🇭🇰HONG KONG

🏳SLHK-SL

Do Hong Kong passport holders need a visa to visit SL?

Q: Should I use the eVisa or visa on arrival?

The eVisa is recommended. Although visa on arrival exists at Freetown, airlines may deny boarding without pre-arrival authorization, and it can cause delays.

Q: How much does the eVisa cost for a HK holder?

About USD 80 for non-African Union nationals. AU nationals pay around USD 25, but that rate does not apply to HK passport holders.

Q: How long can I stay and is it multiple entry?

The tourist eVisa is single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

Q: Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?

Yes. Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Carry your vaccination certificate.

Q: Where is the official application website?

The official Sierra Leone Immigration Department eVisa portal is evisa.sl. Avoid third-party sites that add surcharges.

HK ordinary passport holders need a visa for Sierra Leone. The recommended route is the official eVisa, applied online before travel at evisa.sl. Visa on arrival also technically exists, but airlines may deny boarding without pre-arrival approval, so the eVisa is the safe choice. A Hong Kong SAR ordinary passport holder traveling to Sierra Leone for tourism requires a visa. Sierra Leone has no visa-free or visa-waiver arrangement with Hong Kong (only ECOWAS member-state citizens are visa-exempt). The Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) operates an official eVisa portal at evisa.sl, which is the recommended channel: travelers apply and pay online, receive electronic approval, and present the application ID on arrival. The eVisa is a single-entry visa permitting a stay of up to 30 days and is valid for 90 days from issuance. The fee for non-African Union nationals (which includes HK holders) is approximately USD 80. A visa on arrival is also available at Freetown's airport, but the SLID and tourism authorities discourage relying on it because airlines may refuse boarding without pre-arrival authorization, and it can cause delays. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival with at least two blank pages. Sierra Leone is in West Africa and is not part of the Schengen area, so Schengen/ETIAS rules do not apply.

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.

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

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

eVisa (single entry, tourist) - recommended over visa on arrival

Maximum stay

Up to 30 days

per entry

Entries

Single entry

from issue date

Visa fee

USD 80 (non-AU nationals)

consular fee only

Processing time

About 3 business days

standard track

Validity

90 days from issuance

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport validity

Ensure your HK SAR passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Sierra Leone and has at least two blank pages for stamping.

· 6 months validity· 2 blank pages

/02

Go to the official eVisa portal

Visit evisa.sl, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department's official eVisa system. Avoid third-party sites that add surcharges.

· evisa.sl· Official SLID portal

/03

Complete the online application

Fill in personal and passport details, travel dates, accommodation, and purpose of visit (tourism). Upload a passport-style photo and passport bio page.

· Photo· Passport scan

/04

Pay the visa fee online

Pay the USD 80 fee for non-AU nationals by card through the portal. An application ID is issued after payment and approval.

· USD 80· Card payment

/05

Receive electronic approval

Approval is sent electronically, usually within about 3 business days. Print or save the eVisa confirmation and application ID.

· ~3 days· Print confirmation

/06

Present documents on arrival

At Freetown Lungi International Airport, show your eVisa/application ID for the visa to be printed and issued, along with proof of onward travel and accommodation.

· Lungi Airport· Onward ticket

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 8 complete

HK SAR passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages

required

Approved Sierra Leone eVisa / application ID printout

required

Recent passport-sized photograph

required

Proof of onward or return travel

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details)

recommended

Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay

recommended

Yellow fever vaccination certificate

required

Travel/medical insurance

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

eVisa fee (non-AU national)USD 80Standard tourist eVisa for HK holders, paid online at evisa.sl

eVisa fee (African Union national)USD 25Reduced rate; does not apply to HK passport holders

Visa on arrival (non-AU)USD 80Available at Freetown but discouraged; airlines may deny boarding

Total estimateUSD 80 — USD 100incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Official eVisa (evisa.sl)

About 3 business days

Apply and pay online before travel; electronic approval. Recommended for boarding security.

Visa on arrival

On arrival (with queues possible)

Issued at Freetown airport, but carries risk of denied boarding and airport delays.

Visa facilitation service

Varies by provider

Third-party assisted submission; higher cost (around USD 100), useful if you want document checks.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

No visa-waiver with Hong Kong

Sierra Leone exempts only ECOWAS member-state citizens; HK SAR holders are not visa-exempt.

High

/02

Airline boarding requirements

Carriers often require proof of pre-arrival authorization, making the eVisa safer than visa on arrival.

High

/03

Yellow fever requirement

Sierra Leone requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry; missing it can lead to refusal.

Medium

/04

Passport validity shortfall

Passports with under 6 months validity or no blank pages are refused.

Medium

/05

Using unofficial portals

Third-party sites overcharge and can delay or invalidate applications.

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

HK to Sierra Leone route verified

Verified against the Sierra Leone Immigration Department eVisa portal and tourism authority: HK holders require a visa; official eVisa (USD 80, single entry, 30-day stay, 90-day validity) recommended over visa on arrival.

/09 — The questions