Is it safe to travel to Sierra Leone right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Sierra Leone’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Sierra Leone set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Sierra Leone High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Sierra Leone, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date of your visa application.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Sierra Leone.

Applying for a visa

You can get a visa to visit or for business travel either:

• when you arrive in Sierra Leone for 80 US dollars, paid in cash in US dollars
• before you travel – apply online for an e-visa

Single entry visas are valid for 90 days from date of issuing for visits up to a maximum of 30 days.

Multiple entry visas are valid for 365 days from date of issuing and are valid for multiple separate trips for up to a maximum of 30 days for each visit.

If you’re travelling for a purpose other than a visit or business, you must get a visa before you travel. Contact the Sierra Leone High Commission in the UK.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Sierra Leone, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For more details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Sierra Leone guide.

Health travel declaration

All travellers entering or leaving Sierra Leone must complete a health declaration before travel using the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal.

You must:

• complete the form online within 72 hours before travel
• ensure your travel details are accurate, including your seat number where possible
• keep your confirmation QR code or reference number and present it if requested

You may be required to undergo health screening on arrival.

If you do not comply, you may face delays or be refused entry or departure.

Ebola Screening

As a public health measure, Sierra Leone has introduced screening for arriving travellers. You should expect enhanced health screening measures on arrival.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Sierra Leone.

You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Export of precious stones

You must have an export licence to leave Sierra Leone with precious stones. Check the quality of any gems or minerals you buy. Any deals that appear too good to be true probably are.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid upon entry.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

If you are travelling to Sierra Leone for tourism or business, you can either:

• apply for an e-visa before arrival
• get a visa on arrival

For other purposes, or for a multi-entry visa, you must obtain a visa before arrival.

You must pay an airport security fee before your arrival or departure. Payment can be made at the airport or online.

Useful links:

• eVisa application – Sierra Leone Immigration Service
• Airport security fee payment – Government of Sierra Leone

Health declaration form

You must complete a health declaration form to enter and to leave Sierra Leone.

You must:

• complete the form online within 72 hours before you travel
• keep your confirmation QR code or reference number and present it to customs and immigration authorities

You may be subject to health screening on arrival.

If you do not complete the form, you could be delayed or denied entry or exit.

Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal – National Public Health Agency (NPHA) Travel Portal

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).