Sierra Leone Just Suspended the $25 Airport Fee. Here's What Every Traveler Needs to Know

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If you're planning a trip to Sierra Leone, there's one recent change that could save you money and spare you an unnecessary headache.

The government has temporarily suspended the $25 Airport Security Fee, meaning travelers are no longer required to make that separate payment before flying through Freetown International Airport (Lungi).

At first glance, it sounds like good news, and for travelers, it certainly is. But the reason behind the suspension tells a much bigger story than simply removing a travel charge.

This wasn't a discount or a tourism promotion. The fee was paused after an official audit raised serious questions about how the money collected over the past few years was being accounted for.

If you're travelling soon, returning home from the diaspora, or simply trying to understand what's happening, here's what you need to know.

What Was the $25 Airport Security Fee?

Since September 2022, every passenger travelling through Freetown International Airport (Lungi) has been required to pay a separate $25 Airport Security Fee.

Unlike airport taxes that are usually included in the price of your airline ticket, this payment had to be made separately before travel.

Passengers could pay online, through Orange Money, Afrimoney, or selected commercial banks.

For many travelers, especially those visiting Sierra Leone for the first time, the process often caused confusion. Some only discovered the payment requirement shortly before departure, while others experienced delays because they hadn't completed it in advance.

Over time, the fee became one of the most criticised parts of travelling through Lungi Airport.

Why Did the Government Suspend the Fee?

The suspension took effect on 6 July 2026, following an announcement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to government officials, the decision followed findings from a special audit carried out by the Audit Service Sierra Leone.

The audit reportedly identified documentation gaps that made it difficult to verify whether all revenue collected from the airport security fee had been properly transferred into the government's Consolidated Revenue Fund.

That point matters.

The suspension wasn't introduced because the government suddenly decided passengers shouldn't pay the fee. It happened because officials want the financial records reviewed before allowing further collections.

In other words, this is about accountability, transparency, and public financial management.

Is the Fee Gone Forever?

Not at this stage.

The government has described the decision as a temporary suspension.

The agreement with Securiport (SL) Limited, the company responsible for airport passenger data management and security technology, remains in place.

Only the collection of the $25 passenger fee has been paused.

Whether the fee returns, changes, or disappears completely will depend on the outcome of the audit and any decisions made after the government's review.

Until an official announcement says otherwise, travelers should treat the suspension as temporary.

What This Means If You're Flying Soon

For now, the situation is straightforward.

If you're travelling through Freetown International Airport, you do not need to pay the separate $25 Airport Security Fee.

That's welcome news for anyone planning a trip.

However, don't assume today's rules will still apply several months from now.

Government policies can change quickly, especially when they're linked to ongoing audits and contract reviews.

If your flight is still weeks or months away, check the latest official travel notices before departure rather than relying on older information shared online.

A Practical Example

Imagine you're travelling from London, New York, or Brussels to visit family in Sierra Leone later this year.

Until recently, you needed to budget an additional $25 each way, separate from your airfare.

That extra cost has now disappeared.

If a travel agent or booking service still includes the charge, it's worth asking for clarification because many booking systems may not have updated immediately after the suspension was announced.

Spending two minutes checking could save you unnecessary costs.

Why This Matters Beyond Saving $25

The amount itself isn't what makes this story important.

The bigger issue is public confidence.

Whenever governments collect money from citizens or visitors, people expect those funds to be properly recorded, managed, and accounted for.

That's why the audit matters.

Many Sierra Leoneans have long called for greater transparency around public contracts and government revenue.

The suspension shows that those concerns are now receiving official attention.

How this review is handled—and how openly its findings are shared—could influence future public confidence in similar government projects.

What Could Happen Next?

No official timeline has been announced for the completion of the review.

Based on how public audits typically work, it's reasonable to expect the process to take several months.

Three possible outcomes seem most likely.

• The suspension remains in place until the audit is completed.
• The fee returns after financial issues are addressed.
• The government redesigns the system, possibly including the charge within airline ticket prices instead of requiring a separate payment.

At this stage, any of these outcomes remain possible.

That's why travellers should rely on official announcements rather than speculation on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still have to pay the $25 Airport Security Fee?

No. Since 6 July 2026, the fee has been suspended, so passengers are not currently required to make the separate payment.

Has the fee been cancelled permanently?

No.

The government has only announced a temporary suspension while the audit and contract review continue.

Why was the fee suspended?

The decision followed findings from an official audit that identified documentation gaps affecting how revenue from the fee could be verified.

Does this affect visas or immigration procedures?

No.

Visa requirements, immigration checks, customs procedures, and health requirements remain exactly the same.

Only the separate airport security fee has been suspended.

Who collected the fee?

The fee was collected under the agreement with Securiport (SL) Limited, which provides passenger data management and airport security technology at Lungi International Airport.

Where should I check for updates?

Always rely on official government announcements before travelling.

Airlines and embassies also update travel guidance whenever entry requirements change.

For now, travellers can cross one extra payment off their travel checklist.

That's good news.

But this story isn't only about saving $25.

It's also about how public money is managed, how government contracts are monitored, and why transparency matters.

If you're planning to travel to Sierra Leone, take a few minutes to review your booking confirmation and check whether the airport security fee is still listed.

If it is, contact your airline or travel agent before you fly.

The suspension is currently in effect, but because it's temporary, checking the latest official updates before your departure remains the smartest way to avoid surprises.