Sierra Leone

Safety and security

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 900 for emergency services.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on holidays and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

U.S. citizens have experienced armed mugging, assault, and burglary while visiting Sierra Leone.

• U.S. government employees working in Sierra Leone are prohibited from traveling outside Freetown after dark.
• Petty crime and pick pocketing are very common, especially on the ferry to and from Lungi International Airport. These crimes are also common in bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in the Lumley Beach and Aberdeen areas of Freetown.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial and romance scams are common in Sierra Leone. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Gold scams are increasingly common in Sierra Leone. U.S. citizens have reported losing tens of thousands of dollars. Purchase gold only from reputable companies, not those recommended by a seller or middleman. Do not purchase gold from someone you do not already know. For more information, visit the Government Gold & Diamond Office and Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources websites.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Gold and gem purchases
• Permits for mineral rights
• Fraudulent adoption opportunities or fraudulent orphanages
• Fake property transactions

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 71.  

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Explain how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

You must obtain official permission to photograph government buildings, airports, bridges, or official facilities including the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the U.S. embassy.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Sidewalks are often broken or nonexistent.
• Traffic accidents are common. U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using public transportation or taxis.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• Sierra Leone's customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the export of gems and precious minerals, including diamonds and gold. Only the Government of Sierra Leone can issue mining and export licenses. Review the National Minerals Agency website for more information.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Sierra Leone seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notifications

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or must surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual sexual relations between men are criminalized in Sierra Leone with a possible penalty of life imprisonment. Enforcement is rare.

• There is no explicit legal prohibition against sexual relations between women. However, women of all ages can be victims of “planned rapes” initiated by family members to change their sexual orientation.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Sierra Leone does not prohibit discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities.

• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication or information, and general infrastructure.
• General public sentiment around disability is not as accepting as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

Rape, including spousal rape, is illegal in Sierra Leone. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. However, rape is common, and indictments are rare.

Domestic violence is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 leones ($225), up to 2 years in prison, or both. However, domestic violence is common, and police are unlikely to intervene.

The Government of Sierra Leone is focused on protecting minor girls from female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C). It is a crime, but the government does not stop FGM/C for consenting adults due to cultural traditions, especially in rural areas.

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Sierra Leone Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

•  Dial 900 for emergency services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available.

• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Sierra Leone. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Common diseases

The following infectious diseases are present in Sierra Leone. They may be preventable with pre-travel vaccination or prophylaxis. Some of these diseases may be self-treated if recommended by your provider, or may require specialized evaluation that may not be available in Sierra Leone:

• Malaria
• Typhoid
• Dengue
• Travelers’ Diarrhea
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Schistosomiasis
• Brucellosis
• Mpox

Healthcare facilities

Limited health facilities are available in Freetown. It may be harder to find adequate healthcare in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors usually require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Sierra Leone does not allow the importation of controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, etc.) without a written prescription from a doctor showing that the medications are for health purposes only. If medically necessary, travelers should only carry controlled substances in their carry-on bags together with the written prescription.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.
• The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Sierra Leone. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

If you are considering traveling to Sierra Leone to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Sierra Leone with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Sierra Leonean courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Sierra Leone via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities and/or citizenship status.
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences. 

Water quality and food safety

• There is limited access to safe drinking water. There is also poor sanitation infrastructure and unsafe food handling practices.
• Food can be contaminated due to poor water quality, lack of refrigeration, and exposure to pests, like flies.
• Tap water in Sierra Leone is not safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude

Many cities in Sierra Leone, such as Kabala, are at high altitude.

• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude cities like Kabala.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

The air quality in Sierra Leone changes with the seasons. It is the worst during dry season from December to February. This time is when dust storms reduce air quality.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses artificial intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in Sierra Leone.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Most main roads in Freetown are navigable, but many are narrow and often have potholes.

• There is limited roadside assistance in-country. It is often difficult to find adequate fuel for longer journeys.
• Serious accidents are frequent, especially outside Freetown. The lower traffic there allows for higher speeds.
• Avoid nighttime travel. U.S. government employees working in Sierra Leone are prohibited from traveling outside Freetown after dark.

Traffic laws

• An international driving permit is required.
• International road signs and protocols are not followed.
• In the event of a traffic accident, you should follow all police instructions.
• Large crowds often gather at the scene of an accident and threaten the safety of the driver. If you feel that you are in danger, go to the nearest police station for safety.
• Emergency responses to accidents outside Freetown can be slow to nonexistent.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Private car service is necessary when traveling between the airport and water taxi stations.
• Motorcycle taxis are common in Freetown and often cause serious accidents. The U.S. embassy strongly advises against using these motorcycles.
• Pick pocketing is common in public taxis and minibuses.

Public and commercial transportation

• Public transport (bus or group taxi) is erratic, unsafe, and not recommended.
• U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using public transportation or taxis.Visit the website of Sierra Leone’s National Tourist Board and Road Safety Authority.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Sierra Leone’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Sierra Leone should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Heavy rainfall during the rainy season, from May to November, can cause flooding and landslides in Sierra Leone, including Freetown.
• Harmattan is a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara Desert. It affects Sierra Leone from November to April. This wind can reduce visibility and cause respiratory issues.

U.S. citizens living abroad

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates