Sierra Leone entry requirements for Ukraine passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Ukrainian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. No need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Freetown International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars, crisp and new. No credit cards, no local currency. Bring enough to cover the fee plus some extra for unexpected expenses.
Yellow fever certificate required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (and pay).
What happens at the border
1
Land at Freetown International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control line.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form — name, passport number, flight details, address in Sierra Leone. Fill it out while queuing.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay at the cashier window. As of 2026, the fee is around $80 USD (cash only, preferably crisp US dollars). Keep the receipt.
4
Submit documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport, form, and payment receipt to the immigration officer. They'll process the visa sticker on the spot. Wait nearby — it usually takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
Once your visa is issued, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa. You're in.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. €75)
Apply at Sierra Leone embassy before travel; same as VOA but pre-approved.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$150 USD (approx. €140)
For frequent visitors; requires embassy application.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD (approx. €93)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €186) 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
~$100 USD (approx. €93)
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €465) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Sierra Leone business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or local currency) upon arrival at airport or border. | $80 USD (approx. €75) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | $20 USD per day |
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
Ukraine passport holders transiting through Sierra Leone do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsLungi International Airport (FNA)
Health & vaccines for Sierra Leone
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers but can occur during outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider 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
13 Howe Street, Freetown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Bo
Bo Regional Immigration Office
Bo City, near the main market
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Sierra Leone.
Practical information for UA 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 approximately $80 USD for a single-entry visa. Pay in cash — US dollars are preferred, crisp and new notes. They may not accept old or torn bills.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or check with the Immigration Department in Freetown before your visa expires.
Usually 10–20 minutes at the airport, but it can take longer if multiple flights arrive at once. Budget at least 30 minutes to be safe.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders. The process is similar — fill a form, pay the fee, get the visa. However, land border crossings can be slower and less predictable.
No, cash only. Bring US dollars in good condition. There are ATMs in Freetown but not at the airport visa counter.
You may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Always have a confirmed onward ticket before you fly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.