Sierra Leone: do South Africans need a visa?
South Africans can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone. You can stay up to 30 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.
Visa on arrival, approved online first. The Sierra Leone Immigration Department lists South Africa among the African Union countries eligible for visa on arrival. You must apply and pay online on the official eVisa system (evisa.sl) first; an application ID is only issued after online payment and approval. You then collect the visa on arrival.351
Before you travel
Purpose of visit
Visitors only: tourism, business and family visits. Employment or study needs a visa from an embassy.5
Confirmed on an official government source
Passport validity
At least 6 months after the date of your visa application (UK advice).1
Not yet confirmed by an official source
How to apply
Apply and pay online at evisa.sl before travel. Fee: USD 25 for African Union nationals, South Africans included (non-AU nationals pay USD 80). Bring the passport you applied with. Collect the visa at Freetown International Airport (Lungi), Jendema (Liberia border) or Gbalamuya (Guinea border). Processing time not published.35
Confirmed on an official government source
Where South Africans apply
Travel insurance
Not published by official sources
Return or onward ticket
Not published by official sources
Proof of funds
Not published by official sources
Accommodation or invitation
Not published by official sources
Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa
SIERRA LEONE: A yellow fever certificate is required to enter, whatever country you arrive from (UK advice). SOUTH AFRICA: Sierra Leone is on South Africa's yellow fever risk list. Everyone over 1 year old, South Africans included, returning to South Africa from Sierra Leone, or after an airport transit of more than 12 hours there, must show a valid yellow fever certificate on arrival in South Africa. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel; the certificate is valid for life.14
Confirmed by other governments' official advice
Arrival forms
All travellers entering or leaving must complete a health declaration on the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal within 72 hours before travel (UK advice).1
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Extending your stay and overstaying
The one-month visa on arrival can be extended at the Immigration Department.5
Confirmed on an official government source
Transit
Not published by official sources
Travelling with children
Not published by official sources
Sources
Official
The destination's own government
- 3Sierra Leone Immigration eVisa website evisa.sl
- 5Sierra Leone Immigration Department slid.gov.sl
Other government
Official advice from other governments
- 1UK FCDO gov.uk
- 4DIRCO, South African High Commission Canberra dirco.gov.za
Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book. Spotted something out of date? Report a change.