Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PassportsPassport valid for
a minimum of six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
VisasRequired by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport transit area.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
Types of Visa and CostTourist:
£50 (single-entry); £75 (multiple-entry).
Express Tourist and
Business:
£40 in addition to cost.
Business:
£50 (single-entry); £75 (multiple-entry, six months), £100 (multiple-entry, one year).
ValidityEntry Permits and visas generally are valid for three months and allow a stay of one month in Sierra Leone for single-entry only. An extension is available by applying to the Department of Immigration in Freetown. Multiple-entry tourist and visitor visas are valid for six months; a business multiple-entry visa is valid for up to one year.
Applications to:Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see
General Info.
Working Days RequiredThree. Several weeks are required where referral to authorities in Sierra Leone is necessary. One day for Express visa.
WarningFollowing a large fire/explosion in Free Street, downtown Freetown, on 20 December 2007, visitors are advised to avoid the area until the authorities have dealt with the situation.
On 13 December 2007, residents in Koidu town, Kono district, clashed with police during protests against a local mining company. Travelers should take sensible precautions when traveling in Kono district and avoid demonstrations.
The political situation in Sierra Leone remains unpredictable following the national elections. Final results were announced on 17 September and tensions may remain during the transition of government. You should avoid large crowds and demonstrations and be aware of the potential for violence.
The government is currently undertaking a program of improvements to Lungi (Freetown) airport, including its firefighting and rescue service and its security. None of the options for transferring between the international airport at Lungi and Freetown are risk-free. Potential visitors should study the transfer options carefully, especially if planning to arrive at night. Travel outside the Western Area can be difficult, as roads and infrastructure are poor.
Visits to the Western Area of Sierra Leone, including Freetown are usually trouble-free. Petty crime is common. Travelers should exercise caution when traveling in Freetown, particularly in the Eastern area of the city and in the central commercial district around Siaka Stevens Street, Lightfoot Boston Street and Sir Samuel Lewis Road. Travelers should take sensible precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places.
Visitors should be aware that a number of violent incidents have taken place around nightclubs and bars at the southern end of Lumley Beach in November 2007. They should exercise particular caution in this area after dark.
The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners.
Water shortages are frequent. Networked power is rare; rented accommodation and hotels rely on generators and imported fuel supplies.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel Health | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Diphtheria | Yes | |
| Hepatitis A | Yes | |
| Malaria | Yes | |
| Rabies | Sometimes | |
| Tetanus | Yes | |
| Typhoid | Yes | |
| Yellow Fever | Yes | |
Health CareMedical facilities are extremely limited and continuing to decline. Missions and foreign aid organizations provide some medical facilities. Health insurance is essential. It is advisable to take personal medical supplies.
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