Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced eVisa System
Sierra Leone has streamlined its eVisa process for 2026, allowing most travelers to apply online for faster approvals (typically 3-5 days) at a cost of $80-160 depending on duration. This digital system reduces paperwork and enables pre-approval before arrival, making border entry smoother for tourists heading to beaches and rainforests.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Sierra Leone, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is a strict requirement enforced at all ports of entry, including Freetown's Lungi International Airport.
Renew your passport early if it's nearing expiration, as airlines may deny boarding without sufficient validity, and consider carrying a photocopy for inland travel.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of ECOWAS member states (like Nigeria and Ghana) enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days, while most other nationalities, including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia, can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days extendable to 90.
Always confirm your eligibility via the official Sierra Leone Immigration website, as exemptions can change and impact your travel plans to remote areas like the Gola Rainforest.
Visa Applications
For eVisas, apply online through the official portal (evisa.gov.sl) at least 7 days before travel, submitting a passport scan, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever vaccination certificate; fees range from $80 for single-entry to $160 for multiple.
Processing usually takes 72 hours to a week, but apply early during peak seasons to avoid delays, and print your approval letter for presentation upon arrival.
Border Crossings
Entry is primarily via Lungi International Airport near Freetown, where visas on arrival are processed efficiently, or overland from Guinea and Liberia with potential checks at border posts like Gendema.
Expect health screenings for yellow fever and possible COVID-era protocols; water taxis or ferries from Lungi to Freetown add an adventurous touch but require advance booking.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential due to limited facilities outside Freetown), trip delays, and adventure activities like beach safaris or chimpanzee trekking in Tiwai Island.
Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases; reputable providers offer plans starting at $5-10 per day, and declare any pre-existing conditions for full validity.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 90 days total can be applied for at the Immigration Office in Freetown, requiring proof of onward travel, sufficient funds (around $50/day), and a fee of about $100.
Apply at least two weeks before expiration to allow processing time, and extensions are common for those extending stays to explore Banana Islands or the Sierra Leone River.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Sierra Leone uses the Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Freetown by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for routes from Europe or the US to Lungi Airport.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street vendors or chop bars for authentic dishes like cassava leaves or grilled fish under SLL 50,000, avoiding tourist resorts to save up to 70% on food costs.
Visit local markets in Freetown for fresh fruits, rice, and spices at bargain prices, often including bargaining for even better deals.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared taxis (okadas) or poda podas for intercity travel at SLL 20,000-100,000 per leg, far cheaper than private hires and a cultural experience in itself.
No formal passes exist, but negotiating group rides or using apps like GoCash for urban transport can cut daily costs by half.
Free Attractions
Explore free sites like Lumley Beach, the Cotton Tree in Freetown, or village walks in the provinces, offering authentic Sierra Leonean culture without entry fees.
Many community-based eco-projects and national parks have low or no fees for basic access, especially if you hire local guides on the spot.
Card vs Cash
Cash is king outside Freetown; ATMs are limited and often dispense SLL, so exchange USD at banks for better rates than informal changers.
Carry small denominations to avoid change issues at markets, and use mobile money apps like Orange Money for seamless local transactions.
Group Tours & Discounts
Join community-led tours to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary or Bunce Island for SLL 200,000-500,000 including transport, cheaper than solo arrangements.
Off-peak travel (May-October) offers up to 30% discounts on accommodations and activities, ideal for budget explorers.
Smart Packing for Sierra Leone
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the hot, humid climate, including long sleeves and pants for mosquito protection during rainforest hikes or evening outings.
Include modest attire for cultural sites like mosques in Freetown and quick-dry fabrics for beach days; avoid camouflage patterns as they are restricted.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type D/G plugs (230V), a solar-powered charger for remote areas with unreliable electricity, and a waterproof phone case for river crossings.
Download offline maps like Maps.me, a phrasebook app for Krio, and ensure devices have virus protection given variable Wi-Fi in guesthouses.
Health & Safety
Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit with antimalarials, bandages, antidiarrheals, and your yellow fever vaccination card (mandatory); include water purification tablets for rural areas.
Pack high-SPF sunscreen, DEET insect repellent (50%+ strength), and rehydration salts, as heat exhaustion and tropical illnesses are common risks.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable backpack with rain cover for wet season travel, a lightweight hammock for eco-lodges, and a money belt to secure cash and passport in crowded markets.
Include a reusable water bottle with filter, headlamp for power outages, and multiple copies of important documents laminated for durability.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots or trail shoes for jungle treks in Gola or Outamba-Kilimi, paired with lightweight sandals for beach relaxation and urban exploration.
Waterproof options are vital due to frequent rains and muddy paths; break in shoes before travel to prevent blisters on long village walks.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, plus antifungal powder for humid conditions; don't forget wet wipes and a sarong for versatile use as a towel or modesty cover.
Include lip balm with SPF and a compact mosquito net for overnight stays in non-screened accommodations, helping maintain hygiene in off-grid locations.
When to Visit Sierra Leone
Dry Season (November-April)
Peak travel time with sunny skies, low humidity, and temperatures of 25-32°C, ideal for beach lounging on the Freetown Peninsula and wildlife spotting in national parks.
Fewer mosquitoes make it perfect for hiking and eco-tours, though holidays like Independence Day (April 27) bring lively festivals and crowds.
Hot Season (December-February)
Warmest months with highs up to 35°C and minimal rain, great for water activities like kayaking on the Rokel River or diving near the Banana Islands.
Expect vibrant Harmattan winds from the Sahara adding a dusty haze, but it's prime for cultural events and lower accommodation rates post-holidays.
Transition (October-November)
Milder rains tapering off with temperatures around 28-30°C, offering lush greenery for rainforest explorations in the Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve.
Budget-friendly with fewer tourists, ideal for birdwatching and attending local harvest celebrations before the full dry season rush.
Wet Season (May-October)
Heavy rains (up to 500mm/month) but warm 25-30°C temps; best for indoor cultural experiences like visiting the Sierra Leone National Museum or learning Krio in Freetown.
Off-peak deals on lodges and fewer crowds for waterfall hikes, though roads can flood—pack for downpours and enjoy the dramatic landscapes.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL). USD widely accepted in tourist areas; exchange at banks or use ATMs in Freetown. Carry small notes for markets.
- Language: English is official, but Krio (Creole) is widely spoken. French useful near Guinea border; learn basic phrases for rural interactions.
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0 year-round
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type D/G plugs (three-pin and two-pin). Power outages common; bring a torch.
- Emergency Number: 019 for police, 116 for medical, 999 for fire. International: +232 prefix.
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants or SLL 5,000-10,000 for guides/drivers.
- Water: Not safe to drink from taps; boil or use bottled/filtered water. Avoid ice in rural areas.
- Pharmacies: Available in Freetown (look for "Pharmacy" signs); stock up on essentials before heading to provinces.