🇨🇦CANADA

🏳SLCA-SL

Do Canada passport holders need a visa to visit SL?

Q: Can I get a visa on arrival instead of an eVisa?

Yes, a visa on arrival is available at Lungi International Airport for around USD 80, but the Government of Canada and travel authorities recommend applying for the eVisa online beforehand to avoid delays or refusal.

Q: How long can I stay on a tourist eVisa?

The single-entry tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days, and the visa itself is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

Q: Is a yellow fever vaccination required?

Yes. Proof of yellow fever vaccination (the international certificate) is mandatory for all travelers entering Sierra Leone, and you should arrange it well before departure.

Q: How much does the eVisa cost?

For non-African nationals such as Canadians, the eVisa typically costs around USD 80-100, plus a separate airport security fee of roughly USD 25.

Q: How long does eVisa processing take?

Processing generally takes about 3-5 business days, so apply at least a week or two before your trip.

Canadian passport holders need a visa for Sierra Leone. The recommended route is an eVisa applied for online before travel; a visa on arrival is also available but riskier. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. A Canadian ordinary passport holder requires a visa to enter Sierra Leone for tourism. Sierra Leone offers an electronic visa (eVisa) through the Sierra Leone Immigration Service portal, which the Government of Canada recommends applying for before departure. A visa on arrival at Freetown's Lungi International Airport is also available, but pre-applying online is the safer, recommended option. The tourist visa is single-entry, allows a stay of up to 30 days, and the visa is valid for 90 days from issue. Fees for non-African nationals are typically around USD 80-100 depending on whether applying directly or via a facilitation service. All travelers must present proof of yellow fever vaccination, and an airport security/handling fee is also payable. Passport should be valid for at least 6 months with blank pages.

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.

Canada (PR)Living in Canada as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

eVisa (single-entry tourist visa); visa on arrival also available

Maximum stay

Up to 30 days

per entry

Entries

Single entry

from issue date

Visa fee

Approx. USD 80-100 (eVisa); plus airport security fee

consular fee only

Processing time

Typically 3-5 business days

standard track

Validity

90 days from date of issue

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport and yellow fever readiness

Ensure your Canadian passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond entry with blank pages, and obtain a yellow fever vaccination plus the international certificate well before travel.

· Passport 6+ months· Yellow fever card required

/02

Open the official eVisa portal

Go to the Sierra Leone Immigration Service eVisa site (evisa.sl) and create an applicant account. Avoid unofficial third-party sites that add markups.

· evisa.sl· Official portal

/03

Complete the application form

Fill in personal details, passport data, travel dates, and accommodation information for your tourist visit.

· Tourist purpose

/04

Upload documents and pay the fee

Upload a passport bio-page scan, photo, and yellow fever certificate, then pay the visa fee online by card.

· ~USD 80-100

/05

Receive and print the eVisa approval

Wait for processing (typically a few business days) and download/print the eVisa confirmation to present at the airline check-in and on arrival.

· Print confirmation

/06

Pay airport security fee and enter

Pay the required airport security/handling fee online or at the airport, and present your eVisa, passport, and yellow fever card at immigration.

· Airport fee

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Canadian passport valid 6+ months with at least 2 blank pages

required

Approved Sierra Leone eVisa printout

required

Yellow fever vaccination certificate

required

Passport-style digital photo

required

Proof of accommodation / hotel booking

required

Return or onward flight ticket

recommended

Airport security fee payment receipt

required

Credit card for online visa payment

required

Proof of sufficient funds for the stay

recommended

Travel/medical insurance

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

eVisa fee (non-African nationals)USD 80-100Varies by direct application vs facilitation service

Visa on arrival feeUSD 80Alternative to eVisa; less recommended

Airport security/handling feeUSD 25Payable online or at the airport, separate from visa

Total estimateUSD 105 — USD 125incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

eVisa (online, before travel)

3-5 business days

Apply on the official Sierra Leone Immigration Service portal and receive the visa by email. Recommended by the Government of Canada.

Visa on arrival

At the airport on arrival

Available at Lungi International Airport but carries risk of delays or refusal; pre-applying online is safer.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

No visa-waiver agreement

Canada and Sierra Leone have no mutual visa-exemption arrangement, so Canadian tourists must obtain a visa.

High

/02

Tourism is not a visa-free category

Sierra Leone does not grant visa-free entry to Canadian ordinary passport holders for short tourist stays.

High

/03

Health entry control

Yellow fever vaccination proof is mandatory and tied to visa/entry, requiring advance preparation.

Medium

/04

Stay exceeds permitted period

The single-entry tourist eVisa caps stays at 30 days; longer visits need a different visa.

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

Canada to Sierra Leone route verified

Confirmed eVisa requirement for Canadian ordinary passport holders against Government of Canada travel advisory and the official Sierra Leone Immigration eVisa portal; visa on arrival remains available as an alternative.

/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Canadians need a visa for Sierra Leone?—

Yes. Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa. The recommended option is an eVisa applied for online before travel, though a visa on arrival is also available.

Can I get a visa on arrival instead of an eVisa?+

How long can I stay on a tourist eVisa?+

Is a yellow fever vaccination required?+

How much does the eVisa cost?+

How long does eVisa processing take?+

/11 — 护照工具