Sierra LeoneSouth Africa

South Africa visa for Sierra Leonean citizens

Visa required

Sierra Leonean citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to South Africa.

Where to apply
No mission in your country

Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index

Which South Africa visa?

Visitor's visa (section 11 of the Immigration Act) and visa-exempt holiday visits

Key facts

Fee
ZAR 425

All visa types for South Africa

South Africa’s tourist visa costs ZAR 425 at the standard rate published by its authorities.

Where Sierra Leonean citizens apply for a visa for South Africa

South Africa has no embassy or consulate in Sierra Leone on our records; applications usually go through a mission in a neighbouring country or an online portal.

According to the official diplomatic lists used here, South Africa covers Sierra Leone from its embassy in Accra, Ghana (1,477 km from Freetown). Measured from Freetown, other South African embassies and consulates are closest in Conakry, Guinea (125 km), Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (455 km) and Bamako, Mali (732 km). Which post accepts applications from residents of Sierra Leone is decided by South Africa, so confirm it with the mission or the official visa portal before booking an appointment.

South African citizens travelling to Sierra Leone

South AfricaSierra Leone Visa on arrival Sierra Leone visa for citizens of South Africa

Travel advice for South Africa

  • US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
  • UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
  • German Foreign Office No travel warning

What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.

Sierra Leonean citizens planning a trip to South Africa can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 26 May 2025), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to South Africa (updated 5 November 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for South Africa (updated 28 October 2026).

Good to know

How long Sierra Leonean citizens can stay in South Africa

How long Sierra Leonean citizens may stay in South Africa is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.

How Sierra Leonean citizens apply

South Africa has no embassy or career consulate in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leonean citizens apply through a mission of South Africa accredited to Sierra Leone from abroad; the official visa portal of South Africa names the right place.

South Africa’s neighbours for Sierra Leonean citizens

Eswatini, Botswana and Lesotho admit Sierra Leonean citizens visa-free.

South African citizens travelling to Sierra Leone

South African citizens can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone, valid for stays of up to 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Do Sierra Leonean citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Sierra Leonean citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to South Africa.

Is there an embassy of South Africa in Sierra Leone?

No. South Africa has no embassy in Sierra Leone. Official diplomatic lists name its embassy in Accra, Ghana for Sierra Leone.

How much does the South Africa tourist visa cost?

South Africa’s official sources give a standard fee of ZAR 425 for the tourist visa.

Do South African citizens need a visa for Sierra Leone?

South African citizens can get a visa on arrival in Sierra Leone, valid for stays of up to 30 days.

Can Sierra Leonean citizens enter South Africa visa-free?

No; Sierra Leonean citizens need a visa for South Africa obtained in advance.

Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.