Before you go
Bring these documents to avoid multiple trips.
- Birth certificate or national ID
- National Identification Number (NIN) slip
- Guarantor letter and guarantor's passport copy
- Two biometric passport photos (35×45 mm, white background)
- Bank teller (original)
- Completed Form PP1
Steps
- 1
Get biometric passport photos
Have two passport-size photos taken at a professional photo studio. Photos must be: 35×45 mm, white background, full face, no glasses. Digital photos are accepted but must meet the same specifications. Most studios near the Immigration Department offer this for Le 20,000–30,000.
Le 25,000📍 Photo studioDay 1 - 2
Collect and complete the passport application form
Visit the Sierra Leone Immigration Department on Siaka Stevens Street to collect Form PP1. Complete all sections in black ink. You will need your birth certificate or national ID, NIN, and a guarantor (a Sierra Leonean citizen of good standing who holds a valid passport).
📍 Immigration DepartmentDay 1 - 3
Pay the passport fee at the designated bank
The current fee for a standard 32-page passport is Le 400,000. Pay at Rokel Commercial Bank or Sierra Leone Commercial Bank into the Immigration Department account. Obtain and keep the bank teller. There is an expedited (express) processing option for Le 600,000 which reduces the wait to 3–5 days.
Le 400,000📍 Designated bankDay 1 - 4
Submit documents and have biometrics captured
Return to the Immigration Department with your completed form, bank teller, photos, birth certificate, and NIN. A clerk will review your documents and book you for biometric capture (fingerprints + digital photo). Biometric appointments are often the same day or next day.
📍 Immigration DepartmentDay 2 - 5
Collect your passport
Return to collect your passport on the date given to you — usually 7–14 working days after biometric capture. Bring your collection slip and a valid ID. Check all details carefully before leaving the building.
📍 Immigration DepartmentDay 14
Community tips
“Your guarantor must physically sign the form in front of the Immigration clerk — a pre-signed form will be rejected. Make sure your guarantor is available on the submission day.”
“Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning — Monday is always the busiest day and Fridays can be slow because staff leave early.”
“Always check the passport details (name spelling, DOB, place of birth) before leaving the counter. Corrections after collection take additional time and may incur a fee.”
“The Le 600,000 express option is genuinely worth it if you need the passport in under 2 weeks. Standard processing took 16 working days for me.”