Travelers flying to or from Sierra Leone must make sure they complete their health declaration before their flight.
In an official notice dated October 21, 2026, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) reiterated that all passengers traveling through Freetown International Airport (FNA), also known as Lungi International Airport, are required to comply with the country’s Health Declaration Form requirements.
The reminder applies to both passengers entering and those leaving Sierra Leone.
No health declaration, no boarding
In the notice, signed by Director General Musayeroh Barrie, the SLCAA emphasized the consequences of failing to complete the required declaration.
The aviation authority explicitly warned that passengers who fail to comply will be denied boarding.
To avoid disruptions at the airport, travelers are advised to submit their health declarations before arriving at the terminal and keep their confirmation readily available for inspection.
The SLCAA also urged airlines, travel agencies, and other industry stakeholders to inform passengers about the requirement and help ensure compliance.
How to complete Sierra Leone’s health declaration
Travelers must submit their declarations online through the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal, operated by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA).
According to the instructions on the official portal, the form must be completed within 72 hours before travel, not earlier.
To complete the process, travelers should:
- Visit the official poep.npha.gov.sl portal and create an account or log in to an existing one.
- Select the appropriate form for their trip: Arrival Form or Departure Form.
- Enter the required personal information, travel details, and health-related information.
- Review the information provided, including their seat number if available, and submit the declaration.
- Save the confirmation QR code or reference number generated after submission, as it may need to be presented to authorities.
The requirement applies to travelers of all nationalities, including Sierra Leonean citizens.
Passengers must therefore complete a declaration before arriving in Sierra Leone and submit another before departing the country.
A health declaration requirement already in place since June 2026
Although the October 21 notice uses particularly firm language, the health declaration itself is not a new requirement.
The Sierra Leonean government officially launched its health travel portal on June 5, 2026, before making its use mandatory for arriving and departing travelers later that month.
The system is designed to strengthen health surveillance at borders, help identify potential disease outbreaks at an early stage, and improve the prevention of infectious diseases.
The declaration is required for both arrivals and departures, and travelers may also be subject to additional health screening at the airport.
With its latest notice, the aviation authority is primarily seeking to reinforce compliance with an existing requirement by reminding passengers and air travel operators of the consequences of failing to submit the form.
Sierra Leone also offers an electronic visa
In addition to completing the health declaration, foreign travelers who require a visa must ensure they have the necessary entry documents before traveling to Sierra Leone.
Since March 2023, Sierra Leone has offered an electronic visa (e-Visa), allowing eligible foreign nationals, including travelers from France and other European countries, to apply for entry authorization online before departure.
Travelers can apply online through Sierra Leone’s official e-Visa portal evisa.sl, which offers electronic visas for various purposes, including tourism and business travel.
However, obtaining an e-Visa does not exempt travelers from completing the health declaration. The two are separate requirements, and the health form must still be submitted through the NPHA portal within 72 hours before travel.
VisasNews Take
Sierra Leone is not introducing a new travel requirement but is issuing a firm reminder of a rule that has been in effect since June 2026. The October 21 notice highlights the risk of being denied boarding for passengers who fail to complete their health declaration. Travelers must submit the online form within 72 hours before their trip, both when entering and leaving the country, and keep their confirmation available for inspection. This requirement applies regardless of whether a traveler has obtained an electronic visa.
