By Mackie M. Jalloh
Frequent travelers using Freetown International Airport are growing increasingly frustrated with the outdated and cumbersome airport tax system. The mandatory $25 tax, which is required to be paid in cash both upon arrival and departure, has caused an uproar among passengers, many of whom feel the current policy is out of step with modern conveniences.
Implemented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in August 2022, the cash-only tax became effective on September 1, 2022, as part of a government initiative aimed at enhancing airport security and infrastructure. However, the cash payment requirement has triggered backlash from both local and international travelers who find the process to be unnecessarily burdensome, especially given that digital transactions have become the norm worldwide.
Passengers are frustrated by the need to have physical currency on hand, a challenge particularly for international tourists who may not have easy access to local banking facilities upon arrival. For departing passengers, the need to set aside extra cash before leaving the country adds to the already high costs associated with traveling through Sierra Leone, which is known for its comparatively expensive airfare.
Many travelers have raised concerns about the lack of alternative payment methods, including mobile money or credit card options, which are widely used in other airports globally. As a result, the current payment system not only inconveniences passengers but also hinders Sierra Leone’s image as a tourist-friendly destination. In a world where seamless travel and digital transactions are standard, the airport’s insistence on cash is seen as antiquated and inefficient.
This situation is further exacerbated by the fact that neighboring countries, like Guinea, offer more affordable airfare options and incorporate taxes directly into ticket prices, streamlining the travel experience. As more travelers opt to fly from Guinea’s airports to avoid the high costs and inconvenience of Freetown’s airport, Sierra Leone’s tourism and travel sectors may suffer significant setbacks.
Calls for reform have intensified, with many passengers urging the government to reconsider its approach to airport taxes. One solution suggested by frustrated travelers is the integration of the $25 tax into the overall ticket price. This would not only simplify travel planning but also eliminate the need for passengers to scramble for cash upon arrival or departure. Such a move would align Sierra Leone with international practices, where taxes are typically included in ticket prices and processed by airlines.
Moreover, critics argue that this change would increase transparency, as passengers would no longer be surprised by additional fees at the airport. It would also likely improve the efficiency of airport operations by reducing the time spent processing cash payments, especially during peak travel times when long lines and delays are common.
Passengers are also pushing for collaboration between the government and airlines, suggesting that the airport tax could be standardized and included in ticket sales. This would not only ease the financial burden on travelers but also enhance accountability, as the current cash-based system raises concerns about potential inefficiencies and mismanagement of funds.
In light of these growing frustrations, Sierra Leone’s authorities must prioritize the concerns of travelers by embracing more passenger-friendly policies. Incorporating digital payment methods and including taxes in ticket prices would make the airport experience smoother and more transparent, ensuring Sierra Leone remains a competitive and appealing destination for both tourists and business travelers.
As more passengers voice their dissatisfaction with the cash-only system, the need for reform is becoming increasingly urgent. Addressing these issues is essential not only for improving the airport experience but also for enhancing Sierra Leone’s broader appeal as a travel destination.
