Sierra Leone Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders require a visa to visit Sierra Leone. The standard tourist visa costs approximately $80 USD and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Visas can be obtained from Sierra Leone's high commission or on arrival at Freetown's Lungi International Airport.
Canada passport holders require a visa to enter Sierra Leone.
Apply for a Sierra Leone visa in advance through the Sierra Leone High Commission in Ottawa, or obtain a visa on arrival at Lungi International Airport. The fee is approximately $80 USD payable in cash. Required documents include a valid Canadian passport (6 months validity), completed application form, passport photo, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Allow 5 to 10 business days for advance applications. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry and you must carry your yellow card as proof.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Sierra Leone: What You Need to Know
Sierra Leone is a West African country on the Atlantic coast, bordered by Guinea and Liberia. Canadian citizens are not exempt from visa requirements. The country is rebuilding its tourism sector after years of civil war (ended 2002) and the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, and is increasingly welcoming visitors to its exceptional beaches (Bureh, River No. 2, Tokeh), the chimpanzee sanctuary at Tacugama, and the atmospheric colonial capital Freetown. Freetown's location on a peninsula with the Atlantic on one side and estuary on the other makes access via water taxi or ferry the standard arrival route from Lungi Airport.
Practical Tips
Yellow fever vaccination is strictly required; carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) and expect it to be checked at the airport. The Sierra Leonean leone (SLL) is the local currency; USD and GBP are widely accepted. Freetown is accessed from Lungi Airport via a water taxi (fast, recommended) or ferry across the estuary. The beaches south of Freetown (Bureh Beach, River No. 2 Beach) are uncrowded and beautiful. Exercise caution in Freetown at night; use hotel-arranged transport and avoid isolated areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Sierra Leone?
Yes. Canadian citizens require a visa for Sierra Leone. The visa costs approximately $80 USD and can be obtained at the Sierra Leone High Commission in Ottawa in advance, or on arrival at Lungi International Airport. Apply in advance for a smoother arrival experience.
Is yellow fever vaccination required for Sierra Leone?
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Sierra Leone for all travelers. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (the yellow card) as proof and it will be checked at the airport. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and meningitis.
How do I get from Lungi Airport to Freetown?
Lungi International Airport is located across an estuary from Freetown. The main options are: water taxi (fast, approximately 20 minutes, recommended), hovercraft (when operating), or ferry (slower, approximately 45 minutes). A road route via the Lungi Bridge or longer inland road is available by taxi but takes significantly longer depending on traffic. Water taxi is the standard recommendation for most travelers.
Is Sierra Leone worth visiting for Canadian tourists?
Sierra Leone offers some of West Africa's most beautiful and uncrowded beaches (Bureh, Tokeh, River No. 2), the engaging Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and a friendly local culture. It is still an emerging destination with limited tourism infrastructure. Adventurous travelers who enjoy discovering undiscovered places will find it rewarding; those expecting developed tourist facilities may find it challenging.