Understanding Sierra Leone entry requirements: your guide

From its golden beaches and lush jungles to its mountains and nature reserves, Sierra Leone has something for every traveler. Going on a safari, sunbathing on pristine beaches, or diving deep into the local culture are just some of the things to do in the country.

If you're considering visiting Sierra Leone, it is essential to know the mandatory documents needed to enter the country. Let us guide you on what you need to enter the country, including visa requirements, vaccinations, and other important Sierra Leone entry requirements.

Entry requirements for Sierra Leone

Passport

To travel to this African country, you will need a passport with at least 6 months' validity from the date of entry in Sierra Leone. Additionally, you must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

Visa

You must obtain a valid visa to enter Sierra Leone. However, the government has streamlined the process for international travelers, and many nationalities can now apply for an electronic visa. With Visagov, you can check if your nationality is eligible for an online Sierra Leone visa and choose to apply for either a single-entry or multiple-entry eVisa (electronic visa).

The single-entry visa allows you to enter the country only once and stay for up to 30 days. The multiple-entry visa permits you to enter and exit the country as many times as you wish within a year, with each stay lasting up to 30 days.

The two visas are for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, or study. To process any type of visa, you will need your passport, a recent photograph, proof of funds, hotel reservation, and return ticket to your home country (airplane ticket, cruise ticket, etc.). With our guide “How to get a visa for Sierra Leone” you can read more about the visas and the application process. 

Although it is not related to visas, you must ensure that you pay an airport security fee to enter Sierra Leone. You can find more information here. 

Travel insurance

Having travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement for Sierra Leone. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to purchase one with comprehensive coverage. In Sierra Leone, the healthcare conditions are inadequate, and receiving proper medical attention often requires going to private hospitals, which can be expensive and typically require prepayment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that covers all possible contingencies, including repatriation. 

Mandatory and recommended vaccines

All travelers going to Sierra Leone must be vaccinated against Yellow Fever since it is mandatory to present an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever upon arrival.

While Yellow Fever vaccination is the only mandatory vaccine to have before traveling to Sierra Leone, other vaccines are strongly recommended. Those for hepatitis A and B, meningitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rabies, cholera, influenza, pneumococcal disease, varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles), and COVID-19 are some of the main ones. 

Although there is no vaccine against malaria, you should take precautions since it is prevalent in Sierra Leone. It is highly advisable to start antimalarial prophylaxis before traveling and continue it until you return to your home country. Ask your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment in advance. 

You should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites and reduce the risk of malaria, dengue, or chikungunya. Some of the most effective methods include using insect repellent, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and always sleeping under mosquito nets.

Currency

The official currency of Sierra Leone is the Leone. The currency can only be obtained within the country through banks, ATMs from banks such as Ecobank, Access Bank, UBA, Rokel Bank, as well as at various businesses and exchange bureaus.

In Sierra Leone, you will find banknotes in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 Leones, and coins of 10, 50, 100, and 500 Leones. Be sure to carry cash, as the use of credit cards is very limited.