's usually a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form to complete — name, passport number, purpose of visit, address in Sierra Leone. A pen is handy; the counter may not have one.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over the fee in US dollars. Get a receipt. Keep it — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-on-arrival sticker. Check the validity dates before you walk away. Typical stay is 30 days, but confirm with the officer.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your bags and pass through customs. No arrival declaration form is required.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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$100 USD (approx. €91)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy in Vienna or online via eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. €137)
Requires letter of invitation and proof of funds.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €455) plus processing fees
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
~$200 USD (approx. €182) plus tuition fees
For enrollment at a recognized institution in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $80 USD (approx. €73) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | $50 USD per day |
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
Slovakia 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.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFreetown International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Sierra Leone has yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and consider prophylaxis like 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
For visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, 2 photos, and fee in cash.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo Government Hospital Road, Bo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Sierra Leone.
Practical information for SK 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 = 24,355.05 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 $80–$100 USD, paid in cash at the immigration counter. Bring crisp, clean US dollar bills — no coins, no torn notes. The exact amount can vary slightly, so have a bit extra just in case.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel — contact the Sierra Leone Embassy in Berlin (which covers Slovakia) or check with the immigration office in Freetown.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Slovakia is not a risk country, but if you've recently travelled to an endemic area, you'll need proof. Even if not, it's strongly recommended — border officials may ask.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Lungi Airport. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before booking your flight.
It's primarily available at Lungi International Airport (Freetown). Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Sierra Leone embassy if you're entering by road from Guinea or Liberia.
No. Only cash in US dollars is accepted. ATMs are unreliable in Sierra Leone, and card payments are not available at immigration. Bring enough cash for the visa fee and a few days of expenses.
No. There is no arrival declaration or e-visa requirement for Slovak passport holders. Just show up with your documents and cash.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.