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Sierra Leone Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

Chinese citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Freetown's Lungi International Airport, or apply in advance online, for a tourist stay of up to 30 days.

Guide last updated October 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
  • 1-2 recent passport photos
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Travel health insurance is recommended

Visa types

  • Tourist Visa on Arrival: single entry, valid for a stay of up to 30 days, fee around USD 80
  • Business Visa: similar validity, requires an invitation letter from a Sierra Leonean host company, fee around USD 80-160 depending on entries requested

Visa on arrival

  • Available at Lungi International Airport, Freetown; online pre-application through the e-Visa portal (ecitizen.gov.sl) is encouraged to reduce airport processing time
  • Steps: present passport, yellow fever certificate, hotel proof, and photo at the immigration counter; pay the fee in USD cash
  • Standard processing at the airport takes 30-60 minutes
  • Pre-approved e-visa applicants typically clear immigration faster than walk-in visa-on-arrival travelers

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: approximately USD 80 for a single-entry tourist visa
  • No separate VFS/BLS service fee for on-arrival or e-visa processing
  • Total estimated cost: USD 80-100
  • Online e-visa pre-approval: typically 3-5 working days
  • Visa on arrival at the airport: issued same-day, within an hour

Tips for China travelers

  • Carry exact USD cash, as change may not always be available at the airport counter
  • Common rejection reasons: missing yellow fever certificate or no proof of onward travel
  • Applying for the e-visa online before departure is recommended during peak travel periods to avoid long airport queues
  • No current bilateral travel advisory affects Chinese nationals; flights typically connect via Casablanca, Istanbul, or Brussels
  • Extensions beyond 30 days can be requested at the Sierra Leone Immigration Department headquarters in Freetown

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.