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Sierra Leone Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for Sierra Leone at Lungi International Airport; tourist visa on arrival costs USD 60, business visa on arrival USD 100, payable in USD or Sierra Leonean Leone.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and have at least 1 blank page.
  • Specific forms: There is no pre-arrival visa form for on-arrival visas. You will complete an immigration arrival form at the port of entry and may be asked to provide a passport photo at the desk.
  • Financial proof: There is no fixed minimum funds requirement published for visa on arrival, but you should have access to sufficient funds to cover your stay and return transport.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: A confirmed accommodation booking and a return/onward ticket are recommended and may be requested by immigration.
  • Photo spec: One passport photo (35x45 mm or 2x2 inches) with a white background may be requested at the desk.
  • Biometrics: Yes, biometric data may be collected at the port of entry during the visa on arrival process.
  • Travel health insurance: Travel medical insurance is recommended; you should carry a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if required by entry rules; yellow fever vaccination is commonly required for travellers from certain regions.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival — Official name: Tourist Visa (On Arrival); Validity: 30 days from entry; Max stay: 30 days; Entry: Single entry; Approx fee: USD 60.
  • Business visa on arrival — Official name: Business Visa (On Arrival); Validity: 30 days from entry; Max stay: 30 days; Entry: Single entry; Approx fee: USD 100.
  • Transit visa on arrival — Official name: Transit Visa (On Arrival); Validity: 3 days; Max stay: 3 days; Entry: Single entry; Approx fee: USD 40.
  • Other categories: Student visa and Work visa are not issued on arrival and require pre-arrival processing via ecitizen or Sierra Leonean embassy; fees vary and are not applicable for on-arrival issuance.

Application process

  • Visa on arrival: Port of entry is primarily Lungi International Airport (Freetown); other entry points may exist but are less reliable for on-arrival visas.
  • How to apply: On arrival, proceed to the Sierra Leone Immigration desk with your passport, 1 passport photo if required, and the arrival form; present proof of accommodation and return ticket if requested; pay the visa fee at the designated window (fees in USD or Sierra Leonean Leone).
  • Fee payment: Fees are paid in cash at the visa window; USD is widely accepted; local currency may be Leones; carry small denominations for convenience.
  • Processing time: Allow 1–2 hours for processing at peak times; processing times can be longer during busy periods or if documents are incomplete.
  • How approval arrives: You will receive a visa stamp in your passport at the desk after payment and verification; there is no separate electronic notification for on-arrival visas.
  • Health and other checks: You may be asked for a Yellow Fever certificate if required; ensure you have relevant vaccines and travel health insurance.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fees (on arrival): Tourist USD 60; Business USD 100; Transit USD 40; payments accepted in USD or Sierra Leonean Leone.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for visa on arrival; there is no separate processing service at the port.
  • Total cost estimate: USD 60–100 depending on visa type; local currency equivalent will apply at exchange rate.
  • Standard processing time: 1–2 hours at the port of entry; longer during busy periods.
  • Express/priority option: Not available for visa on arrival.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Apply far enough in advance to account for potential delays at the port, and check current entry rules on ecitizen.gov.sl before you travel.
  • Common reasons for visa-on-arrival issues: passport validity under 6 months, insufficient funds when asked, missing documents at the desk, or failure to carry required health prerequisites (eg Yellow Fever certificate where applicable).
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For visa on arrival you apply at the port of entry; there is generally no VFS/BLS pre-processing for UK citizens.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the UK government’s travel advice for Sierra Leone before travel.
  • Extension options inside Sierra Leone: Extensions may be possible by applying at the Sierra Leone Immigration Department in Freetown before your visa expires; approval is not guaranteed and fees apply.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.