Sierra Leone Visa Requirements
For 🇪🇸 Spain passport holders
Spain passport holders must apply for a visa at a Sierra Leone embassy or consulate before traveling.
Spanish citizens require a visa to enter Sierra Leone. Visas can be obtained from the embassy or online through the e-visa system. The country has recovered significantly since the civil war and Ebola crisis and welcomes tourists.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, visa obtained in advance or e-visa, yellow fever vaccination certificate, return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
Fines and potential complications at departure.
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Meningitis, Rabies
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Sierra Leone has transformed since the civil war (ended 2002) and Ebola crisis (2014-2016). Freetown and tourist areas are generally safe. Petty crime exists - take normal precautions. Some remote areas have limited infrastructure. The people are known for being incredibly friendly and welcoming despite past hardships.
Money & Costs
Currency
Le Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $40 · Mid: $80 · Luxury: $180+
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10% in restaurants is generous. Tips for guides and drivers are welcome.
Practical Info
Power
Type D, G, 230V 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
999 (Emergency), 019 (Police)
Getting There
Main Airports
Freetown (FNA)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sierra Leone is during the dry season from November to April. December to February offers ideal conditions with sunny weather and lower humidity. The rainy season (May-October) brings heavy rainfall with August being the wettest month. Beaches are enjoyable year-round.
Cultural Notes
Sierra Leone has a rich cultural heritage with 16 ethnic groups. The Krio (Creole) culture in Freetown descends from freed slaves who returned from Britain and the Americas. Traditional secret societies like Poro and Sande play important social roles. Music, particularly palm wine music and modern Afrobeat, is vibrant.
Insider Tips
English is the official language, making communication easy. The Leone is the currency - bring cash as ATMs are unreliable. Sierra Leone has beautiful beaches that rival Caribbean destinations. Diamond mining continues in some areas. "Salone" is the local name for the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sierra Leone safe to visit after the civil war and Ebola?
Yes, Sierra Leone has recovered remarkably since the civil war ended in 2002 and the Ebola outbreak of 2014-2016. The country is now stable and safe for tourists. Sierra Leoneans are known for their resilience and warm hospitality. Standard travel precautions apply, but the country welcomes visitors and tourism is growing.
How do I get from Lungi Airport to Freetown?
Lungi Airport is across the Sierra Leone River from Freetown. Options include: the Sea Coach ferry (1 hour, most common), helicopter/small plane to Freetown helipad (15 minutes, expensive), water taxi (30-45 minutes), or the long road route via ferry crossing at Tagrin (4+ hours). The Sea Coach is recommended.
What beaches can I visit in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone has stunning beaches rivaling any in West Africa. Tokeh Beach is the most developed with resorts. Bureh Beach is popular with surfers. River No. 2 Beach is pristine and beautiful. Lumley Beach is closest to Freetown. The beaches along the Freetown Peninsula offer white sand and warm Atlantic waters.
What is Bunce Island?
Bunce Island is a historic slave trading fort in the Sierra Leone River. It was one of the most important British slave-trading posts in West Africa, shipping thousands of enslaved people to North America, particularly South Carolina and Georgia. Today it's a haunting historical site accessible by boat from Freetown, offering insight into the Atlantic slave trade.
What should I buy in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone is famous for its diamonds, though buy only from reputable sources with proper certification. Local crafts include country cloth (traditional woven fabric), wooden masks, basket work, and tie-dye textiles. Gara cloth (indigo-dyed fabric) makes excellent souvenirs. The Big Market in Freetown is the main shopping destination.