No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

• Sierra Leone’s national elections are due on 17 November 2012.  There may be an increase in localised political tensions in the period running up to these. You should exercise caution around large gatherings of people, and avoid all political demonstrations anywhere in the country.  See Safety and Security - Political Situation.
  
  
• A protest planned by local mining company employees in Tonkolili District for 16-18 April escalated on the night of Tuesday 17 April, during which one Sierra Leone national was shot and killed by local police.  We understand that Western companies in Tonkolili have temporarily suspended movements to and from their compounds.  We are not aware of any British nationals sustaining injuries during the violence. 
  
   
• Transport infrastructure is poor. None of the options for transferring between the international airport at Lungi and Freetown is risk-free. You should study the transfer options carefully before travelling, especially if you plan to arrive at night. Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff operate a policy of informed choice using the transport options available.  See Safety and Security - Local Travel (Getting to Freetown from the airport).
  
  
• Strong currents are common at beaches in Sierra Leone and there is no lifeguard or emergency service.  In February 2011 two British nationals drowned in separate incidences at beaches along the Freetown peninsula. Swimmers should take great care.
  
  
• Petty crime is common and violent crime is increasing, particularly around public holidays. You should exercise caution when travelling in Freetown, particularly in the Eastern area of the city and in the central commercial district, and in the Lumley Beach and Aberdeen areas.  You should take precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places. The local police presence and response is limited. See Safety and Security - Crime.
  
  
• Travel outside the Western Area can be difficult, as roads and infrastructure are poor.  See Safety and Security - Local Travel.
  
  
• There is a low threat from global terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• 22 British nationals required consular assistance in Sierra Leone in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011.  See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  
• There are few health facilities in Sierra Leone and medical care is poor. You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including for medical evacuation. Most health care providers will expect payment before treatment. See General - Insurance and Travel Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism
There is a low threat from global terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
We continue to receive several reports each month of incidents involving international travellers and expatriates, who are targets for criminals. You should be aware that a number of violent incidents take place around nightclubs and bars in the Lumley Beach and Aberdeen areas of Freetown. The local police presence and response is limited.  In April 2012 we received reports of three separate incidents where a total of seven British nationals were victims of crime.  In each instance they were surrounded and threatened by local youths and robbed of their possessions when walking after dark in and around the Lumley Beach and Wilkinson Road areas of Freetown.  On 14 January 2012 an altercation began in an Aberdeen night club which led to the deaths of three Sierra Leone nationals.  In September 2011 we received three separate reports of incidents where British and American nationals in Aberdeen had been robbed and assaulted, sustaining minor injuries. You should exercise particular caution in these areas after dark. There are also occasional small riots between rival groups of youths in the central and eastern areas of Freetown. These normally disperse relatively quickly, but if you encounter such an incident, you should leave the area immediately.

The greatest risk to short-stay travellers is that of pick pocketing and mugging in Freetown. If you are staying for a longer period in rented or bought accommodation you should consider the security of your property and are strongly advised to employ guards. The majority of crimes in Sierra Leone are committed unarmed, but the number of incidents in which weapons are used is increasing, particularly in the run up to the Christmas holiday. In November 2011 we received four reports of armed robberies at properties in the Wilberforce and Hill Station areas of Freetown and a number of attacks in Bo. You are advised to take the following precautions against crime:

• exercise caution when travelling in Freetown, particularly in the Aberdeen, and the eastern area of the city and in the central commercial district around Siaka Stevens Street, Lightfoot Boston Street and Sir Samuel Lewis Road.
• avoid carrying valuables in public.
• avoid the groups of youths that congregate in the town centre and at roundabouts.
• use a vehicle if you need to travel after dark in Freetown.
• use a privately owned or rented vehicle rather than taxis or "poda-podas" (minibuses).
• avoid walking alone on beaches, especially Lumley beach.  Lumley beach has seen a number of crimes against particularly unaccompanied pedestrians and small groups. Do not use the beaches after dark.  Beware of walking barefoot on beaches, where there can be hospital waste, including needles.
• don’t drive outside Freetown after dark.  Most roads in Freetown and all roads outside Freetown are unlit; there are no regular police patrols along them and often no traffic for long periods.  FCO staff only travel outside Freetown during daylight hours at moderate speeds using competent, well-rested drivers in vehicles suitable for travel on badly-rutted unmade roads.  There are no vehicle breakdown services in Sierra Leone.  If you are involved in an accident you are less likely to reach assistance at night and are at increased risk of both a secondary collision and crime.

You should check the quality of any gems and/or minerals that you purchase before legally removing them from the country. You should also be aware that any deals that appear too good to be true probably are. Sporting events and concerts at the national stadium pose a high risk to personal security and safety. Pick pocketing is rife.  Poor crowd control and overcrowding make the general stands - and sometimes even the VIP area - uncomfortable and unsafe.  Rioting has occurred at previous events and could occur again in the future.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel  
Getting to Freetown from the airport
Lungi airport is situated on the far side of a wide estuary from Freetown. The government is slowly undertaking a programme of improvements to Lungi (Freetown) airport, including its fire fighting and rescue service and its security. Hospital facilities near Lungi (Freetown) airport are basic and only able to deal with routine medical complaints. There are currently a range of travel options from Lungi airport: road, ferry, Pelican water taxi and local boats/pirogues. None is without risk. You should study the transfer options carefully before travelling, especially if you plan to arrive at night. Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff operate a policy of informed choice and use all of the transport options available with the exception of local boats/pirogues.

Almost all international flights to Sierra Leone arrive during, or shortly before, the hours of darkness. You should be aware that there is an absence of navigational lights on boats and ferries, and that driving at night in Sierra Leone can be hazardous (see the Road Safety section of this Travel Advice).  At night there is a decreased likelihood of help reaching you in the event of an emergency, and increased vulnerability to crime.  If you wish to stay at one of the Lungi Airport hotels we recommend that you book early as rooms are extremely limited and, often in high demand. If you are unable to book a room for the night of your arrival we advise re-arranging your flight.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Transfer by road  
If intending to travel by road, you should arrange in advance to be collected at the airport by a competent driver in a car suitable for travel on badly-rutted, unmade roads. A hotel, travel agency or car rental company may be able to arrange this. There are no car hire facilities at Lungi airport. There is a list of Freetown-based companies that can provide hire cars for collection at Lungi available on the High Commission’s website.  We advise you not to use a taxi or poda-poda (minibuses).  See the Road Safety section of this Travel Advice for further guidance.  

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Transfer by air
The helicopter transfer service between Lungi Airport and Freetown stopped operating in June 2011.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Transfer by sea
There are four alternatives for transferring between Lungi and Freetown by sea: ferry, Pelican water taxi, hovercraft and local boats/pirogues.

Sea-going vessels in Sierra Leone are not required to meet the maintenance standards or pass the safety checks that would be required in the UK. The risks associated with sea travel are therefore greater than they would be on a similar vessel in British waters. There is no scheduled service with full maintenance records available for public inspection. There will be no public emergency service response to any problems at sea. Independent travellers will find it very difficult to make arrangements for a private emergency response service.

The ferry service terminates in Freetown in the eastern end of the city. The drive from the ferry terminal to the hotels along Lumley beach (Aberdeen district) takes around an hour, but can take up to two in bad traffic. You should avoid using the ferry alone or as a foot passenger as international foot passengers have been mugged while getting on and off the ferry. The ferry has been warned by the Port Authorities about overloading, and has been known to operate in poor visibility without lights. There is a lack of basic safety equipment on board, including navigational aids, lifeboats and accessible life jackets. Emergency procedures are unclear.

Pelican water taxis provide a service across the estuary, operating from Freetown (Aberdeen) to Lungi (Mahera Beach). They have some limited safety equipment and rescue capability but have been known to operate in poor visibility without lights.

Local boats/pirogues regularly capsize and we strongly recommend against using them for travel across the estuary. We also advise against using any boat service in rough conditions, which are worse during the rainy season (May-October). If you choose to cross by boat we strongly advise that you notify a reliable contact of your departure and expected arrival times and agree what action they will take if you do not arrive at the expected time.

A hovercraft service between Mahera Beach (Lungi) and Freetown (Aberdeen) began in July 2011 but suspended its service in November 2011.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Travelling outside the capital  
There are no restrictions on travelling around Sierra Leone.  However a successful trip to areas beyond the capital will require thorough planning. FCO staff only travel by day outside the Freetown peninsula and at moderate speeds using competent, well-rested drivers driving in vehicles suitable for travel on badly-rutted, unmade roads. The main road from Freetown to Makeni and Mile 91 is suitable for most types of vehicle. The majority of other roads outside Freetown are constructed from rocks and mud, with frequent potholes. During the rainy season (May to October) rural roads can become difficult to use, even for off-road vehicles. Illegal roadblocks are sometimes put up by youths, who will often ask for a small donation for mending the road.  Occasionally those manning the roadblock will be armed.  Roadblocks are most common at the weekend and on roads to tourist beaches in the Western Area. They are easily distinguishable from the legal checkpoints erected by police, who are uniformed and normally use marked barriers or vehicles to indicate where drivers should stop. The safest response to seeing an illegal roadblock ahead of you is to turn the car around before reaching it and use an alternative route.  Stopping at a roadblock and winding down your window could allow someone to reach into your vehicle.  Roadblocks will sometimes be lifted if you indicate with your horn that you do not intend to stop.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
We advise against using the private taxis, ocada (motorbike taxis) and "poda-podas" (minibuses) that provide transport along fixed routes in Freetown and the Western Area. They are often crowded and not subject to European road safety standards. There have been several incidents of Western passengers in public taxis, ocada and poda-podas having belongings stolen. In September 2011 three British nationals were injured in separate incidents whilst travelling on ocada, including one who was assaulted and robbed. A limited number of private cars are available for hire on a short-term basis and major hotels and travel agencies offer cars for hire, with a chauffeur if required.  Serious road accidents occur quite frequently in Sierra Leone due to the hazardous driving conditions, poor vehicle maintenance and erratic driving. Drink driving is common in Sierra Leone, particularly along Lumley Beach Road in Freetown.  All roads are unlit and potholes are common, especially during the rainy season (May to October). The vast majority of roads have no street lights, signs, painted markings or cat’s eyes. In May 2011 the Sierra Leone National Telecommunication Company launched a “999-style” central emergency service response to accidents and emergencies in Freetown. See the Health section below. You can improve your road safety by:

• driving defensively;
• keeping a well-stocked first aid kit in your car and knowing how to use it;
• travelling in convoy with other cars;
• not travelling alone in a vehicle;
• having a communications system that covers where you are travelling;
• reporting your progress to someone who knows your route plan and agree with them what action they will take if you do not make contact at a scheduled time;
• planning how you will get medical treatment in case of an accident.
  
  

Travel after dark outside Freetown should be avoided.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
You should reconfirm onward/return flights 72 hours in advance. The European Community has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union. You should check with your travel insurance company before booking local and regional air travel as travelling with any of these airlines may invalidate your insurance policy.  Please use the following link to see the list of banned and restricted air carriers - European Commission Transport - Air.

Any airline from outside the EU or European Economic area, which wishes to pick up or put down passengers or cargo in the UK, requires a permit from the Secretary of State.  It is a condition of the permit that the airline should be operated in accordance with international safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.  No airline registered in Sierra Leone currently has a permit to land in the UK.

See Airline Security.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Swimming
Sierra Leone has many attractive beaches.  But strong currents are common and there is no life guard / emergency service.  In February 2011 two British nationals drowned in separate incidences at beaches along the Freetown peninsula.  

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel
See the “Getting to Freetown from the airport” section for information on the ferry, hovercraft and private boat services.

See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Sierra Leone Country Profile 

Sierra Leone is becoming increasingly stable after its 10-year conflict ended in 2002 but tensions remain.  

Sierra Leone’s national elections are due on 17 November 2012.  There may be an increase in localised political tensions in the period running up to these. You should exercise caution around large gatherings of people, and avoid all political demonstrations anywhere in the country.  

On 14 January 2012 there was violence between supporters of Sierra Leone’s major political parties during local council elections in the Fourah Bay area of Freetown. On 10 September 2011 supporters of Sierra Leone’s major political parties clashed violently in the city of Bo. Further violence between police and political supporters occurred as the police attempted to disperse the groups. Whilst British nationals are very unlikely to be targets of these protests, you should exercise caution.

A protest planned by local mining company employees in Tonkolili District for 16-18 April escalated on the night of Tuesday 17 April, during which one Sierra Leone national was shot and killed by local police.  We understand that Western companies in Tonkolili have temporarily suspended movements to and from their compounds.  We are not aware of any British nationals sustaining injuries during the violence.

Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia and one of those accused by the Special Court for Sierra Leone of crimes relating to the civil war, was captured in March 2006 and transferred to the Hague for trial in June 2006. The verdict was announced  on 26 April 2012 and generated some international media interest. A possibility of protests following his sentencing remains.

Two politically fragile countries, Liberia and Guinea, border Sierra Leone.  Events in either country, and the knock on effect of political events in nearby Cote d’Ivoire, could affect stability within Sierra Leone. You should check our Travel Advice for all three countries before visiting and keep informed of any significant political developments during your stay.

The majority of Sierra Leoneans are Muslim and Sierra Leone has a tolerant Islamic culture. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

See our Travelling during Ramadan page. 

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. All precious stones require an export licence.  If you commit criminal offences, including drug trafficking and diamond smuggling you can expect to be subjected to local law. There are heavy penalties for those convicted.  Local prison conditions are harsh.  Homosexual acts are illegal in Sierra Leone.   You should carry ID (passport or residence permit) at all times, particularly when driving or taking a taxi, when the likelihood of having to produce it is high.  

Local Laws and Customs - Adoption  
The Government of Sierra Leone, together with UNICEF, are tackling issues related to the trafficking of children. We recommend that anyone proposing to adopt a child from Sierra Leone ensure beforehand that their proposed plans meet all the requirements of Sierra Leone Adoption Law.  The government office responsible for adoptions in Sierra Leone is the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs (Tel/Fax: 00 232 76 624 597).  Adoption orders from Sierra Leone are not recognised in the UK. Sierra Leone nationals require visas to enter the UK.  If you are returning to live in the UK, you will need to apply for entry clearance for the child as a child coming for adoption in the UK. Please refer to UK Border Agency Visa Services for more details.

See our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
All British nationals require a visa to enter Sierra Leone.  Visas must be obtained before arrival.  In the UK they can be obtained from the Sierra Leonean High Commission in London.

Anyone travelling to Sierra Leone to visit friends or relatives should ensure they have the correct travel documentation before they travel. The Sierra Leone High Commission in London sometimes issues Emergency Travel Certificates to Sierra Leoneans resident in the UK and those with dual British/Sierra Leone nationality. These documents are not valid for return travel to the UK. Sierra Leone nationals require a visa for the UK, which can only be issued in a full passport. The application process for a UK visa at the British High Commission in Freetown takes a minimum of 3 weeks for visit visas and 12 weeks for settlement visas. Please see http://ukinsierraleone.fco.gov.uk/en/visas/ for further details. Anyone with a claim to British Nationality should ensure they apply for and obtain a British passport before they travel.  Parents should ensure they apply for a British passport for any children in good time before travel.  First time applicants for British passports must be interviewed and produce original supporting documents. The process can be lengthy. Please see http://ukinsierraleone.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/ for further details.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Sierra Leone. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months when submitted to the Sierra Leone authorities for a visa.

Entry Requirements - Dual Nationality
If you have dual British/Sierra Leone nationality you should be aware that if you enter Sierra Leone the assistance the British High Commission will be able to provide will be extremely limited.

Entry Requirements - Yellow Fever Vaccination Certifications
You need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate when entering Sierra Leone.

Entry Requirements - Travelling via Guinea
If you intend to travel via Conakry you should ensure that you have the necessary multiple entry visas for Guinea and a certified Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

Medical facilities are poor in Sierra Leone. There is no reciprocal health care agreement between the UK and Sierra Leone and you should expect to pay for all medical treatment, which is often requested in advance. We continue to receive reports from British nationals who have been refused admittance to hospital without proof of ability to pay their medical bills. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.  Even with comprehensive medical insurance you should be aware that local bureaucratic inadequacies can cause delays in obtaining medical treatment: in November 2011 an air ambulance sent to assist a British national was diverted en route to Lungi following administrative issues around landing clearance. 

In May 2011 the Sierra Leone National Telecommunication Company launched a “999-style” central emergency service response to accidents and emergencies in Freetown. This number, which appears to be staffed 24 hours a day, is accessible by dialling 112 or 900 from a Sierra Leone mobile phone.  However, response to medical emergencies by this service, and that provided by individual hospitals, is very slow and unreliable. Outside the capital you should assume that there would be no emergency service response to an accident. You should carry basic medical supplies.

Rabies, Lassa fever, water-borne diseases, malaria and other tropical diseases are common to Sierra Leone. Vaccination against yellow fever (which is required to enter Sierra Leone) is strongly advised.  

Lassa fever, previously prevalent in Kenema and the east, has spread to northern Sierra Leone. If you have travelled in these regions you should seek urgent medical advice if you suffer from any fever not positively identified as malaria.

Cholera remains a problem, there are infrequent outbreaks. In February 2012 there were 2,137 reported cases of cholera spread across Port Loko, Kambia and Pujenhun districts, with at least 34 deaths.  You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. There can be water shortages in the Freetown area especially at the end of the dry season (March to June). If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Sierra Leone you should seek immediate medical attention.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 46,000 adults aged 15 or over in Sierra Leone were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1.6% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Our Travel Health pages offer further advice on how to stay healthy when overseas

General - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance.  This should include cover for medical treatment and evacuation, accidents, cancelled flights and stolen cash, credit cards, passport and luggage.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then see our When things go Wrong page.

General - Registration
We recommend you register with the British High Commission in Freetown before, or as soon as possible, after you arrive.  Registration is via our LOCATE service. This tells us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Water and Power
Water shortages are frequent.  Networked power is rare, especially outside Freetown; rented accommodation and hotels rely on generators and imported fuel supplies. Many hotels only have electricity during hours of darkness.
 
General - Language
Whilst English is the official language of Sierra Leone, many Sierra Leoneans outside the capital only speak local dialects.

General - Telephone network
No mobile network covers all of Sierra Leone and several areas, even on main roads, have no mobile reception.  There is no public telephone system outside the Western Area and landline connections are poor.  It is not possible to call a Sierra Leone mobile phone from a Sierra Leone landline and vice-versa.

General - Money
Sierra Leone has a cash-based society and bank or credit cards are only accepted in a few restaurants and hotels in Freetown.  There are a handful of ATMs / cash points within the capital which we advise against using because of high instances of fraud.  Outside the capital bank and credit cards not accepted and you should assume that ATMs / cash points will not be available.  Opportunities to exchange travellers' cheques are limited.  All foreign exchange transactions must be handled through the banks and official exchange offices.  A small number of banks in central Freetown may be prepared to accept credit cards for the purchase of local currency.

General – Consular Assistance Statistics
96 British nationals required consular assistance in Sierra Leone in the period 01 April 2011 - 31 March 2012, including the following types of incidents: four deaths; five hospitalisations; five arrests; and thirty-seven lost/stolen passports.