The Chief Immigration Officer of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, Moses Tiffa Baio, has moved to clarify recent concerns surrounding immigration verification procedures at the Freetown International Airport, formally withdrawing an earlier notice and reaffirming existing entry requirements for non-national passengers.
In an official communication dated 8 May 2026 and addressed to all airlines operating at the airport, including ASKY Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Peace, Air Sierra Leone and Kenya Airways, Baio stated that the letter issued on 7 May 2026 by the Head of Immigration at Freetown International Airport had been withdrawn.
He explained that the withdrawal was necessary to set the record straight and provide clear guidance on immigration requirements for non-nationals residing in Sierra Leone.
According to the Chief Immigration Officer, there have been no changes to current immigration entry procedures for passengers arriving in the country. He stressed that travellers who require visas must continue to obtain the appropriate visa in line with existing immigration regulations.
He further noted that visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival arrangements remain unchanged.
Baio added that non-national passengers claiming residence in Sierra Leone must present a valid Biometric Residence Permit. Where such documentation is unavailable, the passenger must possess a valid visa.
Regarding departing passengers, he said airlines are encouraged to assist immigration authorities by verifying, before check-in and boarding, that non-national residents of Sierra Leone hold valid Biometric Residence Permits.
He noted that the measure is intended to minimise delays, ensure compliance with immigration laws, and support smoother airport operations.
The Chief Immigration Officer emphasised that his latest directive supersedes the earlier correspondence issued by the Head of Immigration at the airport and thanked airline operators for their continued cooperation.
