Getting there
Arriving at Freetown International Airport
Short answer
- Visa on arrival
- US$80, cash in US dollars 1
- eVisa
- Apply online at evisa.sl 4
- Yellow fever
- Vaccination certificate required 1
- Passport
- Valid 6 months beyond arrival 5
- Security fee
- Suspended from 6 July 2026 6
Visa and passport
The UK government says visitors and business travellers need a visa 1. A visa on arrival costs US$80, paid in cash in US dollars 1. Travellers can apply in advance for an eVisa on the official portal 4.
A single-entry visa is valid for 90 days from issue for a stay of up to 30 days 1. A multiple-entry visa is valid for 365 days from issue 1. The US Department of State says the passport must be valid for six months beyond the arrival date, with one blank page per stamp 5.
Health and customs
Arriving passengers must carry a certificate of yellow fever vaccination 1. Goods that may be prohibited, taxable or subject to duty must be declared 1. An export licence is needed to take precious stones out of the country 1.
Fees and passenger data
From 1 September 2022 inbound and outbound passengers paid a US$25 security fee to Securiport 7. The Ministry of Internal Affairs suspended the fee from 6 July 2026 6. Securiport (SL) Limited continues to log inbound passenger data during the review, except for diplomatic passport holders 2.
The terminal
A new terminal opened in March 2023 8. A press release on Runway Girl Network reported that the 14,000 square metre building was built by the Turkish company Summa, which runs it under a 25-year build-operate-transfer contract 8.
Getting to Freetown
- Water taxi: Sea Coach Express and SeaBird run boats timed to arrivals, with a courtesy bus to the Lungi jetty 3. The tourist board listed US$45 including the transfer, page modified 9 September 2024 9.
- Ferry: Tagrin to Kissy, about one hour, when demand allows 3.
- Road: about three hours, with no car hire at the airport 3.
- Hotels near the airport have few rooms and are in high demand 3.
Safety on the transfer
The UK government advises travellers to tell someone their expected arrival time and what to do if they do not arrive 3. It advises against wooden pirogues, canoes and other unregulated boats 3. Rough seas from May to October can delay or cancel water taxis 3.
The US Department of State says petty crime and pickpocketing are very common on the ferry to and from the airport 5. The UK government advises road travel in daylight only 3.
Common questions
Can I get a visa on arrival at Freetown airport?
Yes. The UK government says it costs US$80, paid in cash in US dollars 1.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Sierra Leone?
Yes. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required 1.
Do I pay the US$25 security fee on arrival?
No. The fee was suspended from 6 July 2026 6.
How do I get from Lungi airport to Freetown?
By water taxi, ferry or road. The water taxi takes 30 to 45 minutes 3.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@sierraleoneairportguide.com.
Sources
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Sierra Leone travel advice, entry requirements (updated 19 June 2026)
- VoyagesAfriq, as reported by Samuel Obeng Appah: Sierra Leone Suspends US$25 Airport Security Fee at Freetown International Airport (6 July 2026)
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Sierra Leone travel advice, safety and security (updated 19 June 2026)
- Sierra Leone Immigration: eVisa website (official application portal, viewed 24 October 2026)
- US Department of State: Sierra Leone international travel information (undated, viewed 24 October 2026)
- Premier News SL, as reported by Matthew Bakarr: Government Suspends USD 25 Airport Security Fee (6 July 2026)
- Air Peace provider page: Ministry of Internal Affairs notice on the US$25 airport security fee (notice effective 1 September 2022)
- Runway Girl Network: Press release, Sierra Leone President opens new terminal at Freetown (4 March 2023)
- National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone: Getting there and around (last modified 9 September 2024)
Related
- Sierra Leone visa on arrival and eVisa at Freetown airport
Visa on arrival fees for African Union and other nationals, who enters visa free, how the eVisa works and what is not confirmed, with dated sources.
- Lungi to Freetown by water taxi and ferry
Water taxi and ferry options across the estuary between Freetown International Airport at Lungi and Freetown, with operators, times and dated fares.
- Lungi to Freetown by road
Driving between Freetown International Airport at Lungi and Freetown: journey time, road works, safety advice and the proposed bridge.
- Departing from Freetown International Airport
What departing passengers at Freetown International Airport pay and need: Foreign Travel Tax, security fee status, exit rules and transfer to Lungi.
- The new terminal at Freetown International Airport, Lungi
Facts on the Lungi terminal opened on 3 March 2023: the Summa build, operate and transfer deal, cost, concession term and what was built.
- Sierra Leone travel advisories compared
How the UK, US, Canadian, Australian and Irish governments rate travel to Sierra Leone, with dates, reasons and where their advice differs.