Sierra Leone

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. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Sierra Leone  

Telephone: 117 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding lawyers and funeral directors in Sierra Leone 
• dealing with a death in Sierra Leone  
• being arrested or imprisoned in Sierra Leone 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime  
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call  FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies  

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Sierra Leone on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.