Located in the West of Africa, the Republic of Sierra Leone is absolutely an African hidden gem. Everyone who wants to experience a wild and unforgettable experience must visit Sierra Leone. However, read the article below for further information regarding the country’s policy, visa requirements, and visa types.
Who Needs a Visa for Sierra Leone?
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Sierra Leone:
- Benin
- Ghana
- Mauritania
- Burkina Faso
- Guinea
- Niger
- Cabo Verde
- Guinea-Bissau
- Nigeria
- Ivory Coast
- Liberia
- Senegal
- Gambia
- Mali
- Togo
Other Visa Exemptions
Here are some other nations that are exempted from the Sierra Leone visa requirements:
- Diplomatic, service passport holders of Iran do not need a visa to enter the country.
- Diplomatic, service, and public affairs passport holders of China do not need a visa to enter the country.
How to Apply for a Sierra Leone Visa?
There are two options on how to apply for a Sierra Leone visa:
- Visa on arrival.
- At the embassy or consulate.
Visa on Arrival
Citizens of the following nations can apply for a visa on arrival (at the port of entry) in Sierra Leone:
- All EU citizens
- Israel
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Jamaica
- Saint Lucia
- Australia
- Japan
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Bahamas
- Kenya
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Kiribati
- Seychelles
- Bangladesh
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Barbados
- Kuwait
- Solomon Islands
- Belize
- Lesotho
- South Africa
- Bolivia
- Macau
- Sri Lanka
- Botswana
- Malawi
- Tanzania
- Brazil
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Brunei
- Mauritius
- Timor-Leste
- Cambodia
- Mozambique
- Tonga
- Cameroon
- Namibia
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Canada
- Nauru
- Turkey
- China
- New Zealand
- Tuvalu
- Dominica
- Norway
- Uganda
- Eswatini
- Oman
- United Arab Emirates
- Fiji
- Pakistan
- United Kingdom
- Grenada
- Papua New Guinea
- United States
- Guyana
- Qatar
- Vanuatu
- India
- Russia
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Rwanda
- Zambia
- Iran
- Samoa
At the Embassy or Consulate
Applicants who need to apply for a Sierra Leone visa must enter the official page of Sierra Leone embassy in their home country and fill out the visa application form.
Further information will be provided when entering the page.
Sierra Leone Visa Requirements
To apply for a Sierra Leone visa, the applicant must submit the following documents.
- A passport valid for three to six months, after you return in your country.
- A passport-sized photo following Sierra Leone visa photo requirements.
- A completed Sierra Leone visa application form.
- A yellow fever vaccination card.
- An accommodation proof for your stay in Sierra Leone.
- A fee payment receipt.
Minor applicants must submit the following documents:
- A birth certificate.
- A letter of consent signed by both parents. The parents must notarise the letter of consent.
- A copy of the parent’s ID, passport, or driver’s license should be attached to the application form.
Note: The Sierra Leone embassy may request other documents and information to support your visa application. It is important to keep in mind that any missing, incomplete, or incorrect information can lead to your visa denial.
Sierra Leone Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Sierra Leone visa is between two to three working days. The applicants must submit their visa application form five days before their travelling date.
Sierra Leone Visa Duration
A Sierra Leone tourist visa is valid for 30 to 90 days. However, the applicant will be informed of their visa duration once the embassy issues it. A visa’s duration also depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the purpose of your visit to Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone Visa Fees
The Sierra Leone visa fee depends on several factors, such as the type of visa you are applying for, the duration of your stay, and the country you apply from. However, a Sierra visa fee starts at around $160 and $265. This amount can vary depending on going higher or lower for several reasons.
Sierra Leone Visa Types
Here are all the Leone visa types you can apply for:
- Tourist visa.
- Transit visa.
- Business visa.
- Work visa.
- Student visa.
- Family reunion visa.
- Investment visa.
Applicants can apply for either of the following visa types depending on the purpose of their visit to Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone Residence Permit
Everyone who wants to stay longer than the time the Sierra Leone authorities issued must apply for a residence permit.
Applicants who need a residence permit for different purposes, including study, family reunion, business, or tourism, must submit their applications to the Immigration Department in Sierra Leone.
Applicants who apply for a work permit must submit the documents to the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations in Sierra Leone.
Interesting Facts About Sierra Leone
Here are some interesting facts regarding the Republic of Sierra Leone:
- The locals use rice in every meal they prepare. Some of the most famous dishes in Sierra Leone are kukri, jollof rice, groundnut stew, and krinkrinand fish balls. Some of the most popular drinks are ginger beer and poya.
- One of the biggest snails is located in Sierra Leone. The snail is called Ghana Snail (or Achatina), and it is 7 inches long and 3.5 inches wide but can reach a size of almost twelve by six inches.
- The most popular religion in Sierra Leone is Islam. Other traditional religions include Christianity, Hinduism and Baha’ism.
- It is known for being one of the most religiously tolerant countries in the world.
- The name Sierra Leone means ‘Roaring Mountains’.
- The country was home to formerly enslaved Africans in the 18th century.
- Sierra Leone is home to blood diamonds. The county also has one of the largest alluvial diamonds.
- The country has very rich wildlife.
- It is known for being one of the smallest countries in Africa.
- The capital of Sierra Leone is called Freetown.