Sierra Leone
Restricted entry
Nationals of Liberia need authorization from the Government of Sierra Leone or they will be refused admission.
Passports
Passport valid for a minimum of six months required by all.Visas
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo;
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport transit area.Types of visa and cost
Tourist: US$77 (single-entry); US$155 (multiple-entry). Express Tourist and Business: US$69 in addition to cost. Business: US$103 (single-entry); US$206 (multiple-entry: six months), US$344 (multiple-entry: one year).Validity
Entry Permits and visas generally are valid for three months and allow a stay of one month in Sierra Leone for single-entry only. An extension is possible by application to the Department of Immigration in Freetown. Multiple-entry tourist and visitor visas are valid for six months; a business multiple-entry visa is valid for up to one year.Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Passport/Visa Information.Application requirements
(a) Completed application form. (b) Two passport-size photos. (c) Passport valid for six months. (d) Confirmation of hotel reservation for tourist visa. (e) Letter of invitation and company letter for business visa. (f) Vaccination against yellow fever, malaria and cholera are required in order to obtain a visa (see Health section). (g) Fee in cash or postal order for mail applications. (h) Evidence of sufficient funds.Working days required
Three. Several weeks are required where referral to authorities in Sierra Leone is necessary. One day for Express visa.
No Test Required
US$20 (payable in hard currency by all except nationals of Sierra Leone). Transit passengers and children under two years of age are exempt.
High Commission for the Republic of Sierra Leone in the UK
Oxford Circus House, 245 Oxford Street, London W1D 2LX, UK
Tel: (020) 7287 9884.
Website: www.slhc-uk.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 1000-1300 and 1430-1500; Fri 1000-1300.Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in the USA
1701 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Tel: (202) 939 9261.
Website: www.sierra-leone.org
There has been political unrest in 2005.
Visits to the Western Area of Sierra Leone, including Freetown are usually trouble-free.
Travel outside the Western Area can be difficult, as roads and infrastructure are poor.
Petty crime is common.
Travelers should take sensible precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places.
The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
