Sierra Leonean visa resources
Who Needs a Visa for Sierra Leone
How to work out whether you need a visa, can enter visa-free, or can get a visa on arrival, based on your nationality and purpose.
Important
Whether you need a visa for Sierra Leone depends on your nationality and why you are travelling. Citizens of ECOWAS member states can enter without a visa for short visits. Some other nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at official entry points, and everyone else must obtain an electronic visa before travel through evisa.sl.
Short visits (tourism, family, short business or transit) are covered by entry visas or visa-free/visa-on-arrival arrangements. Longer stays for employment, business, study or residence require the appropriate permit from the Unified Permit portal, regardless of nationality.
Because eligibility lists and conditions can change, confirm your specific situation in the live eVisa portal or with the Immigration Department before booking travel.
Quick guide
- ECOWAS national, short visit: visa-free entry
- Eligible nationality, short visit: visa on arrival or eVisa
- Other nationality, short visit: eVisa in advance
- Work, study, business or residence: permit via Unified Permit portal
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.