Risk level

Safety and security

Political situation

On November 26, 2023, there were violent clashes between security forces and armed groups in Freetown. The situation is currently stable, but tensions remain. Further clashes or civil unrest cannot be ruled out.

Border areas

Border areas are poorly patrolled by local authorities. There is a high level of trans-border military, militia, and criminal activity in the border areas with Guinea and Liberia.

Be vigilant in all border areas, as the security situation could deteriorate suddenly.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently across the country, and has recently increased reportedly due to the rise in drug use. These incidents particularly occur in busy areas, particularly in Freetown, especially in these areas:

• Eastern Freetown
• Lumley roundabout
• Lumley Beach at night

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• don’t show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• don’t carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily

Violent crime

Although incidents are mostly opportunistic, violent crime remains a concern. Armed robberies, carjackings and burglaries have occurred in foreigner’s homes. There is a heightened risk of serious crime after dark.

During your stay:

• avoid going out after dark
• avoid isolated areas
• keep doors and windows locked at all times
• avoid confrontation
• don't resist an attack

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur occasionally. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Terrorism

Sierra Leone has not been targeted by terrorist groups recently, but the country remains vulnerable to terrorist groups active in neighbouring countries. Terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.

Targets could include:

• government buildings
• schools
• places of worship
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.  

Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as election

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Road

Road safety

There are major road safety issues in Sierra Leone. Fatal accidents are common and they often involve pedestrians. Police and emergency services assistance is limited or even unavailable in rural areas.

Road conditions

Road conditions vary throughout the country. Freetown has paved roads and the main roads from Freetown to Makeni or Bo are paved. Most secondary roads are not paved. Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season from April to November, and sometimes near-zero visibility is a risk. In Freetown, steep slopes can be a cause of accidents for poorly maintained cars that are unable to properly brake.

Driving can be dangerous due to:

• poorly maintained vehicles
• poorly maintained road and potholes
• stray livestock
• lack of traffic signs
• pedestrians on the road
• insufficient lighting and vehicles not using their headlights

Driving habits

Drivers do not always respect traffic laws. Speeding is common, especially on the Waterloo-Freetown highway. Pedestrians and other drivers’ right of way are not respected. Drinking and driving is common.

Traffic accidents can quickly draw large and sometimes hostile crowds. Remain calm if there is a dispute, particularly in a public place. If threatened by a large crowd, seek direct intervention from the local police.

If you choose to drive in Sierra Leone:

• always keep doors and windows closed and locked 
• always carry a cellphone and charger
• always keep a full tank of gas
• avoid travelling after dark outside of Freetown
• outside Freetown a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, particularly during the rainy season
• consider renting a car with a hired driver rather than driving yourself
• keep a supply of water and non-perishable snacks

Checkpoints

Police checkpoints are common throughout the country. Only national police officers in uniform have the authority to establish checkpoints.

• Be prepared to show your identification 
• Follow the instructions of the police  
• Remain calm and courteous 

Children and road repair crews often establish unofficial roadblocks to ask for change.

Women safety

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

Advice for women travellers

Fraud

Cybersecurity

Cybercrime and online extortion can occur in Sierra Leone.

Cybercriminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal personal data or credit information.

• Use secure public Wi-Fi networks
• Be cautious when posting information or photos on social media
• Keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam if you go to meet an online acquaintance in person
• Be wary of unsolicited emails offering attractive business opportunities
• Don't click on suspicious links that ask for your banking information in an e-mail or text message

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs sometimes.  

When using your debit or credit card:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Tourist facilities

Tourist facilities are extremely limited and availability may be reduced during the holiday season. When possible, check the level of security at hotels, lodges or any other type of accommodation before booking your stay.

In remote regions, tourist facilities are almost non-existent.

If you are planning a trip outside Freetown:

• plan your trip in advance
• keep a supply of water, food, fuel and an emergency kit on hand
• bring a cell phone, charger and local emergency numbers
• make sure to have sufficient cash
• use a reputable tour operator

Public transportation

Public transportation services are limited and not reliable.

You should avoid using public transportation.

Transportation between Lungi International Airport and Freetown

Local transportation services between Lungi International Airport and Freetown are available by:

• land
• ferryboat
• helicopter
• speed boat

None of those options are risk-free, and the risk increases after dark.

If you choose to use public transportation to and from the airport:

• plan to land early enough in the day so that you can arrive at your destination before nightfall
• arrange for transportation prior to arrival, reputable hotels often offer shuttle services from the boat dock to the hotel
• only use reputable taxi companies, including water taxi operators
• avoid using unregulated or unauthorized boats
• avoid using water transportation during rough seas
• be aware of your surroundings if you use the ferry, as there are reports of pickpocketing

Telecommunications

The telecommunications network can be unreliable, especially in remote areas.

Shortages

Water and fuel shortages occur occasionally.

• Keep a supply of water, fuel and an emergency kit on hand
• Monitor local media for the latest information

Power outages

Power outages occur regularly throughout the country, including in Freetown.

Power outages often impact essential services, such as:

• the public water supply
• telecommunications

Water activities

Ocean currents along the coast are powerful and dangerous. There are no rescue services.

Swimming

Beaches are generally unsupervised. Several drownings occur every year. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Water safety abroad

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Sierra Leonean authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid upon entry.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

If you are travelling to Sierra Leone for tourism or business, you can either:

• apply for an e-visa before arrival
• get a visa on arrival

For other purposes, or for a multi-entry visa, you must be in possession of a visa before arrival.

You must pay an airport security fee prior to your arrival or departure. Payment can be made at the airport or online.

Useful links:

• eVisa application – Sierra Leone Immigration Service
• Airport security fee payment – Government of Sierra Leone

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are extremely limited and only offer basic services.

Ambulance services are available, but access could be limited.

In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation will be necessary. Medical transport is very expensive and payment is often required up front.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect a jail sentence and a heavy fine.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Precious minerals

Mineral import and export of gold, diamonds and other precious natural resources are subject to strict regulations. You need a licence issued by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources to export precious minerals. There are reports of fraud related to exporting diamonds and precious metals, including fake certificates of export.

Individuals who commit offences may face prosecution, and penalties including imprisonment. Seek legal advice before engaging in commercial transactions involving precious minerals.

Photography

Photography of military installations or government buildings is prohibited, including:

• military sites
• airports
• government buildings
• bridges

These restrictions are strictly enforced. If in doubt, do not take pictures.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Sierra Leonean law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted may face up to life imprisonment and possibly a fine.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Sierra Leone.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Driving

You must carry an international driving permit to drive in Sierra Leone.

Carry your identification and vehicle documents with you.

If you have an accident and injure someone, take the person directly to the hospital. If witnesses to the accident react with hostility, go immediately to the nearest police station.

International Driving Permit

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions
• seek permission from locals before photographing them

Ramadan

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Sierra Leone.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Sierra Leone, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Sierra Leone.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Sierra Leone by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Sierra Leone to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Money

The currency is the leone (SLL).

Sierra Leone is cash-based economy. Strict rules limit the import of foreign currency in the form of cash. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted.

There are very few ATMs in Freetown. You should exchange foreign currency at banks or official foreign exchange offices only. The U.S. dollar and the Euro are the easiest currencies to exchange.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Sierra Leone. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation

Rainy seaon 

The rainy season extends from May to November. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including road conditions and weather reports
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders