Sierra Leone

The security environment in Sierra Leone remains fluid. 

Civil unrest, demonstrations, public protests and events that draw large numbers of people can turn violent. Clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in serious injuries and casualties in the past. Avoid demonstrations, protests and areas where large gatherings are taking place.

Nationwide curfews, checkpoints and additional security measures could be implemented at short notice. 

Disruptions to communication networks and internet service can occur with little notice, especially during civil unrest. The telecommunications network can be unreliable, and some areas do not have mobile coverage. There’s no public telephone system and landline connections are mainly disused. Calls between Sierra Leone mobile phones and Sierra Leone landline phones are not possible.

Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations. 

More information:

• Demonstrations

Crime levels are high in Sierra Leone, including in Freetown.

Common crimes include:

• armed robbery
• violent assault
• carjacking
• pickpocketing and mugging
• bag snatching

Pickpocketing and purse snatching is common on the ferry to and from Lungi International Airport, near beach resorts and in bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Security risks increase at night. Some criminals target travellers and foreigners.

To stay safe:

• watch your personal belongings and avoiding displaying signs of personal wealth
• avoid walking in isolated areas or going out after dark
• lock your accommodation, even when you're in it
• arrange your transport in advance
• avoid using public transport

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Reporting crime 

The Sierra Leone Police charge foreign nationals a fee for police reports. They will not issue a crime reference number, which is needed for most insurance claims, without a police report. Do not pay the police directly. Make your payment to the Sierra Leone Police Revenue Generation Fund account at the Bank of Sierra Leone and get a receipt. 

There's no charge if you want to report a crime but don't need a crime reference number.

Border areas 

The security situation in border areas could deteriorate rapidly. Violent clashes and territorial disputes have occurred. Criminal gangs and smugglers operate in these areas. Border closures may occur with little notice.

Scams and fraud

Internet scams come in many forms, including romance, friendship, business and job offers. These scams often come from West Africa and usually start in internet dating sites, chat rooms or via email. 

Once the online friendship develops, your friend or prospective business or marriage partner might ask you to send money to help them in a difficult situation or for an investment opportunity.

Criminals might also:

• ask to transfer large amounts of money to an overseas bank account and offer you a percentage
• provide fake cashier cheques for urgent shipments of goods
• ask for large fees for fake government contracts
• offer to purchase precious minerals or diamonds on your behalf
• lure you to Sierra Leone for a business opportunity

In some cases, the relationship ends, and your money is gone. In other cases, you could be lured to Africa to meet your friend. You may be kidnapped, assaulted or robbed.

Don't travel to Sierra Leone to get your money back. Some victims have been killed. 

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don't know
• don't send money to anyone until you've thoroughly checked them
• be cautious when posting information on social media
• check your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions
• use ATMs located inside a bank or business

If you're the victim of a scam, get legal advice.

More information:

• Scams

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Cyber security 

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

To reduce your risk of being involved in an attack in Sierra Leone:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the media for any new threats
• take official warnings seriously

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Strong coastal currents are common and drownings occur.

There are no lifeguards or emergency services to rescue swimmers.

To reduce your risks, you should:

• get advice from locals before swimming
• avoid swimming alone
• don't swim in freshwater
• be aware of hospital waste, including needles, on Lumley Beach

The rainy season is from May to November. Flooding may occur, and roads may be blocked.

Floods have caused mudslides, deaths and displaced large numbers of people.

Monitor weather reports and plan your travel.

If a natural disaster or severe weather happens:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• closely monitor local media and other sources
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Extended power outages and water shortages can occur in Sierra Leone.

Blackouts can affect water availability, internet connectivity, mobile phone network coverage, fuel availability, residential security features, and food supply. Power surges are common, especially in the rainy season. Consider using power surge protectors.

Be prepared for blackouts: 

• have a communications plan for when there is no or limited power (landline locations, external mobile phone battery/power banks, additional charging cords, hard copies of important numbers).
• maintain several days worth of non-perishable food, drinking water, and other essential items, including medicine and first aid supplies.
• keep torches, batteries, radios and basic tools in quick-access locations.
• identify safe areas around the city, including hotels, hospitals or police stations that may not lose power.
• monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

Mpox 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa as a global public health emergency. It has now spread across a number of countries in Africa, including Sierra Leone.

The Sierra Leone government has introduced additional health screening measures, including temperature screening on arrival and across Sierra Leone, due to an increase in Mpox cases. 

Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials.

Symptoms include:
•    rash
•    fever
•    sore throat
•    headache
•    muscle aches
•    back pain
•    low energy
•    swollen lymph nodes

Seek professional medical advice on Mpox vaccines.

Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has Mpox.

See a doctor if you feel unwell and isolate from others if you develop any Mpox symptoms.

More information:
•    Mpox (Australian Government)

Lassa fever

Lassa fever (World Health Organization) is a risk in West Africa. It can be fatal, and there's no vaccine. It passes to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent droppings.

To protect yourself from disease:

• avoid contact with live or dead rodents, their droppings, burrows or nests
• ensure all foods are well-cooked and covered in rodent-proof containers
• keep your body, personal belongings, utensils and common contact surfaces clean
• avoid places where dust is raised, such as from sweeping and vacuuming rodent droppings

Get immediate medical help if you develop any symptoms of Lassa fever, including fever, weakness in your body or unexplained pain.

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is common in Sierra Leone. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel. You'll need to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination when you enter Sierra Leone.

Malaria and other insect-borne diseases are common.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS infection rate is high in Sierra Leone.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Other common waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases, including those listed by the World Health Organization:

• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• cholera
• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• chikungunya
• dengue fever

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

If there is an outbreak of infectious disease, follow the advice of local authorities.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids. Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless you specifically request bottled water
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in freshwater

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Sierra Leone for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical facilities are extremely limited in Sierra Leone, and only offer basic services. Ambulances are not reliable in Freetown, and are unavailable in most of the country. Paramedics may not have training and often have little or no equipment.

Carry basic medical supplies with you.

Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease.

Drugs

Don't use, carry or traffic illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include mandatory terms. Prison conditions in Sierra Leone are hard.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

It's illegal to:

• export precious minerals without a licence from the Ministry of Mines and Resources
• take photos or videos of government buildings, airports or bridges

There are heavy penalties for diamond smuggling. Ensure that certificates of export for precious natural resources are legitimate.

Land registry records are sometimes disputed and can lead to land disputes, where more than one person claims rights to the same land. Disputes can lead to threats of violence. If you are concerned about land ownership, seek independent legal advice and contact the Anti-Land Grabbing Unit of the Sierra Leone Police. 

Areas where photography is illegal may not be clearly marked. If you're not sure, don't take a photo. These restrictions are strictly enforced and you can be arrested.

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

Engaging in same-sex activity is illegal and could lead to prison sentences, including life imprisonment. LGBTQIA+ relationships and identities are widely regarded as unacceptable. There are reports of discrimination and violence against LGBTQIA+ people in Sierra Leone. There is no recognition of same-sex relationships.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Sierra Leone recognises dual nationality. We recommend that you travel on your Australian passport.

If you enter Sierra Leone with a Sierra Leonean passport, local authorities will treat you as a citizen. This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative, particularly for women. Avoid revealing clothing. 

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.

Seek permission from locals before photographing them. Take care not to offend.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Sierra Leone. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public or in front of people who are fasting.

Visas

You need a visa to enter Sierra Leone.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Sierra Leone for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Entry to Sierra Leone

Expect additional health screening measures upon arrival into Sierra Leone due to an increase of Mpox measures (see ‘Health risks’). 

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

Border closures are possible with short notice.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sierra Leone. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to travel to other countries after visiting Sierra Leone.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health).

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF) (World Health Organization)

Dual nationals

If you're an Australian-Sierra Leonean dual national, you must show proof that you've paid taxes on money earned in Sierra Leone.

If you don't, you won't be allowed to leave the country.

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

The local currency is the Leone (SLL).

Euros and US dollars are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange.

Only exchange money at banks and official exchange bureaus.

The economy is cash-based. There are strict rules limiting the amount of foreign cash that can be brought into the country.

Credit cards and traveller's cheques aren't widely accepted.

There aren't many ATMs in Freetown. Contact your bank to check if your cards will work in Sierra Leone.

Airport transfers

All transport options between Lungi airport and Freetown carry risks. This includes travel by:

• helicopter
• ferry service
• private boat service
• road

Safety and security risks include:

• overcrowding
• poor maintenance
• lack of basic safety equipment
• crime

Risks increase after dark. You should avoid travelling at night, including taking public transport. Avoid taking unregulated or privately operated boats between Lungi Airport and Freetown, such as wooden pirogues and canoes, which do not have lights or safety equipment. 

Accommodation options if you arrive at Lungi at night are very limited. There are no car hire facilities at the airport.

To reduce your risks:

• stay overnight at Lungi and transfer to Freetown the next morning
• arrange airport accommodation or transfers before you travel
• try to arrive during daylight hours

Driving permit

You can drive for one month with

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

After that, you'll need a local licence.

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

Serious accidents are very common in Sierra Leone. Speeding and drink driving are common. You should avoid travelling at night, including on public transport. 

Road conditions vary. Freetown has paved roads and the main roads from Freetown to Makeni or Bo are paved. Most secondary roads are not paved. It can be difficult to find adequate fuel for long-distance journeys. Road conditions may worsen during the rainy season. 

There is limited assistance available from emergency services in the case of an accident. Large mobs often form at the scene of an accident and threaten the safety of the driver. Go to the nearest police station for safety, even for minor accidents.

Hazards include:

• poor driving standards
• speeding
• motorcycle taxis
• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• lack of lighting on roads and vehicles not using headlights
• high traffic levels
• pedestrians and animals

You may have trouble at roadblocks and checkpoints, including requests for money. Unofficial checkpoints may be established by children and road repair crews requesting money, often on weekends near tourist beaches. Always carry ID, vehicle registration and ownership papers.

To stay safe on the road:

• get to know local traffic laws and practices
• be alert to possible hazards, especially at night
• keep your windows up and doors locked, even when driving
• use a well-maintained vehicle, preferably a four-wheel-drive if leaving Freetown
• be alert to groups stopping your car under false pretences
• complete your travel during daylight hours when possible
• consider hiring a driver rather than driving yourself
• consider travelling in a convoy

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle. Motorcycle taxis are common in Freetown but are often involved in serious accidents.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Avoid using taxis. Ask your accommodation host or tour guide for advice. Book local transport through a reputable provider. There are no ridesharing services. 

Public transport

Public transport is limited. Use of public transport is not recommended. Safety and maintenance standards are unreliable and pickpocketing and other crime is common.

Sea travel  

Ferry and water taxi travel is risky due to low safety standards and bad weather. Rough conditions may cause cancellations or delays during the rainy season. 

Vessels may be overcrowded and have limited life jackets and lighting. Be vigilant, particularly for pickpocketing, as petty crime is common on these vessels.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others aren't.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

Check Sierra Leone's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 999. Authorities may not answer.

Medical emergencies

Call 999 or go direct to a hospital. It is not recommended that you wait for an ambulance.

Police

Call 019 or visit the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Sierra Leone.

You can get consular help from the Australian High Commission in Ghana.

Australian High Commission, Accra

2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments
Accra, Ghana
Telephone: +233 302 216 400
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
X: @AusAmbGha

The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa, except in Ghana. 

Check the High Commission website for services and opening hours.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia