What you need to know before you leave...

Passports, Visas and other documents required when traveling to Sierra Leone

All persons entering Sierra Leone must have a valid passport or travel document. Citizens of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) do not require a visa to enter the country. Visas are issued at Sierra Leone's overseas missions.

Visit Sierra Leone - Visa Service

In some cases, travelers reside in countries where there is no Sierra Leone diplomatic representation or may require commuting to such an office. In other instances, they may be unwilling to put their passport in the post or simply do not have time to go to the Embassy or High Commission.

Credit card use in Sierra Leone

Currency Import

Local: Up To SLL 50,000
Foreign: Unlimited, cash must not exceed USD5,000

Exports: Residents

Local: Up to SLL50,000
Foreign: Up to the amount imported and declared
Import Allowances

a. 200 Cigarettes or 225gr of tobacco
b. 1.136 lit of wine or 1.136 lit of spirit
c. 1.136 lit of perfume

The following items are prohibited and must not be imported into Sierra Leone

Firearms and explosives, obscene literature, prescribed drugs.

The following items cannot be exported from Sierra Leone

Firearms and explosives, live animals, gold and historical artifacts cannot be exported.

Health Requirements

A vaccination certificate for yellow fever is required if traveling to and from certain areas. Consult the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/) for up to date travel health information.  It is advisable to take anti-malaria tablets and consult your doctor or travel agent at least six weeks prior to travel regarding other precautions that should be taken when traveling to tropical regions.

Health Facilities

There are several hospitals and clinics operated by the Government and the private sector, which provide both therapeutic and private health care. The standards in these hospitals are not quite on par with those in the developed world and extra care should be taken to avoid getting sick or hurt.

The main hospitals in Freetown are:

Connaught Hospital - is the main Government Hospital.

The Choitram Foundation Hospital - is situated in Hill Station and has good medical facilities.

There are other private hospitals and clinics which also offer medial care.

If you travel up country, there are fewer opportunities for health care particularly in remote regions.

Travel Insurance/Medical Insurance

Sierra Leone reflects the diverse nature of the region with people from different tribal backgrounds. These differences can be seen in the traditional music and performances of local cultural groups. Come listen to the drums of the Temne or watch the dances of the Mende. See the fire-eaters or watch the “Mask Devils” dance.

The people of Sierra Leone welcome visitors and are proud to show off their country. There are few social restrictions, though sensitivity is suggested in the more rural areas. English is widely spoken in Freetown though Krio and tribal languages are more prevalent in the countryside. Translators are available.

Greetings are important in Sierra Leone. Business meetings usually begin with a formal exchange of cards and introductory speeches. Social gatherings are less formal.NB: Always ask permission before taking pictures of nationals. In most cases they will be happy to comply especially if you send them a copy of the picture! The government discourages begging of any kind.