Sierra Leone entry requirements for Uganda 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
Ugandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport and other entry points in Sierra Leone. No advance application is needed — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Freetown International Airport. Pay $80 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and have two passport-size photos ready. The process takes about 15–20 minutes.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. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Freetown airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. No credit cards, no mobile money. Bring USD in small denominations — $20s and $10s work best.
Yellow fever card required
You'll need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination at entry. If you don't have it, you may be turned away or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Freetown International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter — join that queue, not the one for pre-approved visas.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD preferred). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
3
Collect passport and proceed
Once the visa is affixed and stamped, you're free to go through passport control and collect your luggage. Total time: 10–30 minutes depending on queue.
Download Sierra Leone Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$80 USD (approx. 300,000 SLL)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at Immigration Department.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. 560,000 SLL)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 374,000 SLL)
Requires invitation letter from Sierra Leone company.
work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200–$500 USD (approx. 748,000–1,870,000 SLL) depending on job category
For foreign nationals employed by a Sierra Leone company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program (typically 1–4 years)
$100 USD (approx. 374,000 SLL) plus tuition fees
For those enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Sierra Leone. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1 year, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD (approx. 1,870,000–3,740,000 SLL) depending on investment amount
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Sierra Leone. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and registration with the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA).
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or local currency at the airport. | $80 USD (approx. 300,000 SLL) |
| Tourist Visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Can be obtained from Sierra Leone embassy or online before travel. | $80 USD (approx. 300,000 SLL) |
| Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $150 USD (approx. 560,000 SLL) |
| Stay Extension (per month)Apply at Immigration Department in Freetown before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. 187,000 SLL) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD (approx. 37,000 SLL) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
Uganda 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. However, if you need to leave the airport or change terminals, a visa on arrival is 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 transmission, including Uganda. Must show valid certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Sierra Leone, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and prophylaxis.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; no specific vaccine, so prevent mosquito bites.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers but can occur during outbreaks; practice food and water hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic year-round across all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
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 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 the southern region.
Practical information for UG 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, payable in cash. Bring small bills — the immigration counter may not have change for large notes. USD is preferred, but some counters accept Sierra Leonean leones at a fixed rate.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter, or check with the Immigration Department in Freetown before your visa runs out.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Carry your yellow card — immigration may ask to see it at the airport.
Visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders like the one with Guinea. The process is the same — just have your documents and cash ready.
No, Sierra Leone does not offer an e-visa for Ugandan passport holders. The visa on arrival is the only option for tourism or short visits.
Immigration may deny you entry. They want proof you'll leave. If you're unsure of your departure date, book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward bus/flight to a neighboring country.
No, it's not officially required, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Sierra Leone can be expensive, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.
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.