All country guides
- Capital
- Freetown (FNA)
- Dialing Code
- + 232
- Time Zone
- No UTC/GMT offset
- Language
- English and Krio
- Best Time to Go
- November - April
- Currency
- Leone (SLL)
Travel Tips
- All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated
- Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies
- There is a large Islamic population, and respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan
- It is illegal to buy or export diamonds, gold or ivory without the necessary licenses
Last updated 7 October 2026
Visa Guide
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1
February: 18
March: 8 - 9, 20
April: 3, 6, 27
May: 1, 27
August: 26
December: 25 - 26
Visa Requirements
SA passport holders do require a visa for entry into Sierra Leone
Online Applications:
- Visa applications for the following purposes may be applied for online: tourism, business, religion, and academic or ordinary visit to see family and friends
- Applications can be done at evisa.sl
- To Apply for Work Permits / Residency, refer to: slid.gov.sl
Please Note
- Each traveler must obtain a separate Visa, including infants and children (even if children/infants are included in their parents passports). Visa Applications can be made for groups / families via the platform
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to enter the country
- Payment must be made with major credit / debit card
- If your visa is approved, you will receive email confirmation. The visa will be issued on arrival at the border
Visa Validity
Visa for African Union (AU) nationals:
Multiple Entry: valid for 365 days, for a stay of up to 30 days
Single Entry: valid for 90 days, for a stay of up to 30 days
Visa Cost
Multiple Entry: $50
Single Entry: $25
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
South African Representative Abroad
Representation accredited from Accra, Ghana