Do China passport holders need a visa to visit SL?
Chinese ordinary passport holders need a visa for Sierra Leone. The recommended route is the official eVisa, applied for online before travel; a visa on arrival is also available at main entry points. A Chinese (CN) ordinary passport holder cannot enter Sierra Leone visa-free. China's visa exemption with Sierra Leone applies only to diplomatic, service and public-affairs passports (up to 1 month) — not to ordinary tourist passports. Ordinary passport holders have two practical options: (1) the official Sierra Leone eVisa, applied for and paid online at evisa.sl before departure and delivered by email; or (2) a visa on arrival at Freetown (Lungi) International Airport and the Jendema and Gbalamuya land borders. The eVisa is the recommended channel because it gives a confirmed approval before you fly, avoiding the risk of being turned away at check-in or the border. The tourist eVisa is typically single entry, allows a stay of up to 30 days, and is valid for entry within a set window after issue. The government fee is commonly cited around USD 80; African Union nationals pay a reduced rate, but Chinese nationals pay the standard fee. Processing is usually a few business days, so apply at least 7-10 days before travel. Use only the official portal (evisa.sl) — third-party agencies add service charges. A passport with at least 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages, plus proof of onward/return travel and accommodation and a yellow fever vaccination certificate, are standard requirements.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.