Traveling just got easier for Sierra Leonean passport holders with 21 countries offering visa on arrival service.  Explore these exciting destinations and experience new cultures.

The previous blog post highlights Visa Free Countries for Sierra Leone passport holders. However, this blog will focus attention on Visa on Arrival destinations and their unique scenery.

Whether you’re seeking fantastic getaways in serene terrain or a memorable adventure, you have many options.

What is a Visa On Arrival?

Visa on arrival (VOA) allows travelers to obtain a visa upon entering their destination country. VOA simplifies travel by reducing paper work, saving costs, and enabling spontaneous trips. Additionally, it promotes global mobility and boost tourism by making International exploration accessible.

With that said, let’s explore the 21 visa on arrival countries Sierra Leoneans can visit and what to expect there. Below are the various countries grouped by their respective continents.

Africa

Africa is rich in history, culture, and natural wonders, and Sierra Leone Passport holders can explore several African countries with a visa on arrival. Some of the key destinations include:

Burundi

Burundi, officially the Republic of Burundi,is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley at the junction between the African Great Lakes region and Southeast Africa, with a population of over 14 million people.

Ugali is best know for it delicious taste in Burundi. Ugali is prepared by boiling cassava (maniok) flour in water and making a paste. Other common foods are plantains, sweet potatoes, cassava, peas, maize, and beans.  

Additionally, Burundi is best known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique tourist attractions. Some of it most famous touristic sites includes one of the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lakes, Lake Tanganyika. Rusizi National park, a home to diverse wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species located near the Rusizi River.

Lake Tangayinka

 Comoros

The Comoros, officially the Union of the Comoros, is an archipelagic country made up of three islands in Southeastern Africa, located at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean. Its capital and largest city is Moroni. The religion of the majority of the population, and the official state religion, is Sunni Islam.

The country’s staple food is Langouste a la vanille, a seafood dish featuring South African lobsters and vanilla. Other dishes include, Mkatra Foutra, Mshakiki, Inafliton Lemai, etc.

Moreover, Comoros boast of stunning natural beauty and cultural attractions. Mount Karthala one of the highest peaks in the Indian ocean, offering breathtaking hiking and panoramic views. Chamoni Beach an ideal stop for relaxation, swimming, and snorkeling. Mohéli Marine Park known for its rich marine biodiversity, including sea turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales.

Mount Karthala

Djibouti

Djibouti, officially the Republic of Djibouti, is a country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Somalia to the south, Ethiopia to the southwest, Eritrea in the north, and the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to the east. The country has an area of 23,200 km2 (8,958 sq mi)

Skudahkharis, or Djiboutian lamb stew is indisputably the national dish of Djibouti. Commonly prepared during the holiday of Eid al-Adha. He dish is made of rice, lamb, and ayurvedic spices such as cardamom.

Djibouti offers diverse touristic attractions, including Lac Assal Africa’s saltiest lake. Again, Day Forest National Park is a mountainous region home to lush forests, unique wildlife, and hiking trails. Djibouti combines stunning landscapes with rich culture, making it a unique travel destination.

Day Forest National Park

Ethiopia

Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa region of East Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the East, Kenya to the South, South Sudan to the West, and Sudan to the Northwest. 

It covers a land area of 1,104,300 square kilometers (1,104,300 square kilometers (426,400 sq mi)). As of 2024, it is home to around 132 million inhabitants, making it the 10th-most populous country in the world.

The most popular dishes include Doro Wat, Injera, Kitfo, Tibs, Beyainatu, Firfir, Shiro Wat, Gomen, Ayib, and the renowned Berbere Spice. Each dish has its own unique taste and preparation method, making Ethiopian cuisine a culinary adventure worth exploring. 

Ethiopia, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes, offers numerous tourist attractions. Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering stunning landscapes and unique wildlife like the Gelada baboons. Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, known for its ancient monasteries and as the source of the Blue Nile. Also, Bale Mountains National Park known for Ethiopian wolves, Afro-alpine landscapes, and trekking opportunities. 

Lastly, Sef Omar Caves a significant islamic pilgrimage site and one of the longest cave systems in Africa. Ethiopian’s mix of ancient history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty makes it a top destination for travelers.

Bale Mountain National Park

Madagascar

Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country comprising the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands. Lying off the southeastern coast of Africa, it is the world’s fourth largest island, the second-largest island country and the 46th largest country in the world. Its capital and largest city is Antananarivo.

Romazava is the national dish of Madagascar, consisting of greens, zebu meat, tomatoes, and onions, typically accompanied by a portion of rice. Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island, is known for its unique wildlife, pristine beaches, and stunning landscapes. Key tourist sites include, Avenue of the Baobabs an iconic baobab trees lining, Tsingy de Bermarha National Park known for its limestone pinnacles and unique biodiversity and, ÎIe Sainte-Marie a tranquil island known for its pirate history and whale watching.

Avenue of the Baobabs

Mauritania

Mauritania, formally the Islamic Republic of Mauritania,  is a sovereign country in Northwest Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. By land area Mauritania is the 11th-largest country in Africa and 28th-largest in the world.

Thieboudienne (cheb-u-jin), a coastal dish of fish and rice, is considered the national dish of Mauritania, served in a white and red sauce, usually made from tomatoes. Mauritania is a country of vast deserts, ancient history, and cultural sites. Banc d’Arguin National Park a UNESCO world heritage site known for its stunning coastal scenery and rich marine life.

Next, Richat Structure, also known as eye of the Sahara, is a unique geological formation visible from space, resembling a giant eye in the desert. Similarly, Erg Amatlich offers a vast expanse of golden sand and dunes, perfect for trekking and camel rides.

Richat Structure

Mozambique

Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique,  is a country located in southeast Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Eswatini and South Africa to the southwest. The sovereign state is separated from the Comoros, Mayotte and Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel to the east. The capital and largest city is Maputo.

The staple food for many Mozambicans is xima (chi-mah), a thick porridge made from maize/corn flour. Cassava and rice are also eaten as staple carbohydrates. All of these are served with sauces of vegetables, meat, beans or fish.

Mozambique is known for its stunning beaches, rich marine life, including dugongs. Key tourists attractions include, Quirimbas Archipelago, a collection of tropical islands offering secluded beaches and diving opportunities. And, Gorongosa National Park offers a premier safari destination with diverse wildlife including elephants and lions. 

Gorongosa National Park

Namibia

Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia, is a country in Southern Africa. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the east and south. Although it does not border Zimbabwe, less than 200 metres (660 feet) of the Botswana right bank of the Zambezi River separates the two countries. Its capital and largest city is Windhoek.

Namibians from all walks of life are united by their love of meat and how they like to cook it, which is over an open fire. To ‘braai’ (barbeque) is a national pastime, which makes ‘braaivleis’ unarguably the national dish.

Furthermore, the country is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique experiences. Highlights include the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, the vast Fish River Canyon, and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park. Twyfelfontenin’s ancient rock engravings add to Namibia’s allure as a haven for nature, wildlife, and adventure.

Fish River Canyon

Seychelles

Seychelles, officially the Republic of Seychelles (French: République des Seychelles; Seychellois Creole: Repiblik Sesel), is an island country and archipelagic state consisting of 155 islands (as per the Constitution) in the Indian Ocean. Its capital and largest city, Victoria, is 1,500 kilometres (800 nautical miles) east of mainland Africa. Nearby island countries and territories include the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the French overseas departments of Mayotte and Réunion to the south; and the Chagos Archipelago and Maldives to the east and borders Kenya to the far east. Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa as well as the least populated sovereign African country, with an estimated population of 100,600 in 2022.

The food of Seychelles is influenced by French, British, Spanish, Indian, African, and Chinese cuisines. Because of its location in the Indian Ocean, fish is a prominent staple here. Other staple foods of Seychelles include rice, seafood, shellfish, shark, breadfruit, mango and curries.

Seychelles features pristine beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Source d’Argent, famous for their turquoise waters and granite boulders.The Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO site, is home to the rare coco de mer palm and unique wildlife. Aldabra Atoll, another UNESCO site, hosts giant tortoises and diverse marine life.

The Morne Seychellois National Park offers scenic hiking trails and lush mountain landscapes. Marine parks like Sainte Anne and Curieuse are ideal for snorkeling and diving adventures. Victoria, the capital, charms visitors with its colonial architecture and vibrant markets.Moreover, island hopping to La Digue and Praslin reveals secluded beaches and local culture. Seychelles is a paradise for eco-tourism, luxury resorts, and romantic getaways.

Saint Anne Island

Asia And Oceania Visa On Arrival Countries

For those interested in exploring Oceania and parts of Asia, there are few destinations that also welcome Sierra Leoneans with a visa on arrival.

Cambodia

Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country in Mainland Southeast Asia. It borders Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, and has a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest. It spans an area of 181,035 square kilometres (69,898 square miles), and has a population of about 17 million. Its capital and most populous city is Phnom Penh.

While amok is sometimes called the country’s national dish, and might be the one most familiar to tourists, samlor korkor has a better claim to being the true national dish of Cambodia. It has been eaten for hundreds of years and today can be found in restaurants, roadside stands and family homes alike.

Cambodia offers a rich blend of ancient history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. The Angkor Archaeological Park, home to the iconic Angkor Wat and other impressive temples like Bayon and Ta Prohm, is a must-visit. Phnom Penh showcases the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the somber Killing Fields, while Silhanoukville and the nearby Koh Rong Island offers beautiful beaches and water activities.

Angkor Archaeological Park

Macao

Macau or Macao is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. With a population of about 710,000 people and a land area of 32.9 km2 (12.7 sq mi), it is the most densely populated region in the world.

Minchi is a Macanese dish made with ground beef or pork seasoned with soy sauce and molasses, often served with a fried egg on top. It’s considered Macao’s national dish.

Macao is a unique blend of rich history, modern luxury, and cultural experiences. Key attractions include the Ruins of St. Paul’s, A-Ma Temple, and Senado Square, which showcase the city’s colonial heritage. Modern highlights like the Cotai Strip, Macau Tower, and luxury resorts offer entertainment and shopping. Nature lovers can enjoy Hac Sá Beach and Coloane Island, while the annual Macau Grand Prix and the Macau Wine Museum reflect the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Senado Square

Maldives

The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, and historically known as the Maldive Islands, is a country and archipelagic state in South Asia in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 750 kilometres (470 miles; 400 nautical miles) from the Asian continent’s mainland. The Maldives’ chain of 26 atolls stretches across the equator from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south.

Maldivian cuisine, also called Dhivehi cuisine, is the cuisine of the Republic of Maldives. The traditional cuisine of Maldivians is based on three main items and their derivatives: coconuts, fish and starches.

The Maldives is a tropical paradise renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious overwater villas. Key attractions include vibrant marine life at Ari Atoll, Banana Reef, and Hanifaru Bay, perfect for diving and snorkeling. Malé City offers cultural experiences with landmarks like the Old Friday Mosque and National Museum. Adventure seekers enjoy surfing, dolphin watching, and sunset cruises, while private resorts provide world-class relaxation. The Maldives is ideal for luxury, water sports, and serene getaways.

Lux South Ari Atoll

Nepal

Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north, and India to the south, east, and west, while it is narrowly separated from Bangladesh by the Siliguri Corridor, and from Bhutan by the Indian state of Sikkim. Nepal has a diverse geography, including fertile plains, subalpine forested hills, and eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Kathmandu is the nation’s capital and the largest city. Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural state, with Nepali as the official language.

Dal bhat (or daal bhat ) is the quintessential Nepali meal and forms the backbone of the country’s cuisine. It consists of steamed rice ( bhat ) served with a lentil soup ( dal ) and is accompanied by an array of side dishes.

Nepal, nestles in the Himalayas, is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and spiritual travelers. Home to Mount Everest and trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit, it offers unparalleled mountain experiences. The Kathmandu Valley is rich in culture with landmarks like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinah Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, alongside the historic Durbar Squares. Scenic spots like Nagarkot and cultural towns like Bandipur make Nepal a captivating blend of natural beauty, ancient heritage, and thrilling adventures.

Mount Everest

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon, and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. It shares a maritime border with the Maldives in the southwest and India in the northwest.

Additionally, Sri Lanka has a population of approximately 22 million and is home to several cultures, languages and ethnicities.

Rice and Curry is the national dish. Sri Lanka is the birthplace of the make-you-cry-curry. They love cooking with the hottest chillies they can find, usually cooled down with coconut milk.

Moreover, Sri Lanka is known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and historical landmarks. Tourist attractions include the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, with their UNESCO-listed ruins and iconic rock fortresses. Adventure seekers can hike Adam’s Peak, surf in Arugam Bay, or enjoy the stunning train ride through Ella’s verdant hills, making Sri Lanka a perfect destination for history, nature, and relaxation.

Adams Peak

Timor-Leste

East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, officially the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is a country in Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the exclave of Oecusse on the island’s north-western half, and the minor islands of Atauro and Jaco. The western half of the island of Timor is administered by Indonesia. Australia is the country’s southern neighbour, separated by the Timor Sea. The country’s size is 14,950 square kilometres (5,770 sq mi). Dili, on the north coast of Timor, is its capital and largest city.

Moreover, East Timor cuisine consists of regional popular foods such as pork, fish, basil, tamarind, legumes, maize, rice, root vegetables, and tropical fruits.  East Timorese cuisine has influences from Malay and Portuguese dishes from its colonisation by Portugal. Flavours and ingredients from other former Portuguese colonies can be found due to the presence of Portuguese soldiers from other colonies in East Timor.

Timor-Leste offers a blend of unspoiled natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Its stunning beaches, like Jaco Island and Atauro Island, are ideal for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing by crystal clear waters teeming with marine life. The capital, Dili, showcases the country’s heritage with landmarks like the Cristo Rei statue and the Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum. With lush landscapes, traditional villages, and warm hospitality, Timor-Leste is a hidden paradise for eco-tourism, adventure, and cultural exploration.

Atauro Island

Niue

Niue is a self-governing island country in free association with New Zealand. It is situated in the South Pacific Ocean and is part of Polynesia, and predominantly inhabited by Polynesians. The island is commonly referred to as “The Rock”, which comes from the traditional name “Rock of Polynesia.”

Takihi is a Niuean dish made from thinly sliced taro and papaya, layered and dressed with coconut milk and baked. It is considered the national dish of Niue.

The country offers unique attractions like the dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving with vibrant marine life. Visitors can explore spectacular caves and chasms such as the Avaiki Cave and Talava Arches, as well as the clear rock pools at Limu pools. However, Niue’s untouched beauty, warm hospitality, and tranquil environment make it a perfect getaway for relaxation and exploration.

Avaiki Cave

Palau

Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is an island country in the Micronesia subregion of Oceania in the western Pacific. The republic consists of approximately 340 islands and connects the western chain of the Caroline Islands with parts of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Ulkoy are deep-fried Palauan shrimp and squash fritters with a crunchy texture. In Palau, they are a national favorite along with being a delicious treat for the tourists. These fritters are usually additionally flavored with a zesty Creole seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper, and freshly chopped parsley leaves.

Palau is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich marine biodiversity. The Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, feature over 400 limestone, perfect for kayaking. Diving enthusiasts flock to spots like Blue Corner and Jellyfish Lake, where unique marine experiences await. Palau’s pristine environment and vibrant underwater world make it top destination for marine exploration and eco-tourism.

Jellly Fish Lake

Samao

Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa and known until 1997 as Western Samoa (Samoan: Sāmoa i Sisifo), is an island country in Polynesia, consisting of two main islands (Savai’i and Upolu); two smaller, inhabited islands (Manono and Apolima); and several smaller, uninhabited islands, including the Aleipata Islands (Nuʻutele, Nuʻulua, Fanuatapu and Namua). Samoa is located 64 km (40 mi) west of American Samoa, 889 km (552 mi) northeast of Tonga, 1,152 km (716 mi) northeast of Fiji, 483 km (300 mi) east of Wallis and Futuna, 1,151 km (715 mi) southeast of Tuvalu, 519 km (322 mi) south of Tokelau, 4,190 km (2,600 mi) southwest of Hawaii, and 610 km (380 mi) northwest of Niue. The capital and largest city is Apia.

Panipopo is the national dish of Samoa, a unique dessert consisting of buns baked in a sweet and sticky coconut cream sauce. The buns are typically served in shallow bowls spooned over with more sauce, accompanied by a hot beverage on the side, preferably Samoan cocoa.

Similarly, Samoa is known for its lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The capital offers cultural attractions like the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and the lush Papasea’s sliding rock. Samoa’s pristine beaches, such as Lalomanu Beach, and its vibrant coral reefs make it a paradise for diving and snorkeling. With its traditional villages, warm hospitality, and breathtaking scenery, Samoa is an ideal destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.

Lalomanu Beach

Tuvalu

Tuvalu is an island country in the Polynesian subregion of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean, about midway between Hawaii and Australia. It lies east-northeast of the Santa Cruz Islands (which belong to the Solomon Islands), northeast of Vanuatu, southeast of Nauru, south of Kiribati, west of Tokelau, northwest of Samoa and Wallis and Futuna, and north of Fiji.

The cuisine of Tuvalu, a state in the Central Pacific (Oceania), is based on the staple of coconut and the many species of fish found in the ocean and the lagoons of the atolls of Tuvalu. Pulaka, (cyrtosperma merkusii), or swamp taro, is an important source of carbohydrates. Rice now forms an important part of the diet. Coconut is used in different forms with coconut water, coconut milk and the flesh of the coconut being used to flavour dishes. Various desserts made on the islands include coconut and coconut milk, instead of animal milk.

Tuvalu offers a serene and eco-conscious getaway with a deep focus on sustainability, making it a unique and intimate destination. Key attractions include the Funafuti Atoll and Marine Conservation Area, along with other scenic atolls like Nanumea and Nukufetau. The islands also feature World War II relics, such as bunkers and plane wrecks.

Nanumea Island Beach

Visa On Arrival Countries In South America And The Caribbean

The following are the few countries in South America that offer visa on arrival to Sierra Leonean passport holders.

Bolivia

Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in central South America.

It features diverse geography, including Amazonian plains, tropical lowlands, valleys, Andes Mountains, high plateaus, and the Pantanal wetland.

The country’s climate varies from tropical in lowlands to cold in highland regions.

Bolivia is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru.

La Paz is the seat of government, while Sucre is the constitutional capital hosting the judiciary.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia’s largest city and industrial center, is in the eastern lowlands with unique culture.

The salteña is the national dish of Bolivia and a staple of Bolivian street food. These savory pastries are the bolivian version of empanadas. The dough is filled with a mixture of beef, potatoes, peas, and spices, then baked until golden brown

Bolivia offers diverse attractions, including the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. Additionally, Lake Titicaca, shared with Peru, is a stunning high-attitude lake with cultural significance. Similarly, La Paz amazes visitors with its vibrant markets, unique cable car system, and mountain views. Finally, the Madidi National Park is a pristine area home to rare species and lush rainforests.

Lake Titaca

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean. Part of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north/northeast of the island of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. It covers a land area of 617 km2 (238 square miles) with an estimated population of over 180,000 people as of 2018. The nation’s capital and largest city is Castries.

Next, Saint Lucia national dish is green bananas and salted cod which is also known as green figs and salt fish.

The country boasts of stunning attractions, including the iconic Pitons, twin volcanic peaks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sulphur Springs Park offers the world’s only drive-in volcano and rejuvenating mud baths. Again, Rodney Bay is popular for its beaches, nightlife, and water activities. Pigeon Island National Landmark combines history with scenic views and hiking trails.

However,  Marigot Bay enchants visitors with its serene waters and lush surroundings.

Rainforest adventures include ziplining, hiking, and exploring diverse flora and fauna. Anse Chastanet Beach is perfect for snorkeling and diving with vibrant coral reefs.

Local markets and cultural festivals showcase Saint Lucia’s rich Creole heritage and cuisine.

Tips Before Booking Your Trip

Here are a few key tips for ensuring smooth travels: 

• Always Check Visa Requirements:

Visa policies can change, so confirm requirements with the embassy or official government websites before planning your trip. 

• Carry Sufficient Travel Documents:

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some countries may require proof of accommodation and return flights. 

• Travel Insurance:

Consider getting travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during your trip. 

• Stay Informed:

Always be aware of any travel advisories or restrictions for your chosen destination. 

With 21 Visa on arrival destinations, Sierra Leone Passport holders have the opportunity to explore diverse cultures, landscapes, and adventures around the world. From the lush rainforests from Africa to the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and Oceania, your travel possibilities are vast. So pack your bags, plan your next trip, and embark on a journey to discover new horizons! Safe travels!