Traveling to Sierra Leone begins with landing at one of its main entry points: the Freetown/Lungi International Airport. Whether you’re a first-time visitor like I was or returning to this West African nation, understanding the Sierra Leone airport’s facilities, procedures, and local insights can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here’s everything you need to know before traveling through Sierra Leone Airport. 

My 2024 trip was easier solely because l read a post similar to this before buying my flight. Here’s a summary of what happened.

Location and Overview

Sierra Leone International Airport, also known as Lungi International Airport, serves as the primary gateway to Sierra Leone. This is an island, located near the town of Lungi, across the river estuary from the capital city of Freetown.

The airport is strategically positioned to accommodate both domestic and international flights. Access between Lungi Airport and Freetown is facilitated by ferry services across the estuary or a helicopter shuttle, providing various transportation options for travelers.

Helicopter rides are the most expensive and fastest option, while the ferry is a more affordable choice, taking about 50 minutes. I opted for the ferry since I arrived around dusk and didn’t want to enter Freetown for the first time at midnight. The road is the cheapest, but also the longest, with reports of traffic extending the journey to nearly 8 hours. In hindsight, I regret not choosing the road, as it would have given me a better view of the country’s unique landscape.

Facilities and services at the Sierra Leone International airport

The newly constructed Freetown airport boasts a range of modern facilities. I have to say, I was truly impressed by its spacious layout, stunning decorations, and remarkable design.

Upon arrival at Sierra Leone Airport, travelers can expect a range of facilities and services to facilitate their journey:

– Terminal Amenities: The airport features modern terminal facilities equipped with amenities such as currency exchange counters, ATMs, restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops where you can purchase local crafts and essentials.

As usual, I exchanged a few US dollar bills into Sierra Leonean Leone (1964—2022) here to facilitate with my transportation. The rate was very low.

– Accommodation: For travelers needing overnight accommodation near the airport, there are several hotels and lodges conveniently located within close proximity, offering comfortable stays for varying budgets. I didn’t use any so l cannot vouch for the quality. I took a short ferry trip directly to the mainland the same day.

– Health Requirements: Health regulations may include mandatory vaccinations or health screenings upon arrival, particularly in light of prevailing global health concerns. Check with your local health authorities or Sierra Leonean immigration for the latest health requirements. I always travel with my Yellow Fever and COVID 19 vaccination cards.

Entry requirements at the Sierra Leone International airport

Like many African countries, Sierra Leone still carries the stigma of war and Ebola. I lost count of how many people asked me if it was safe to travel there. To boost the tourism industry, the government has introduced some of the most unusual visa policies I’ve encountered in all my travels. Before traveling to Sierra Leone, ensure you have the necessary documentation and meet entry requirements:

– Visa: Most visitors to Sierra Leone require a visa, which can be obtained in advance from Sierra Leonean embassies or online through the eVisa portal. Sierra Leone’s three-tier visa system was quite a surprise to me. The first group includes visa-free entry for West African countries and non-West African countries with special bilateral agreements.

The second group covers African Union member states, offering visa on arrival for just $25. I was thrilled to qualify for this option, and the immigration officer who welcomed me was incredibly kind, stamping my passport with a 30-day visa and assuring me it could be extended if necessary. Lastly, travelers from the rest of the world must pay around $80, which I find rather exorbitant.

Check the latest visa requirements and application processes well in advance of your travel date.

The weirdest part of using this airport is the mandatory special fee of $25. You can either pay online before your arrival or use one of the many banks inside the airport. I chose to pay in person and received two hard copy receipts. All passengers are required to present a copy to the guards before they can exit the airport, which I found incredibly annoying and unreasonable. I don’t understand why travelers should have to cover the loan the government took out for the airport’s construction, especially with the already high flight fares.

Local Insights and Tips around Lungi International airport

Navigating Sierra Leone Airport and the surrounding area can be made easier with these local insights:

– Local Currency:The official currency of Sierra Leone is the Leone (SLL). It’s advisable to carry some local currency for immediate needs upon arrival, as not all establishments may accept foreign currency. Sierra Leone’s currency, the leone, is quite bulky, which can be inconvenient for travelers. The bills have relatively low denominations, so even routine transactions often require large stacks of cash. This bulkiness becomes especially noticeable when withdrawing or exchanging money, as you’ll quickly accumulate a hefty wad of bills. Carrying and counting large sums can felt cumbersome for me, and it highlights the challenges of navigating the local economy, particularly because I was unfamiliar with the system.

– Communication: English is the official language in Sierra Leone, facilitating easier communication for travelers unfamiliar with local dialects. I had no issues communicating with kind Sierra Leoneans. You might be surprised that if you have black skin like me, locals will often speak to you in Sierra Leonean Krio lingua franca, which is similar to Pidgin English. They assumed I was a native, and I constantly had to clarify that I was a foreigner.

– Safety and Security: While Sierra Leone is generally safe for tourists, exercise standard precautions regarding personal belongings and health safety measures, especially in crowded areas.

Crossing from Lungi to Freetown via Seacoach Ferry

One of the essential experiences when traveling to Sierra Leone is navigating the journey from Lungi Airport across the estuary to Freetown. There were at least 3 ferry comapnies lined up a few steps infront of the beautiful Freetown airport. I had read a lot from other travelers before my trip so I the most famous one. The Seacoach Ferry offers a convenient and scenic route, providing travelers with a memorable introduction to the country.

Seacoach Ferry Experience

After paying a rather steep $40 transport fare at the office, I was given a ticket. Be sure your luggage is tagged with their special tags. I nearly got scammed when one of the workers tried to sell me a questionable ticket privately. I wasn’t willing to take the risk, especially on my first trip. Also, the ferry isn’t located right by the airport, as I had assumed. I had to wait in a small bus for other passengers, and the driver only leaves when the bus is full or nearly full, as the Lungi ferry terminal is about a 15-minute ride from the airport. Fortunately, the bus ride was free.

The journey aboard the Seacoach Ferry from Lungi to Freetown is not only practical but also enjoyable. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean and well-maintained the ferry was, reflecting a commitment to passenger comfort and safety. The crossing typically takes about 35 minutes, offering travelers stunning views of the estuary and surrounding landscapes.

I arrived in the evening, so the sea was rough, and I didn’t get to enjoy the views. However, I was distracted by the fishing show playing on the TV. The trip was quite short, but for the hefty price, I expected at least a bottle of water to be included.

Terminal Facilities

Upon arrival at the ferry terminal in Freetown, I found the facilities to be well-organized and clean, contributing to a smooth transition from the water to land. The terminal provides essential amenities such as restrooms, seating areas, and information desks, ensuring passengers are well-catered to before continuing their journey.

Seacoach workers were kind to carry luggages from the ferry to the terminal maindoors. Of course, they expect a tip. One was very kind to advise me about transportation around Freetown and he took care of my bags while I went to the main road to find a ride.

Transportation Options

Navigating from the ferry terminal to central Freetown presents various transportation options. While hiring a taxi is convenient, it can be relatively expensive.

Opting for a “kehkeh,” a local tricycle taxi, proved to be a more economical choice. Despite my host’s initial recommendation to send a tricycle for $20, I managed to negotiate and paid only $4 by taking a short walk to the main road and arranging one myself. It took me more than an hour to get one for reasons I couldn’t understand.

Local Recommendation

For future travelers, I highly recommend using the Seacoach Ferry for its efficiency and cleanliness, making the crossing between Lungi and Freetown a pleasant part of your journey. Additionally, considering alternative transportation options like the “kehkeh” can help save costs without compromising on convenience.

Navigating Sierra Leone’s transportation infrastructure, starting with the Seacoach Ferry, provides valuable insights into local life and ensures a memorable travel experience from the outset.

Here are some reviews from other travelers on Google. Also, consider checking the Sierra Leone airport website for updated information. I did my trip in May 2024, therefore some things might have changed by the time you embark on this trip.

Before my trip, I read a lot of information from this blog.

If you want to read more about other airports and things to do around the Asia and Africa, check out these posts.