Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to crime and civil unrest.

Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as robbery and assault, occur frequently in Sierra Leone, especially in Freetown.  Local police often lack the resources to deal effectively with serious criminal incidents.

Demonstrations and protests occur in Sierra Leone and on occasion have resulted in violence.

If traveling outside the Freetown peninsula, make all efforts to complete your travel during daylight hours due to increased safety hazards at night.  The U.S. Embassy is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Freetown at night as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital after dark.

Read the country information page for additional information about travel to Sierra Leone.

If you decide to travel to Sierra Leone:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Sierra Leone.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.