e-Visa Sierra Leone
Single or multiple entries
Visamundi vous accompagnera prochainement sur cette destination.
Sierra Leone, on West Africa's Atlantic coast, is one of the continent's most authentic and confidential destinations. Affectionately nicknamed «Salone» by its inhabitants, it attracts travellers in search of genuine experiences: immaculate beaches lined with coconut palms, unspoilt tropical forests, exceptional wildlife, a rich cultural heritage and, above all, hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.
Our Visamundi agency will guide you step by step through the administrative process. This page has been designed by our experts to provide you with all the practical information you need to obtain your e-Visa, and to help you prepare for your stay in the best possible conditions!
| In a nutshell: The vast majority of international travelers need a visa to enter Sierra Leone. The e-Visa can be obtained online in 2 to 5 working days. Our team will take care of setting up, checking and following up your application. |
The e-Visa system was introduced by the Sierra Leonean authorities to simplify procedures for international travellers. It is part of an ambitious policy to open up tourism, with the aim of making Sierra Leone one of West Africa's new flagship destinations. The entire procedure is carried out online, from your home, office or even your smartphone, and the approved visa is sent to you digitally by e-mail.
Eligible nationalities and exemptions
The vast majority of international tourists need a visa to enter Sierra Leone. The e-Visa is available to almost all nationalities worldwide. However, there are important exemptions, particularly for travelers from the African continent and member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
| Traveller category | Visa requirement | Details and nationalities concerned |
|---|---|---|
| ECOWAS nationals | Exempted | Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo. A valid passport or national identity card is all you need to enter the country. |
| Europe, Americas, Asia, Oceania | e-Visa or visa on arrival | France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Canada, USA, UK, Japan, Australia, etc. Applications can be made and approved prior to departure, or obtained directly at Freetown-Lungi International Airport. |
| Passengers in transit | Transit visa or e-Visa | A visa is required for any stopover exceeding 24 hours or involving exit from the airport's international zone. |
So Visamundi, electronic visa or visa on arrival?
If the’e-Visa and the visa on arrival are theoretically 2 valid options for non-ECOWAS, we systematically recommend our customers to obtain an e-Visa before departure. This option saves you queuing at the airport, eliminates the risk of an unexpected refusal on arrival, and guarantees your airline that you are in order to board. In fact, many airlines refuse boarding if the visa has not been obtained in advance.
Visa rates and types
The cost of the e-Visa depends on the length of stay and the number of entries. Rates correspond to current government charges, These are the amounts paid directly to the Sierra Leonean authorities. They do not include our agency's service fees for setting up, checking, monitoring and accompanying your file.
- e-Visa - Single Entry : Valid for 365 days from the date of issue, this visa authorizes a maximum stay of 90 days. The government fee is 80$ USD (69 €). For African nationals, the rate is lower, at 25$ USD (21 €).
e-Visa - Multiple entries : This visa is ideal if you're planning a sub-regional tour (including Guinea or Liberia, for example). It is valid for 1 year and allows multiple stays of up to 90 days. The government fee is 160$ USD (137 €). For African nationals, the rate is lower, at 50$ USD (43 €).
Please note: government tariffs do not include management fees applied on the government platform or our agency's fees. Rates are also subject to change; we will inform you of any such changes as soon as possible. systematically the exact amount when you open your file. For the moment, we only offer e-Visa assistance for non-Africans. Contact us otherwise.
Delivery time
The government approval procedure is generally fast and efficient, but it's essential to plan ahead. Times can vary according to the time of year, the volume of applications processed by consular services, any additional checks requested or minor administrative hiccups.
Standard processing time : between 2 and 5 working days from the date of complete and compliant submission of the file.
💡Our agency's advice For peace of mind and to avoid any administrative delays, we recommend that you submit your complete file to us around 15 days before your flight date.
Urgent cases If your departure is imminent, contact us: we can prioritize the processing of your request and activate a reinforced follow-up with the consular services.
Documents required for application
One of the great advantages of the Sierra Leone e-Visa is its ease of documentation. To enable our team to process your application quickly, you will need to provide us with the following document:
- A legible, good quality color copy of the your passport information page. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned arrival date in Sierra Leone and include at least two consecutive blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- A recent digital passport photo, A new, international-standard design (light background, full-face, neutral expression, no accessories).
- A travel itinerary indicative (flight and accommodation bookings, or letter of invitation for business trips).
| Health warning: an international vaccination certificate showing that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever is not always required for the online e-Visa application, but it is strictly mandatory to cross the border on arrival. Without this document, you risk being refused entry to France. Remember to get vaccinated at least 10 days before you leave, at an approved center. |
Is it possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone?
Yes, in theory you can choose between obtaining a visa on arrival or applying for an e-Visa before your trip. However, we always recommend applying for an e-Visa beforehand: the on-arrival procedure can involve a long wait at the airport, and some airlines may refuse boarding if you don't already have a valid visa.
Does my minor child also need an e-Visa?
Yes, absolutely. All travelers, regardless of age, including infants and minors, must apply individually and have their own approved e-Visa to enter Sierra Leone. Minors travelling without both parents are also required to present an exit permit where applicable.
Is Sierra Leone a safe destination for tourists?
Absolutely. Today, Sierra Leone is considered one of the safest and most peaceful countries in West Africa. The civil war that ended in 2002 is a thing of the past. Travellers are often struck by the warmth and friendliness of the local welcome. As with any international destination, however, the usual rules of caution apply: avoid isolated areas at night, keep an eye on valuables and follow the advice of local guides.
Can I extend my visa once I'm there?
Yes, if you fall under the spell of the «Salone» and wish to extend your adventure, it is possible to apply for an extension of your visa. This must be done at the main immigration office in Freetown before your current visa expires. Local administrative fees will apply.
Do I have to print my e-Visa or can I show it on my phone?
Although Sierra Leone has a modern digital system, we strongly recommend that you travel with at least two printed copies of your approved e-Visa. You will need to present one to the airline when boarding, and the second to immigration officials on arrival at Freetown-Lungi International Airport. Keep a digital version on your phone and in your e-mail in case you need it.
Can I enter Sierra Leone by land?
Yes, the land borders with Guinea and Liberia are open, provided you have an e-Visa or a pre-issued visa. The main crossing points are Pamelap (Guinean border) and Gendema/Bo Waterside (Liberian border). Please check with us for precise conditions before planning an overland crossing.
Can I change my travel dates after obtaining my e-Visa?
Yes, within the validity of your e-Visa (365 days from date of issue). As long as you enter the country before the stated expiry date, your precise travel dates are free to change. If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us.
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