Sierra Leone launches its electronic visa on March 9, 2023

Since March 9, 2023, travelers wishing to visit Sierra Leone can now apply for an electronic visa. This new visa application system was put in place after years of preparation by the Sierra Leone government, and considerably simplifies formalities for entering the country.

Before this date, tourists had to go to the nearest Sierra Leone diplomatic representation or obtain a visa on arrival in the country. From now on, travellers can apply for their e-visa in just a few clicks on the government website www.evisa.sl

Several types of e-Visa are available, such as tourist, business, study and visitor visas. To submit an e-Visa application, travelers must provide personal information such as surname, first name, gender, date of birth, passport number, country of passport issuance, nationality, profession, purpose of travel, name and address of host in Sierra Leone.

The single-entry electronic visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and authorizes a stay of 30 days in Sierra Leone. The multiple-entry electronic visa, on the other hand, is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows the holder to make several 30-day stays in the country. It is important to note that electronic visas cannot be extended on site.

E-visa fees depend on the nationality of the traveler. For tourists and business travelers, the fees are as follows 80 USD (74 €) for a single-entry electronic visa and 160 USD (148 €) for a multiple-entry electronic visa.

Citizens of member countries of the African Union have a reduced rate or do not need a visa and are therefore not concerned by this document. These countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo

Travelers can pay the e-visa fee online with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express credit card. However, the Sierra Leone authorities recommend planning ahead and applying for the visa well in advance of arrival, as this can take several weeks or even longer in some cases.

• Sierra Leone

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