U.S. Embassy Freetown
Southridge, Hill Station
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Telephone: (+232) 99-105-000
Emergency after-hours telephone: (+232) 99-905-029
Email: ConsularFreetown@state.gov

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

To enter Sierra Leone, you need:

• A valid passport with at least six months validity.
• A valid visa. Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone’s website for the most current visa information.
• An International Certificates of Vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival at the airport with a record of vaccination against yellow fever.

All inbound and outbound passengers from international airports in Sierra Leone are required to pay a $25 airport security fee prior to travel. Payment can be made online at http://securipass.sl, via Orange Money or Afrimoney, or at any branch of United Bank for Africa (UBA) or Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB).

Visit the CDC’s website for recommended immunization and medication information. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Sierra Leone.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Areas outside Freetown lack basic services. U.S. government employees working in Sierra Leone are prohibited from travelling outside the capital after dark. Emergency response to vehicular and other accidents ranges from slow to nonexistent.

Crime: Crime is widespread in Sierra Leone. U.S. citizens have experienced armed mugging, assault, and burglary. Petty crime and pick pocketing of wallets, cell phones, and passports are very common, especially on the ferry to and from Lungi International Airport, as well as in bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in the Lumley Beach and Aberdeen areas of Freetown.

Demonstrations occur periodically. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Sierra Leone. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings or profiles, or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/Relative targeting
• Free Trip/Luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy at (232) (99) 105 500. Report crimes to the local police at (232) (76) 692 830.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our website on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victims’ role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Hazardous areas and activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities in the field. If you are injured, you will likely find medical treatment only in or near major cities and there are few medical specialists in country able to treat complicated medical conditions. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. See our website for information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don’t know it, you may be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that requires special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our website for further information.

Exports: Sierra Leone's customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the export of gems and precious minerals, such as diamonds and gold. All mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, belong to the State, and only the Government of Sierra Leone can issue mining and export licenses. The National Minerals Agency (NMA) can provide licenses for export, while the agency’s Directorate of Precious Minerals Trading is responsible for Kimberly Process certification of diamonds. For further information on mining activities in Sierra Leone, contact the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, or see the Department of State’s annual Investment Climate Statement.

The Embassy has received reports in recent years of U.S. citizens investing in Sierra Leone who have been victims of fraud, often in the mining industry. Examples of fraud include advance-fee schemes where individuals have approached U.S. citizens urging them to purchase diamonds directly from Sierra Leone. The U.S. Embassy cannot interfere or intervene in any legal disputes, including those related to precious minerals. See a list of types of export/investment assistance available from the U.S. Commercial Service here. You may also contact Freetown-Econ@state.gov.

Photography: Travelers 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.

Dual Nationals: U.S. citizens who are also Sierra Leonean nationals must provide proof of payment of taxes on revenue earned in Sierra Leone before being granted clearance to depart the country.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following websites for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report– see country reports
• International Volunteers: Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: Consensual sexual relations between men are criminalized in Sierra Leone. Although the U.S. Embassy is not aware of any recent prosecutions for consensual sexual activity between men, such activity is illegal and penalties can include imprisonment. While there is no explicit legal prohibition against sexual relations between women, women of all ages can be victims of “planned rapes” initiated by family members in an effort to change their sexual orientation.

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Sierra Leone does not prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities and offers no specific protections for such persons. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure throughout the country. Rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, and service providers, such as sign language interpreters, are not available.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: Rape, including spousal rape, is illegal in Sierra Leone and 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 five million leones ($943) and up to two years in prison. However, domestic violence is common and police are unlikely to intervene.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is less widespread in Sierra Leone now than in the past. The government’s focus is on protecting minor girls from the practice. While technically criminalized, the government will not try to stop FGM/C for consenting adults due to the deep-seated traditions, particularly in rural areas. See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Medical facilities and services in Sierra Leone are severely limited. The standard of care, including basic medical services such as imaging or blood tests, is much lower than in the United States.

For emergency services in Sierra Leone, dial 117.

Ambulance services are limited in availability and for the most part do not meet U.S. standards. They are often unreliable or absent in many areas, typically lacking trained paramedics and adequate medical equipment. As a result, seriously ill or injured travelers might choose to use a taxi or private vehicle to reach a hospital instead of waiting for an ambulance.

See our Health Abroad page for more information.

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health website. This website reviews important vaccine recommendations as well as other important guidance to help prevent non-vaccine preventable disease as well as other health and safety tips. Select your destination in the CDC Travelers’ Health website and be sure to review all sub-sections thoroughly.

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Sierra Leone’s Federal Office of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in Sierra Leone.

Vaccinations: Stay up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: 

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Sierra Leone. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
• The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the dry season between December and February. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
  • Infants, children, and teens
  • People over 65 years of age
  • People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
  • People with heart disease or diabetes

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Water Quality:

• Generally, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages in sealed containers are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

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. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Adventure Travel:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

General Health:

The following diseases are prevalent:

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

Chemoprophylaxis for malaria with Doxycycline, Mefloquine, or Atovaquone/Proguanil is highly recommended for all travelers even for short stays.

To prevent mosquito bites, particularly from the anopheles mosquito that carries malaria:

• Avoid outdoor activities at night when possible.
• Sleep under a “tucked in” or floor-length insecticide-treated mosquito net.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants when outdoors at night.
• Apply insect repellent, such as DEET (25-50%), Picardin (20%) or Oil or Lemon Eucalyptus (30%).
• Use Permethrin to treat clothing, patio furniture, curtains, and mosquito nets.
• Eliminate standing water around your home to prevent mosquito breeding.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information regarding specific issues in Sierra Leone.

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, and it is often difficult to find adequate fuel for longer journeys. Serious accidents are common, especially outside of Freetown, where the relative lack of traffic allows for greater speeds. You should avoid nighttime travel.

Traffic Laws: International road signs and protocols are not routinely observed in Sierra Leone. In the event of a traffic accident, you should follow all police instructions. Large mobs often form at the scene of an accident and threaten the safety of the driver. You should go to the nearest police station for safety, even in minor accidents.

Public 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.

Motorcycle taxis are ubiquitous in Freetown and often cause serious accidents. The U.S. Embassy strongly advises against utilizing these motorcycles. Pick pocketing is common in public taxis and mini-buses.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

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 the government of Sierra Leone’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Sierra Leone should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.