This notice explains the current COVID-19 testing requirements for entry and exit to Sierra Leone.
Traveling into Sierra Leone by air
- After you have purchased your air ticket:
- Register on the online travel portal at www.travel.gov.sl to receive a SI (Sierra Leone Incoming) number.
- Fully immunized inbound passengers are not required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test to enter Sierra Leone or test upon arrival.
- Fully vaccinated is defined as having completed the series of a vaccine plus two weeks after the last vaccine (i.e. completed both injections of Pfizer or Moderna OR one injection of J&J plus two weeks after the last shot).
- Non or partially immunized inbound passengers are not required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test to enter Sierra Leone but are required to test on arrival.
- You will be required to pay the fee online after registering on www.travel.gov.sl. This will cover a rapid diagnostic test (nose swab) and a PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab) which will be conducted at the airport after your arrival.
- Fully immunized inbound passengers are not required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test to enter Sierra Leone or test upon arrival.
- Register on the online travel portal at www.travel.gov.sl to receive a SI (Sierra Leone Incoming) number.
- After arrival you enter the terminal, proceed to the Immigration Officer and hand him/her your passport and Sierra Leone Immigration Form (you will be given this on the plane). You will show your yellow WHO International Certification of Vaccinations card showing proof of a current Yellow Fever vaccination to the doctor who screens visitors after clearing immigration. Please also have your Sierra Leone Health Status Form ready in case requested (you will be given this on the plane).
All passengers will go through a COVID-19 screening process after exiting baggage claim and customs. Passenger temperatures will be taken, and basic health and travel history questions asked; an airport official will check that all passengers over the age of 5 years old have registered on the travel portal. All passengers over the age of 5 years old who are non or partially immunized will be tested for COVID-19 via two methods, the rapid diagnostic test and PCR test.
Traveling out of Sierra Leone by air
- After you have purchased your air ticket:
- Register on the online travel portal at www.travel.gov.sl to receive a SO (Sierra Leone Outbound) number.
- You will be required to pay the fee online. We recommend you pay the additional requested amount for the premium service so the testers will come to your location (i.e. the Embassy or your Hotel)
- Call 117 to schedule your COVID-19 PCR test between 48-72 hours prior to departure. Please do not schedule less than 48 hours prior to your departure due to difficulties in receiving the results in a timely manner. *NOTE: Many travelers have found this challenging due to the line frequently being busy or no one answering the calls. Scheduling your test usually requires MULTIPLE calls before you get through to someone.
- Prior to departing you will need to login at www.travel.gov.sl and use your SO number to print your certificate.
- This test is required by GoSL to depart the country regardless of vaccination status for all travelers 5 years of age and older.
- If traveling to the United States, you are required to have a COVID test (rapid antigen OR PCR) no earlier than one calendar day prior to starting your trip. This testing requirement is mandatory regardless of vaccination status for all travelers 2 years of age and older.
*All travelers bear the responsibility of knowing the most up-to-date entry/exit requirements for their destination.
