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South Korea to Sierra Leone visa requirements

South Korean ordinary passport holders need a visa for Sierra Leone. The recommended channel is the official eVisa (apply online at evisa.sl before travel). A visa on arrival is also technically available, but airlines frequently refuse boarding without an approved eVisa, so obtaining the eVisa in advance is the safe route. South Korea is not on Sierra Leone's visa-exempt list (which is limited to ECOWAS/African states). Korean citizens fall under the "visa on arrival eligible / eVisa" category as non-African Union nationals. The Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) operates an official eVisa system at evisa.sl: a single-entry visit visa costing USD 80 for non-AU nationals, allowing a stay of up to 30 days, with processing of about 3 business days. Although a landing/visa-on-arrival option exists at Freetown (Lungi) airport for the same USD 80, both SLID and the official tourism board recommend securing the eVisa before departure because carriers may deny boarding to passengers without a pre-approved visa and arrival processing can cause delays. Sierra Leone is in West Africa and is not part of the Schengen area, so Schengen/ETIAS rules do not apply. Passports should be valid at least six months. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Verdict: eVisa (visa required, obtained electronically in advance).
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 visit/tourist visa)
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days
per entry
Entries
Single entry
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 80 (non-African Union nationals)
consular fee only
Processing time
About 3 business days
standard track
Validity
Visa valid for travel within 90 days of issue; 30-day stay
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm eligibility and passport validity
Verify your ordinary Korean passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry and has a blank page. South Korea is in the non-AU eVisa/visa-on-arrival category for Sierra Leone.
· 6-month validity· Ordinary passport
/02
Get a yellow fever vaccination
Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Get vaccinated at an authorized center and obtain the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at least 10 days before travel.
· Mandatory· 10 days before travel
/03
Apply online at the official eVisa portal
Create an application on the Sierra Leone Immigration Department eVisa system (evisa.sl). Complete the form, upload your passport bio page and a passport photo, and select the visit/tourism purpose.
· evisa.sl· Tourism/visit
/04
Pay the visa fee online
Pay the USD 80 non-AU visa fee by card during the application. An application ID is issued after payment.
· USD 80· Card payment
/05
Receive approval and the eVisa
Allow about 3 business days for processing. You receive an approval/application ID; the eVisa is printed and delivered (or presented to immigration on arrival for printing). Carry a printed copy.
· ~3 business days· Print a copy
/06
Travel and clear immigration
Present your passport, printed eVisa/approval, yellow fever certificate, return ticket and proof of accommodation at Lungi (Freetown) airport immigration.
· Lungi airport· Carry documents
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
South Korea -> Sierra Leone · eVisa (single-entry visit/tourist visa)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredKorean ordinary passport valid 6+ months with a blank page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved Sierra Leone eVisa (printed copy)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredYellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredPassport-style photograph (digital upload)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredConfirmed return 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
RequiredVisa fee payment of USD 80 (card)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedSufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedYellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before arrival
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
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 - Official eVisa System
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
eVisa fee (non-AU national)USD 80Single-entry visit visa for South Korean citizens, paid online
Visa on arrival (alternative)USD 80Same fee at Lungi airport, but boarding may be refused without prior eVisa
Yellow fever vaccinationApprox. KRW 40,000-60,000Cost at a Korean vaccination clinic; mandatory for entry
Total estimateUSD 80USD 120incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa on arrival at Lungi airport
At entry
Available for non-AU nationals but discouraged: carriers may deny boarding and arrival processing can be slow.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
South Korea is not visa-exempt
Sierra Leone's visa-free list is limited to ECOWAS/African states; Korean citizens must obtain a visa.
High
/02
eVisa is the recommended pre-travel channel
SLID and the tourism board advise applying online in advance to avoid boarding and arrival problems.
High
/03
Airlines may refuse boarding without a visa
Carriers often require an approved eVisa before allowing passengers to board, making visa-on-arrival unreliable.
Medium
/04
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Travelers without proof of yellow fever vaccination can be denied entry.
Medium
/05
Single-entry, 30-day limit
The visit eVisa permits one entry and a maximum 30-day stay, requiring a new visa for re-entry.
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
South Korea to Sierra Leone route verified
Confirmed via Sierra Leone Immigration Department and Visit Sierra Leone that Korean ordinary passport holders require a visa; eVisa (USD 80, single entry, 30-day stay, ~3 business days) is the recommended channel over visa on arrival.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can South Koreans enter Sierra Leone visa-free?
No. Visa-free entry is reserved mainly for ECOWAS and certain African states. South Korean ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa, with the eVisa being the recommended option.
Should I use the eVisa or visa on arrival?+
How much does the visa cost for Korean citizens?+
How long can I stay and how many entries do I get?+
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?+
How long does eVisa processing take?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the South Korea passport

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