Sierra Leone entry requirements for Turkey 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
Turkish passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any entry point in Sierra Leone. This has been the standard procedure for years and continues in 2026. Pay in cash (USD or EUR) at the immigration counter and receive a 30-day single-entry visa on the spot.
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 the period you plan to stay in Sierra Leone. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sierra Leone | Immigration officers at Lungi International Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Without one, you risk being refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if you can't show where you're staying, they may deny entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | Carry enough cash (USD or local currency) or a credit card to cover your expenses. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself — having $200–$300 visible helps. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). No cards, no mobile money. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — old or torn notes may be refused.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
After landing at Freetown International Airport (FNA), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate queue for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and your return/onward ticket. The officer will tell you the fee — pay in USD or EUR cash. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive visa and proceed
The officer stamps or sticks the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 3,000 TRY)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy in Ankara or nearest consulate. Requires invitation letter.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$200 USD (approx. 6,000 TRY)
Available for frequent travellers; same application process as single entry.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. 15,000 TRY) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in Sierra Leone. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa/Residence Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 6,000 TRY) plus tuition
For enrollment at accredited institutions in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 30,000 TRY) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at Freetown International Airport. | $80 USD (approx. 2,400 TRY) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines or bans. | $20 USD per day (approx. 600 TRY) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Turkey passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone (e.g., 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 countries with yellow fever transmission; recommended for all visitors due to endemic risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers but outbreaks occur; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Sierra Leone, including Freetown. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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
13 Howe Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and permit inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
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 TR 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
The fee is typically around $80-100 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Pay in cash at the immigration counter. The exact amount can vary slightly, so bring a little extra in small denominations.
Yes, you can extend your stay at the Immigration Department in Freetown. Extensions are usually granted for up to 30 days and cost around $50-100 USD. Go to the main office on Siaka Stevens Street with your passport and a completed application form.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders like the one at Gbalamuya (from Guinea) and Jendema (from Liberia). The process is the same as at the airport.
No, there is no e-visa system for Sierra Leone. The only option is visa on arrival or obtaining a visa from a Sierra Leone embassy before travel.
Your passport, completed arrival card, return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card is usually fine.
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.