Travel Tips and Resources
Useful Government and State websites & Travel Information
Please visit your government's local and embassy sites for the most accurate and up-to-date travel information
(the following content is information gathered from the official CIA-US website https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/sierra-leone/travel-facts/)
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to crime and civil unrest. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
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Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for each entry stamp/visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(232) (99)105-000; EMER: +(232)(99) 905-029; U S Embassy Freetown, Southridge, Hill Station, Freetown, Sierra Leone; consularfreetown@state.gov; https://sl.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
232
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 999; Fire: 019; Police: 999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sierra Leone: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)
Currency (Code)
Leones (SLL)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G
Major Languages
English, Mende, Temne, Krio
Major Religions
Muslim 77.1%, Christian 22.9%
Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Mount Bintumani; Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary; Martello Tower; National Railway Museum; Tokeh Beach; Turtle Islands; Lakka Beach
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, cricket, boxing, baseball
Cultural Practices
Greetings are very important in Sierra Leonean culture, and elders are especially respected. It is common to be entertained in a hotel or restaurant, particularly for business visitors. Small tokens of appreciation are always welcome.
Tipping Guidelines
Tips at restaurants are typically not expected, but appreciated. Tipping at hotels is somewhat expected, but at your discretion.
Souvenirs
Tribal art and ceremonial masks, woven baskets, pottery, handmade precious metal and stone jewelry, tailored clothing, bush-medicine items
Traditional Cuisine
Cassava leaf stew — a stew made with finely shredded Cassava leaves added to a palaver sauce made using red palm oil mixed with ingredients such as onions, pepper, fish, meat, and vegetables
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444