Sub Saharan Africa

Visas

All British nationals require a visa to enter Sierra Leone.  Visas must be obtained before arrival from the Sierra Leonean High Commission in London.

Anyone travelling to Sierra Leone to visit friends or relatives should ensure they have the correct travel documentation before they travel. The Sierra Leone High Commission in London sometimes issues Emergency Travel Certificates to Sierra Leoneans resident in the UK.  These documents are not valid for return travel to the UK.  Sierra Leone nationals require a visa for the UK, which can only be issued in a full passport. The application process for a UK visa at the British High Commission in Freetown takes a minimum of 2 weeks. Please see http://ukinsierraleone.fco.gov.uk/en/visas/ for further details.Anyone with a claim to British Nationality should ensure they apply for and obtain a British passport before they travel.  Parents should ensure they apply for a British passport for any children in good time before travel.  First time applicants for British passports must be interviewed and produce original supporting documents. The process can be lengthy. Please see http://ukinsierraleone.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/ for further details.

Passport validity

 

The minimum passport validity requirement is one year.

 

Dual Nationality

If you have dual British/Sierra Leone nationality you should be aware that if you enter Sierra Leone on your Sierra Leonean passport then the British High Commission will be unable to assist you.

 

Travelling via Guinea

If you intend to travel via Conakry you should ensure that you have the necessary multiple entry visas for Guinea and a certified Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.