Situated on the West African coast between Guinea and
Liberia, Sierra Leone is a well-hidden tropical destination. With
over 300 miles (483km) of coastline with stretches of palm-fringed
sandy beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, lush mountains, and a
wonderful blend of history and culture, this small coastal country
offers a multitude of attractions and activities for visitors.
However, with the brutality of a long civil war still fresh in the
memories of many, it may take some time before the tourist hordes
discover the hidden treasures of this beautiful little country.
Visitors to Sierra Leone can look forward to a warm
and friendly welcome. The main attraction is on its stunning
beaches where a variety of water sports, including diving, fishing,
and surfing, are on offer. The capital and commercial centre,
Freetown, is rich in history, originally founded as an important
centre for slave trade in the mid-1500s and later becoming a
safe-haven for freed slaves. For outdoor adventurers, Sierra
Leone's wildlife is diverse and protected within conservation areas
such as Outamba Kilimi National Park, the Tacugama Chimpanzee
Sanctuary near Freetown, and the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary on
the Moa River. The Tingi Hills are popular for hiking, with
breath-taking mountain scenery and a variety of bird and animal
life, while Mount Bintumani and Lake Sonfron offer various mountain
activities.
While the scars of the civil war have yet to fully
heal, Sierra Leone is a nation with enormous potential and a bright
future in tourism. A kaleidoscope of colour, the country's cultural
and natural resources within its borders will reward intrepid
travellers seeking a largely unexplored tropical paradise within
the African continent.
Key Facts
Language:
English is the official language, although each ethnic
group has its own tribal language, used more widely in the interior
of the country. Krio is a form of Pidgin English that is widely
spoken in Freetown.
Passport/Visa:
Anyone travelling to the country for a purpose other tourism, a
visit or business will need to get a visa before they arrive. It is
highly recommended that visitors' passports have at least six
months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure
from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply
different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
Currency:
The official currency is the leone (SLL), which is divided into
100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, foreign
exchange bureaux or hotels. Banks are open on weekdays only. The
use of credit cards is very limited, although a few top hotels and
restaurants in Freetown might accept them for payment. Not all ATMs
accept foreign cards, but some major banks, such as Ecobank and
United Bank for Africa (UBA), accept foreign cards.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz, but supplies
are erratic and power failures common. Round three-pin plugs or
rectangular three-blade plugs are used.
Travel to Sierra Leone
Climate in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone experiences a hot and humid tropical climate with a
distinct wet and dry season. The summer rainy season is between May
and November with most rain falling in July and August.
Temperatures average 78.8F (26C) throughout the year, with
nighttime temperatures hovering around 75F (24C). The Harmattan
desert wind blows between November and February, relieving the high
humidity in Freetown and making this period the coolest time of
year in the city.
Health Notes when travelling to Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is one of three countries that has been
at the heart of the Ebola outbreak in previous years, causing
serious alarm in West Africa. The WHO officially declared Sierra
Leone Ebola transmission free on 17 March 2016, and the FCO no
longer advise against all but essential travel to Sierra Leone.
However, travellers are advised to familiarise themselves with the
disease and current health and travel advice for the country before
travelling to Sierra Leone. Some travel restrictions may be in
place due to the Ebola outbreak.
Health policies require that all travellers arriving
from a yellow fever area have a vaccination certificate, but yellow
fever is a risk throughout the country and immunisation is
recommended for all visitors. Other recommended vaccinations
include Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, and polio. Malaria and dengue
fever are high risks and precautions against mosquito bites are
advised, as well as prophylaxis for malaria, which occurs
throughout the year.
Outbreaks of Lassa fever is endemic in the east.
HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Diarrhoea and dysentery are common
complaints and water should be treated before drinking. Cholera is
also a concern. Travellers should bring adequate supplies of
personal medication to the country, as supplies are often not
available in pharmacies. Medical care is limited in Freetown and
almost non-existent elsewhere. An emergency hospital is located
near Freetown, but the bad road makes it difficult to get there;
there is no ambulance service in the country. Comprehensive travel
insurance is advised, which includes emergency evacuation.
Safety Notes when travelling to Sierra Leone
Most visits to the country pass without trouble, though a small
number of incidents involving British nationals being robbed,
sometimes at knifepoint, have been reported. The incidents were
reported around Congo Cross, Wilkinson Road, Lumley Beach and
Aberdeen, and visitors are advised to be cautious in these areas
after dark. Petty crime is more common, with pick-pocketing and
other opportunistic crimes prevalent throughout the country.
Visitors should take care not to flash valuables or cash.
Travel outside of the Western Area that includes Freetown can be
difficult, as roads are poor and transport unreliable. All road or
sea transfers from the airport to Freetown should be done in
daylight hours due to safety concerns. Political demonstrations and
large gatherings should be avoided, as these have the potential to
turn violent.
Customs in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leoneans are extremely polite and manner-conscious, and
elders are especially respected. There is a strong Muslim culture
among locals, who expect visitors to be sensitive to religious
customs, particularly during the month of Ramadan, when eating,
drinking, and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet.
Visitors should be aware it is illegal to buy or export diamonds,
gold, or ivory without the necessary licenses; homosexuality is
illegal.
Duty Free in Sierra Leone
Travellers may bring 200 cigarettes or 225g tobacco, and 1 litre
of wine or spirits into the country without paying customs duty.
Narcotics are strictly forbidden.
Doing Business in Sierra Leone
Punctuality is not necessarily expected, especially if the delay
relates to traffic or if it concerns the person who called the
meeting. English is the most common language for business and most
business meetings require only casual comfortable clothing. Shaking
hands for men and women is the most common form of introduction and
business cards are exchanged. It is acceptable to address
colleagues by their first names at business meetings. Business
hours are generally 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm Monday to
Friday.
Communication in Sierra Leone
The international dialling code for Sierra Leone is +232. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the UK). Most good hotels and some restaurants offer free
WiFi, and mobile phone service is good, with SIM cards being widely
available.
Tipping in Sierra Leone
A service charge of about 10 percent is included in restaurant
and hotel bills, but otherwise tipping is optional.
Passport/Visa Note
Anyone travelling to the country for a purpose other tourism, a
visit or business will need to get a visa before they arrive. It is
highly recommended that visitors' passports have at least six
months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure
from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply
different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a visa and a valid passport.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a visa and a valid passport.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a visa and a valid passport.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a visa and a valid passport.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a visa and a valid passport.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a visa and a valid passport.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a visa and a valid passport.
Tourist Offices
National Tourist Board, Freetown: +232 77 347810
https://ntb.gov.sl/
Sierra Leone Embassies
In the United States:
Sierra Leone Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also
responsible for Canada): +1 202 939 9261.
In the United Kingdom:
Sierra Leone High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 20
7404 0140.
In Australia:
Consulate General of Sierra Leone, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 8964
8851
In New Zealand:
Sierra Leone High Commission, Beijing, China (also responsible
for New Zealand): +86 10 6532 1222.
In South Africa:
Sierra Leone High Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (also
responsible for South Africa): +251 1 710 033.
Foreign Embassies in Sierra Leone
American Embassy
United States Embassy, Freetown: +232 22 515 000.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (also responsible for
Sierra Leone): +225 2 030 0700.
British Embassy
British High Commission, Freetown: +232 76 541 386.
Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Accra, Ghana (also responsible for
Sierra Leone): +233 (302) 216 400.
Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Abuja, Nigeria (also responsible for Sierra
Leone: +234 9 462 0611.
South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (also responsible
for Sierra Leone): +225 2 244 5963.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Sierra Leone
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Sierra Leone, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Sierra Leone.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Sierra Leone. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Sierra Leone, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Sierra Leone
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Sierra Leone, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Sierra Leone.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Sierra Leone. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Sierra Leone, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Sierra Leone
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Note: Zika is a risk in Sierra Leone. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Sierra Leone. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Sierra Leone, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Sierra Leone. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Sierra Leone include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Sierra Leone. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Sierra Leone’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Sierra Leone. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Sierra Leone may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Sierra Leone, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Sierra Leone for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the leone (SLL), which is divided into
100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, foreign
exchange bureaux or hotels. Banks are open on weekdays only. The
use of credit cards is very limited, although a few top hotels and
restaurants in Freetown might accept them for payment. Not all ATMs
accept foreign cards, but some major banks, such as Ecobank and
United Bank for Africa (UBA), accept foreign cards.
Freetown Airport (FNA) Freetown-Lungi International Airport transit.navitime.com/en/flight/FNA
Location: Freetown The airport is situated across the Sierra Leone River
from Freetown, 13 miles (21km) north of the city.
Time: No GMT offset.
Contacts:
Tel: +232 75 932458
Getting to the city:
Travel options from the airport to Freetown are limited.
Currently there is a ferry that crosses the river to the city, or a
route by road that takes about four to six hours and is not
recommended at night. The ferry is the cheapest option, but there
can be long queues (several hours on either end). There is also a
risk of crime and overloading. Passengers are advised not to use
this service alone, or as a foot passenger.
Private boat services are available for the crossing, but
passengers are advised to avoid using the local fishing boats. For
safety reasons, all passengers arriving at the airport at night
should wait until daylight to travel to Freetown; there are several
hotels and guesthouses near the airport, but these need to be
booked early due to high demand.
Car rental:
No car hire facilities are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Water taxis are available for the journey across the estuary to
Freetown. Private chartered speedboats are also available.
Facilities:
Facilities include shops, restaurants, currency exchange and
banking services, a business centre, a prayer room, and ticket
offices for transportation to the city. There are also a few hotels
near the airport.
Parking:
There is a parking facility near the terminal.
“Well, I’m happy that you survived.” These words were from Jacqueline Tschinkel’s co-worker, following her first trip back to Sierra Leone after leaving the country to escape the violence during the civil war. Tschinkel was only 15 years old when she left home. “I found that I was