Visitor & short-stay visas
Sierra Leonean ECOWAS Visa-Free Entry
Visa-free entry for citizens of ECOWAS member states, granted under the regional free-movement protocol.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Official name
- ECOWAS free movement (visa-free entry)
- Route type
- Visa-free short-stay entry for ECOWAS nationals
- Permitted stay
- Short stay under the ECOWAS protocol
- Third-party sources commonly cite up to 90 days; the exact limit is not confirmed on an official SLID page reviewed here.
- Who it covers
- Nationals of ECOWAS member states
- Cost
- No visa fee (visa-free entry)
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Per ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol; confirm with SLID
- Legal basis
- ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons
- Where
- Admitted at the port of entry
Who it is for
- Citizens of ECOWAS member states holding a valid ECOWAS-country passport
- Regional travellers visiting Sierra Leone for tourism, family or short business
Requirements
- A valid passport of an ECOWAS member state
- Ability to satisfy border officers of the purpose and funding of your visit
- A separate permit or student pass if you intend to work, do business, study or reside
What you can do
- Enter and stay for short visits without a visa
- Apply for a work or residence permit through the Unified Permit portal for longer stays
How to apply
No visa and no eVisa is required. As an ECOWAS national you present a valid ECOWAS travel document to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry, who admits you for the permitted visa-free period. If you intend to work or remain long term, apply for the appropriate residence or work permit through the Unified Permit portal.
Frequently asked questions
Visa-free entry covers short visits only. To stay beyond the permitted visa-free period, or to work or run a business, you must obtain the appropriate residence or work permit through Sierra Leone's Unified Permit portal (unifiedpermit.gov.sl).
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Sierra Leonean visas
- SHORT STAYTOURISMAPPLY ONLINETourist eVisaAn electronic entry visa for travellers visiting Sierra Leone for tourism, family visits or leisure, applied for online before you travel.View visa details
- BUSINESSSHORT TRIPSAPPLY ONLINEBusiness eVisaAn electronic entry visa for short business trips to Sierra Leone, covering activities such as meetings, conferences and negotiations.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITAPPLY ONLINETransit eVisaA short electronic visa for travellers passing through Sierra Leone en route to another destination.View visa details
- SHORT STAYAT THE BORDERVisa on ArrivalA visa issued at the port of entry for eligible nationalities arriving in Sierra Leone.View visa details