Getting to Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a developing country — some things work differently to what you may be used to. A little preparation goes a long way towards an enjoyable and stress-free visit.
A Country Worth Every Bit of Preparation
Sierra Leone is a developing country. Certain aspects of daily life — infrastructure, transport, services — may differ from what you experience in more developed countries. It is important to plan ahead and approach your visit with an open and patient mindset.
Despite its developing-nation status, Sierra Leone is one of Africa\'s most rewarding destinations. The country is truly beautiful — unique landscape, rich history, colourful dresses, lovely food, and above all, the warmest and most welcoming people you will ever meet.
Natural Beauty
Pristine beaches, rainforest, rivers, and savannah — Sierra Leone\'s landscape is extraordinary and largely untouched by mass tourism.
Rich History
From freed slaves to colonial monuments to vibrant Krio culture — Sierra Leone has a history that will captivate and move you.
Warm People
Sierra Leoneans are known throughout West Africa for their incredible generosity and warmth. Visitors repeatedly say the people are the highlight of their trip.
What You Need to Enter Sierra Leone
All visitors to Sierra Leone must hold a valid passport or an official travel document of equivalent standing. There are no exceptions — make sure your document is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Sierra Leone.
Entry requirements at a glance
- 1Valid passport or travel document — Required for ALL visitors without exception. Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.
- 2ECOWAS citizens — no visa needed — If you hold a passport from an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member country, you may enter Sierra Leone without a visa.
- 3All other nationalities — visa required — Visitors from outside ECOWAS must obtain a visa before or upon arrival. There are several options available to make this process straightforward.
Three Ways to Obtain Your Visa
Non-ECOWAS visitors have three practical options for obtaining a Sierra Leone visa. We recommend applying in advance to avoid any potential delays on arrival.
Visa on Arrival
Eligible nationalities can apply for a visa directly at Lungi International Airport upon landing. Fees are payable in US dollars. This option is straightforward but queues can form at busy times.
Government E-Visa Platform
The Sierra Leone Immigration Department operates an official online e-visa platform. Applying online in advance means you arrive with documentation already in hand and can clear immigration more quickly.
Our Facilitation Service
Salone Hidden Gems offers a dedicated visa facilitation service. We guide you through the entire process, prepare your documents, and liaise with the relevant authorities on your behalf — giving you complete peace of mind.
Our recommendation
- Always apply for your visa before travelling — either online or through our facilitation service.
- Have all required documents scanned and saved digitally as well as printed in hard copy.
- If you would like us to handle the entire process for you, our visa facilitation team is ready to assist.
Not sure which option is right for you? Visit our Visa Facilitation page for full details, or contact our team with your specific questions.
Let Us Handle Your Visa
Take the stress out of the visa process. Our facilitation service manages everything from document preparation to submission — so you can focus on planning your trip.