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🇸🇱Sierra LeoneJP-SL

Japan to Sierra Leone visa requirements

Japanese passport holders need a visa for Sierra Leone. The recommended route is the official online eVisa (apply before travel at evisa.sl); a visa on arrival is also available at major entry points for about USD 80, but airlines may deny boarding without an approved visa, so apply online in advance. Sierra Leone is not visa-free for Japanese ordinary passport holders. Japan is on Sierra Leone's visa-on-arrival list (Freetown International Airport and the Jendema and Gbalamuya land borders) at roughly USD 80 for a one-month stay, but the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) operates an official eVisa system at evisa.sl and strongly encourages travelers to obtain a visa before departure. Because airlines increasingly require proof of an approved visa at check-in and visa on arrival is subject to approval at the border, the eVisa is the safest, recommended channel for a short tourist visit. The single-entry tourist eVisa is typically valid for 90 days from issuance, permits a stay of up to 30 days, and is processed in a few business days. Passports must be valid at least six months with a blank page; proof of return ticket, accommodation, and sufficient funds may be requested. Sierra Leone is in West Africa and not part of the Schengen area, so Schengen 90/180 and ETIAS rules do not apply. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry.
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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
eVisa (single-entry tourist) - visa on arrival also available
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 80 (eVisa / visa on arrival); some facilitation services quote ~USD 100
consular fee only
Processing time
About 3 business days for eVisa
standard track
Validity
Valid 90 days from issuance; stay up to 30 days
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a visa
Japanese ordinary passport holders are not visa-exempt for Sierra Leone (only ECOWAS members and a few others are). Plan to obtain an eVisa or, as a fallback, a visa on arrival.
· Visa required· eVisa recommended
/02
Create an account on the official eVisa portal
Go to the Sierra Leone Immigration Department eVisa system at evisa.sl and register. Use only the official government site to avoid third-party markups.
· evisa.sl· SLID official
/03
Complete the online application
Fill in personal, passport, and travel details, and select the single-entry tourist visa. Upload a passport bio-page scan and a passport-style photo.
· Tourist· Single entry
/04
Pay the visa fee online
Pay the fee (about USD 80) by card. An application ID is issued after successful payment and approval.
· USD 80· Card payment
/05
Receive approval and print the eVisa
Processing usually takes around 3 business days. Print the approval / eVisa confirmation to present at check-in and on arrival.
· ~3 business days· Print confirmation
/06
Arrive in Sierra Leone
Present your passport, printed eVisa, yellow fever certificate, and onward ticket to immigration at Freetown International Airport (Lungi) or a designated land border.
· Lungi airport· Yellow fever certificate
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Japan -> Sierra Leone · eVisa (single-entry tourist) - visa on arrival also available
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival with a blank page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved Sierra Leone eVisa (printed confirmation)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRecent passport-style photograph
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredYellow fever vaccination certificate
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredReturn or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedProof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RequiredVisa fee payment confirmation / application ID
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
OptionalCash in USD as backup for visa-on-arrival fee
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
optional
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
Application link included: Sierra Leone Immigration Department - Visa on Arrival
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
eVisa (single-entry tourist)USD 80Paid online via official evisa.sl portal
Visa on arrivalUSD 80At Lungi airport or designated land borders; pay on arrival, subject to approval
Visa facilitation service (optional)~USD 100Third-party assisted application; higher than government fee
Total estimateUSD 80USD 100incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa on arrival
At the border (immediate, subject to approval)
Available to Japanese citizens for ~USD 80 at Freetown airport and Jendema/Gbalamuya land borders, but risks boarding denial without prior approval.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Japan is not on Sierra Leone's visa-exemption list
Only ECOWAS member states and a handful of others enter visa-free; Japanese passport holders require a visa.
High
/02
eVisa preferred over visa on arrival
Airlines may refuse boarding without an approved visa, and visa on arrival is granted at the officer's discretion.
High
/03
Yellow fever certificate required
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Sierra Leone.
Medium
/04
Single-entry only via eVisa
The standard tourist eVisa is single entry; multiple-entry requires a diplomatic mission or in-country facilitation.
Medium
/05
Passport validity and blank page
Passport must be valid at least six months with a blank page for the entry stamp.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Japan to Sierra Leone route verified
Confirmed via Sierra Leone Immigration Department, official eVisa portal, and visa policy sources that Japanese passport holders require a visa; eVisa (~USD 80, single entry, up to 30 days) recommended, with visa on arrival also available. Not Schengen; ETIAS not applicable.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Sierra Leone?
Yes. Japanese ordinary passport holders are not visa-exempt. You should obtain an eVisa online before travel, or use the visa on arrival as a fallback.
How much does the Sierra Leone visa cost?+
How long can I stay?+
Is visa on arrival reliable for Japanese travelers?+
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?+
Is Sierra Leone part of the Schengen area?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Japan passport

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