Sierra Leone Travel Tips

Social Conventions
The majority of people in Sierra Leone still live a traditional, agricultural way of life, with ruling chiefs, and religions which preserve social stability, as well as local music, dance, customs and traditions. Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. It is usual to be entertained in a hotel or restaurant, particularly for business visitors. Small tokens of appreciation are always welcome. Casual wear is suitable everywhere. Men are rarely expected to wear suits and ties.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
Astraeus Airlines (website: www.flyastraeus.com) operates to Freetown (Lungi) Airport. BMed (website: www.flybmed.com) also operates flights.

Departure Tax
US$40. Non-African air carriers include the tax in the ticket fare. Transit passengers proceeding within 24 hours and children under two years of age are exempt.

Main Airports
Freetown (FNA) (Lungi) is 13km (8 miles) north of the city (journey time – 45 minutes). To/from the airport: There is a catamaran/ferry link as well as taxi and bus services to the city. A helicopter service is also available (journey time – 6 minutes). Facilities: Post office, bar, shops and currency exchange.

Getting There by Water
Main ports: Freetown. There are services to Guinea Republic and Liberia.

Getting There by Rail
There are no passenger services at present.

Getting There by Road
There are routes from Guinea Republic and Liberia, but access depends on the prevailing political situation. Contact the embassy or high commission for up-to-date information.

Overview
The following may be imported into Sierra Leone without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 225g tobacco.
• 1.1l of wine or spirits.

Prohibited Imports
Narcotics; firearms without a license from the Commissioner of Police in Freetown.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
Sierra National Airlines (LJ) does not operate internal flights. Private airlines can be chartered.

Getting Around by Water
Ferries connect all coastal ports. For details, contact local authorities or the National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone (see General Info).

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Although the principal highways have a tarred surface, the secondary roads are poorly maintained and often impassable during the rainy season. There are some roadblocks at night on major roads near centers of population.

Bus: Local and long-distance bus services are operated by the Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation. Buses are fast and cheap and connect all the major centers.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.

Getting Around Towns and Cities
Limited bus services in Freetown are operated by the Road Transport Corporation, although a substantial part of the city’s public transport is provided by minibuses and share-taxis.


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