By Ibrahim Sesay
The Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) has officially withdrawn an earlier immigration directive issued on May 7, 2026, and has provided fresh clarification regarding the verification of valid biometric residence and work permits for non-national passengers travelling through the Freetown International Airport.
In an official communication dated May 8, 2026, and addressed to all airlines operating at the Freetown International Airport, the Chief Immigration Officer, Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq., stated that the new clarification was necessary to address concerns surrounding immigration requirements for foreigners residing in Sierra Leone.
The notice, which was circulated to major international airlines including ASKY Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Peace, Air Sierra Leone, Kenya Airways and other operators, emphasized that there are currently no changes to Sierra Leone’s immigration entry procedures for passengers arriving in the country.
According to the Immigration Department, passengers who require visas to enter Sierra Leone must continue to obtain the appropriate visas in line with existing immigration regulations. The Department further clarified that visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival arrangements remain fully operational and unchanged.
The statement also highlighted that non-national passengers claiming residency status in Sierra Leone are now required to present valid Biometric Residence Permits. Immigration authorities explained that where such permits are unavailable, affected passengers must possess valid visas before travelling.
For outgoing passengers, the Immigration Department encouraged all airlines operating within Sierra Leone to assist in enforcing immigration compliance by verifying, prior to check-in and boarding, that non-national residents hold valid Biometric Residence Permits.
SLID noted that the move is aimed at minimizing delays at the airport, ensuring compliance with immigration laws, and supporting smoother airport operations for both airlines and passengers.
The latest clarification effectively supersedes the previous letter issued by the Head of Immigration at the Freetown International Airport on May 7, 2026, which had generated widespread public discussion and concerns among foreign residents and travellers.
Industry observers believe the revised communication is intended to calm tensions and provide clearer guidance to airlines and international passengers regarding documentation requirements.
The Immigration Department reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining orderly migration processes while ensuring that all travellers comply with the country’s immigration regulations.
Copies of the latest communication were also forwarded to the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Manager of the Freetown International Airport, and the Head of Immigration at Lungi International Airport.
The clarification is expected to bring greater certainty to airlines, foreign residents, and international travellers doing business or residing in Sierra Leone.
