Sierra Leone visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Sierra Leone

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Sierra Leonean Visa.

  • Valid national passport which has a validity of at least three months.
  • Duly completed visa application form which is signed by the applicant.
  • Two 2x2'' passport-sized photographs which is taken with a white background. The passport should not be older than 3 months old.
  • Bank statement from the last three months prior to visa application with a positive closing balance. This shows that you can take of yourself during your time in the country.
  • Valid travel insurance which covers the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Return flight ticket.
  • Proof of civil status.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Sierra Leone Visa for South Africans

Facts about Sierra Leone

The main attraction in Sierra Leone are the beaches. River Number 2 beach was voted to be the best beach in Africa, tourists can look forward to enjoying the facilities on the beach. The country also has nature reserves, mountains and island where tourists can go sightseeing and for recreation. The people in Sierra Leone have a reputation for being friendly and hospitable towards visitors.
 
Tourism in Sierra Leone is one of the best kept secrets in Africa. The tourism industry has become more influential in Sierra Leone due to the investment made in the country by Radisson Blu and Hilton. The tourism sector contributes huge revenues to the economy and provide jobs for Sierra Leonean. The country is visited by hundreds of thousands of people yearly.

Types of Sierra Leone Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 3 working days 90 days
Business visa 3 working days 90 days

General Requirements for Sierra Leone Visa

  • Valid national passport which has a validity of at least three months.
  • Duly completed visa application form which is signed by the applicant.
  • Two 2x2'' passport-sized photographs which is taken with a white background. The passport should not be older than 3 months old.
  • Bank statement from the last three months prior to visa application with a positive closing balance. This shows that you can take of yourself during your time in the country.
  • Valid travel insurance which covers the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Return flight ticket.
  • Proof of civil status.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
Sierra Leone Tourist visa Sierra Leone Business visa

Sierra Leone Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Tourist visa allows travelers visit Sierra Leone for sightseeing, recreation and relaxation.
  • Countries under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) do not require a visa to travel to Sierra Leone.
  • Two recent 2x2'' passport-sized photographs with white background are required.
  • All travelers are required to be vaccinated against the following:

            - Yellow fever

            - Meningitis

            - Hepatitis A

            - Cholera

            - Malaria.

  • visitors should have a comprehensive travel insurance covering injury, illness, death, delayed lost or damaged baggage and personal belongings. A medical evacuation policy should also be added to your travel insurance coverage.
  • Credit card use in Sierra Leone is very limited, so it is better to bring cash when traveling to the country.
  • While traveling to Sierra Leone, you can choose to book a 3-star hotel, a guest house or rent a room with a Sierra Leonean family.
  • Make sure you always ask for permission before taking pictures of locals.
  • Sierra Leone is predominantly a Muslim country and care should be taken not to offend the locals. Homosexual acts are illegal.
  • Your documents should be handed over to immigration officials as soon as you arrive at the airport. 
  • You are required to abide by the rules and regulations of your visa.

Sierra Leone Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The business visa allows travelers attend meetings, sign and negotiate contracts with the company they are visiting in Sierra Leone.
  • If the company you are in business with is taking up the financial aspect of your visit in the country, it should be clearly stated in the letter.
  • Certificate of business registration of the company is required.
  • If you have had previous business dealings with the company, a proof of this is required.
  • The business visa also allows South Africans start up businesses in Sierra Leone.
  • In some sectors, starting up businesses such as mining and fishing. License can be obtained from sector ministries such as SLIEPA. 
  • If you are traveling for a business visa, you need to provide the following documents:
    • A letter from the host company, it must include the applicant's duration of stay and purpose.
    • Travel tickets and copy of itinerary.
    • Registration certificate of the host company.
  • Yellow fever and meningitis vaccination certificate is mandatory.
  • You are advised to be immunized against hepatitis A and B, polio, malaria, typhoid and cholera.

Sierra Leone Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

160.00 (USD)

Business visa

160.00 (USD)

Sierra Leone Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a visa for Sierra Leone?
You have to wait three working days to get a visa for Sierra Leone.
Can foreigners buy a land in Sierra Leone?
No, foreigners cannot own a land in the country but can lease a land for up to 99 years.
Is Sierra Leone dangerous?
Sierra Leone is a relatively safe country to visit.
Does Sierra Leone have diamonds?
Yes, there are diamonds in Sierra Leone.
What do they eat in Sierra Leone?
Cassava which is pounded to make fufu and stew made out of the cassava leaves is considered the native food of Sierra Leone.
Can I get visa at point of entry or do I need this in advance of travel??