Sierra Leone Entry Requirements 2026 — Visa, Yellow Fever & Documents

Arriving at Lungi International Airport unprepared can mean delays, extra fees or being turned back at immigration. This guide covers every entry requirement for Sierra Leone in 2026 — visa, yellow fever, passport rules, health checks and what to carry in your hand luggage.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
• International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (the "Yellow Card")
• USD 80 cash for visa on arrival (most nationalities)
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation or letter from host)
• Travel insurance documentation (recommended, not always checked)

Visa Requirements

The vast majority of international visitors to Sierra Leone receive a visa on arrival at Lungi International Airport. There is no need to apply in advance at an embassy for most nationalities.

Visa on arrival details

• Cost: USD 80 per person (cash only at the airport counter — bring exact change or small bills)
• Duration: Typically 30 days, extendable at the immigration office in Freetown
• Validity: Single entry
• Processing time: 15–45 minutes at the airport queue
• Nationalities exempt: Citizens of ECOWAS countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, etc.) do not need a visa. Check your country's specific status before travelling.

For a deeper dive into the visa process including the queue, what officials ask and common pitfalls, read our dedicated Sierra Leone visa on arrival guide.

Yellow Fever Vaccination — Mandatory

A valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever (also known as the "Yellow Card" or Carte Jaune) is mandatory for entry to Sierra Leone. This is strictly enforced at Lungi Airport. You will be asked to show it alongside your passport at immigration.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

• The vaccination must have been given at an approved vaccination centre
• The certificate is valid for life (as of 2016, the previous 10-year rule was abolished by the WHO)
• You need the original paper certificate — a photo on your phone is not accepted
• Vaccination must be recorded in the yellow WHO booklet

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Sierra Leone. Immigration officers enforce this rule. If your passport expires within 6 months of your planned departure, renew it before travelling.

You also need at least two blank visa pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.

Other Health Requirements

As of 2026, Sierra Leone does not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry. However, health requirements can change — check the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health website or your government's travel advisory in the week before you fly.

There is no required malaria prophylaxis to enter Sierra Leone, but all visitors are strongly advised to take antimalarial medication and use repellent. Lungi and the wider Western Area are high-risk malaria zones. Read our detailed malaria prevention guide for recommended tablets, dosing and mosquito protection.

What to Have in Your Hand Luggage

Immigration at Lungi Airport moves faster when you have all documents immediately accessible. Keep these in your hand luggage (not in checked baggage):

1. Passport (obviously)
2. Yellow fever certificate
3. USD 80 cash in a separate envelope or pocket (immigration officers dislike counting change from large notes)
4. Printed or clearly-screen-ready return flight ticket
5. Hotel confirmation or accommodation letter — the name and address of where you are staying. Hariom Yogi Guest House can provide a booking confirmation letter on request via WhatsApp.

Arriving Late at Night

British Airways and Brussels Airlines flights often arrive at Lungi late in the evening. The immigration and customs process takes 45–90 minutes. By the time you clear, it is typically 10 PM or later. The government ferry does not operate at this hour. The smartest option is to stay in Lungi overnight at a guesthouse within walking distance of the airport, then cross to Freetown fresh in the morning. This avoids the risk and cost of a late-night water crossing.