Travel Advice
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Warning

Travel within Sierra Leone should be avoided where possible and considered extremely hazardous due to possible attacks by deposed military and rebel forces. A peace agreement was signed on July 7, 1999 between the government and the Revolutionary United Front. Although the situation in Freetown has improved, travel outside Freetown within Sierra Leone should still be considered hazardous due to possible attacks by rebel military groups that have not yet been disarmed and demobilized.

Country Description

Sierra Leone is a developing country which has few facilities for tourism and poses considerable risks for travelers. In March 1998, the elected government of Sierra Leone was restored by West African Peacekeeping Forces, following a military coup in May 1997. Fighting and looting during the coup and during the restoration of the government caused extensive damage to cities and villages. Military operations to combat rogue military and rebels and common banditry affect large parts of the country outside the western peninsula which includes the capital, Freetown. All cities have a curfew from midnight to 6:00 A.M.

No American or European air carriers fly into Lungi International Airport. Some regional airlines service the airport. The government ferryboat service from the airport peninsula to Freetown operates only at high-tide. Small planes are available in connection with most major regional flights to fly passengers from the International Airport to the small airport near Freetown. Travel by road from the airport to Freetown takes three hours and may be dangerous due to possible rebel activity. Travellers are encouraged to be alert and to avoid large gatherings.

Entry Requirements

A passport and visa are required and the visa must be obtained in advance. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the nearest Sierra Leonean embassy or consulate.

Areas of Instability

While peacekeeping forces control Freetown and the four major cities of the country, areas outside the cities are subject to attacks by deposed military and rebel forces. Travel outside Freetown is extremely hazardous. Rebels and rogue military have taken international workers hostage. Because many Sierra Leoneans do not speak English, it can be difficult for a foreigner to communicate his or her identity. Travelers may also encounter difficulties at the numerous roadblocks and checkpoints inside and outside Freetown.

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities and standards fall critically short. Persons with medical conditions that may require treatment or medications are discouraged from traveling to Sierra Leone. Medicines are in short supply, sterility of equipment is questionable, and treatment is unreliable.

Many primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack professional training. Instances of misdiagnosis, improper treatment and administration of improper drugs have been reported. International air carriers are reluctant to assist with medical evacuations from Sierra Leone. Private charter evacuations, costing thousands of dollars, may be necessary.

Doctors and hospitals usually require immediate cash payment for health services.

Medical Insurance

Travelers should obtain supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage.

Crime Information

Petty crime and theft of wallets and passports are common. Requests for payments at military roadblocks are common. Robberies and burglaries of residences are frequent.

The loss or theft of a passport abroad should be reported immediately to the nearest embassy or consulate.

Road Conditions

Most roads in Freetown are paved but have potholes; unpaved side streets are generally navigable. Most roads outside Freetown are unpaved but passable for a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Public transport (bus or group taxi) is erratic, sometimes unsafe, and generally not recommended.

Photography Restrictions

Permission is required to photograph government buildings, airports, bridges, or official-looking buildings. Areas forbidding photography are not marked or defined. Individuals sometimes do not want to be photographed for religious reasons or may want to be paid for posing. Photographers should ask permission before taking pictures.

Dual Nationality

Dual nationals who are bearers of Sierra Leone passports are required to present proof of payment of taxes before being granted clearance for departure from Sierra Leone.

Drug Penalties

Travellers are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

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