Sierra Leone Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

A Landing Permit (visa) can be obtained on arrival by some countries if there is no diplomatic representation at point of origin and if a letter of invitation is provided. This can be organized by a sponsor or host with the Principal Immigration Officer in Freetown. The Freetown office of the visitor's airline must also receive a list stating flight number, date of arrival, name, nationality and passport number of each passenger 48 hours in advance. Visas must otherwise be obtained prior to arrival in country of origin. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US nationals require a visa and a valid passport.

UK Nationals

UK nationals require a visa and a valid passport.

Canadians

Canadians require a visa and a valid passport.

Australians

Australians require a visa and a valid passport.

South Africans

South Africans require a visa and a valid passport.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a visa and a valid passport.

New Zealanders

New Zealand nationals require a visa and a valid passport.

Healthcare

Health policies require that all travelers arriving from a yellow fever area have a vaccination certificate, but yellow fever is a risk throughout the country and immunization 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. Travelers 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

Since the end of the 10-year civil war, the security situation has improved although it is still fragile. Political demonstrations and large gatherings should be avoided as these have the potential to turn violent. Travelers are advised to avoid the areas bordering Liberia and Guinea. There are incidences of violent crime in Freetown, including armed theft and assault, but petty crime is more common with pick-pocketing and other opportunistic crimes prevalent throughout the country. A number of violent incidents have taken place around the bars and nightclubs at Lumley Beach and visitors are advised to be cautious in the area after dark. 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 only due to safety concerns.