Sierra Leone

The political and security environment in Sierra Leone is fragile. Violent demonstrations took place in Freetown in August 2022. Clashes between protestors and security forces resulted in casualties. 

Civil unrest, public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid large gatherings and political rallies. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

To reduce your risk during periods of unrest:

• avoid protests, rallies and other demonstrations
• monitor the media for possible unrest
• follow the advice of local authorities 

General election

Sierra Leone held a general election on 24 June, with the results still to be announced. If a run-off is required in the presidential election, a second round of voting will be held within 14 days of the first round's results announcement. 

There have been instances of serious injuries from election-related violence during past elections. 

You should avoid all political gatherings and election-related sites. Follow the advice of local authorities. 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Border areas 

The border area of Sierra Leone and Guinea are poorly patrolled. Refugees and displaced people cross the border between Sierra Leone and Guinea. Violent clashes have occurred. Criminal gangs and smugglers operate in these areas.

The security situation in the area bordering Liberia is unsettled. Be aware of security issues near the border with Liberia.

Violent and petty crime

There is anti-COVID-19 sentiment towards foreigners.

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

Common crimes include:

• armed robbery
• violent assault
• pickpocketing
• bag snatching

Home burglaries are increasing.

Security risks increase at night.

Some criminals target travellers and ex-pats.

To reduce your risk of crime:

• watch your personal belongings
• avoid walking in isolated areas or along dark streets at night
• lock your accommodation, even when you're in it
• keep car windows up, and doors locked, even when moving

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 or chat rooms.

Once the online friendship develops, your friend or prospective marriage partner might ask you to send money so they can travel to Australia.

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
• 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

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

More information:

• Scams

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. 

An attack could happen anywhere and at any time. This includes places that travellers visit.

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 an attack occurs:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• leave the area as soon as it's safe
• avoid the area in case of secondary attacks

More information:

• Terrorism

Strong coastal currents are common.

There are no lifeguards or emergency services to rescue swimmers.

To swim safely:

• get advice from locals before swimming
• don't swim alone

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

Floods have caused deaths and displaced large numbers of people.

In August 2017, a mudslide in the Regent area of Freetown caused hundreds of deaths and injuries.

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.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Sierra Leone. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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 (including door knobs and counters) 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.

Ebola virus disease

In 2016, a contained outbreak of Ebola (Department of Health) occurred. Ebola could happen again in Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries.

The 2016 outbreak overwhelmed local healthcare facilities. If there's another outbreak, your access to medical care may be severely limited.

If you travel to Sierra Leone, check if your insurance covers healthcare or medical evacuation costs if you get Ebola.

If you're working in the region, make sure your employer has plans for quarantine, treatment or evacuation of staff who show symptoms of Ebola.

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever (Department of Health) 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.

Malaria (World Health Organization) 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.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) infection rate is high. 

Take precautions if you engage in activities that 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
• COVID-19

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
• 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

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are very limited in Sierra Leone.

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

You'll need to pay up-front before you can get treatment, even in an emergency.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include mandatory terms.

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

Areas where photography is illegal may not be clearly marked. If you're not sure, don't take a photo.

Same-sex relationships are illegal.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Sierra Leone doesn't recognise dual nationality. Always 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:

• Dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative, particularly for women. Avoid revealing clothing. Take care not to offend.

The Islamic holiday 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

Commercial flights are operating on a reduced schedule.

To enter Sierra Leone, you'll need to show proof of your vaccination status, or a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken within days of your arrival. Airlines may have additional COVID-19 restrictions. Contact your airline to confirm before travel.

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)

Departure from Sierra Leone

If you're not vaccinated against COVID-19, you'll be required to produce a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test conducted within 72 hours of departure. 

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sierra Leone. You may be asked to show your certificate when you leave.

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

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Sierra Leone Leone (SLL).

Declare all amounts over SLL50,000 on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

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

Only exchange money at banks and official exchange bureaus.

The economy is mostly cash-based. 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.

Make sure you have enough cash for your stay.

Airport transfers

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

• helicopter
• ferry service
• private boat service
• hovercraft
• road

Safety and security risks include:

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

Risks increase after dark.

Accommodation options if you arrive at Lungi at night are very limited.

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
• 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 common. You're five times more likely to die in a car accident in Sierra Leone than in Australia.

Road travel outside the Freetown Peninsula is dangerous, especially at night.

Hazards include:

• poor driving standards
• poorly maintained roads and vehicles

You may have trouble at roadblocks and checkpoints, including requests for money.

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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis and limousines. Try to arrange them through your hotel.

Public transport

Public transport is limited.

Safety and maintenance standards are unreliable.

Sea travel

Ferry travel is risky due to low safety standards and bad weather.

Ferries may be overcrowded. Often there are not enough life jackets.

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

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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.

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help 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
Fax: +233 302 216 410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
Twitter: @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