Sierra Leone Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to crime, unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure.

Crime

• Violent crimes, such as robbery and assault, occur frequently in Sierra Leone, especially in Freetown. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources.
• Do not travel outside the Freetown peninsula after nightfall. There are increased safety hazards and security concerns at night. U.S. government employees in Sierra Leone are prohibited from travel outside the capital after dark. The U.S. Embassy in Freetown cannot offer emergency services outside Freetown at night.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

Unrest

• Demonstrations and protests occur in Sierra Leone and occasionally result in violence. Protests can happen with little to no warning. They often develop around political issues, large events, or holidays.

Health

• Sierra Leone’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health facilities, services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe.
• Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Be sure to bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip. Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Sierra Leone

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Sierra Leone, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Following the end of the civil war in 2002, the political situation in Sierra Leone has improved. However, the political situation can change and protests can turn violent. Avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations and follow any curfews or restrictions. Remain vigilant as the security situation could change quickly.

Crime

In a small number of incidents, British nationals have been robbed, sometimes at knifepoint. Robberies have taken place in Congo Cross, Wilkinson Road, Lumley Beach, Aberdeen and at beach resorts along the Freetown peninsula and surrounding islands. Crime rates in Sierra Leone are comparatively low, however incidents of violent and organised crime are rising. Exercise vigilance and avoid walking alone at night.

The greatest risk to short-stay visitors is from pickpocketing and mugging in Freetown. If you’re staying for a longer period, make sure you secure your property and employ guards.

To reduce your personal risk:

• avoid crowds and political demonstrations
• do not display or carry expensive items or large sums of money
• avoid walking alone after dark
• familiarise yourself with your surroundings and stay alert
• arrange your transport in advance
• check your hotel safe is secure

Public transport drivers and passengers have robbed foreign visitors. Avoid travelling in taxis, minibuses (‘poda-podas’), motorised rickshaws (‘kekes’) or motorbikes (‘ocadas’).

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 is no charge if you want to report a crime and do not need a crime reference number.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Sierra Leone, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Sierra Leone for up to one month after you arrive. If you also get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP), you can drive for the length of the IDP’s validity. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.

If you’re staying longer or living in Sierra Leone, you must get a Sierra Leone driving licence.

Road conditions and safety

Serious traffic accidents are common and road travel across the country comes with risks, including:

• poor standards of vehicle maintenance
• people driving erratically, particularly motorbike riders, and ignoring road regulations
• roads with little or no lighting
• vehicles with no lights, and pedestrians and animals on the road
• damage to roads during the rainy season
• high traffic levels, increasing the risk of collisions

If you are travelling by road, particularly outside the Freetown peninsula, you should:

• plan your journey
• try to complete your travel during daylight hours as risks are higher at night
• travel in convoy if possible
• keep your employer, friends and family updated on your progress
• use well-maintained vehicles
• travel with your doors locked
• be alert to groups stopping your car under false pretences

British High Commission staff avoid road travel outside the Freetown peninsula at night. They do not use local taxis, minibuses (‘poda-podas’), motorised riskshaw (‘kekes’) or motorbikes (‘ocadas’).

The mobile network is unreliable, particularly in remote areas. If you do manage to communicate, the emergency response is unreliable. If you have an accident, mobs of people can form around your car. You need a plan for what to do in an emergency.

Sierra Leone’s borders with Guinea and Liberia

Sierra Leone is bordered to the north and east by Guinea, and to the south by Liberia. There will be security personnel at these borders. Make sure you have your paperwork ready if you are crossing by land. Stay calm and patient while you wait for your paperwork to be processed and be prepared for disruption and short-notice border closures.

Checkpoints and unofficial roadblocks

Officers in uniform control official checkpoints with marked barriers.

Children sometimes put a rope across the road and ask for a small donation for mending the road. These unofficial roadblocks are most common at the weekend and on the roads to tourist beaches in the Western Area.

Air travel

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Sierra Leone that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Travel to and from Lungi airport

Lungi airport is on the far side of a wide estuary across from Freetown. The journey time from Freetown to the airport is around 3 hours by road. There are no car hire facilities at the airport.

British High Commission staff do not travel by road after dark and rarely take this route in the daytime due to the risk of accidents.

Let someone know your expected arrival time and what action they should take if you do not arrive at that time.

Airport hotels rooms are extremely limited and in high demand.

Airport water taxis and ferries

The 2 main water taxi operators, Sierra Leone Sea Coach Express Africa and SeaBird Water Taxi, run a reliable service between Freetown and Lungi. It takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the boat.

The one-hour ferry service between Lungi Tagrin and Kissy Town only runs when there is enough demand.

Water taxis are scheduled to align with specific flight arrivals and departures, and also include a courtesy bus between Lungi airport and the beach departure or arrival point in Lungi.

During the rainy season from May to October, rough sea conditions may cause delays or cancellations. Water taxis have navigational aids, night lights and life jackets for passengers. However they have limited rescue capability if you fall overboard.

Avoid using the unregulated or privately operated boats such as wooden pirogues and canoes, which do not have lights or safety equipment. British High Commission staff do not travel on small boats.

Risk level

Sierra Leone - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Sierra Leone due to crime.

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 not well patrolled by local authorities. Border areas with Guinea and Liberia experience ongoing territorial disputes, trans-border military operations, and militia and criminal activities. Border raids may occur and could result in armed confrontations and other violent incidents. Land border crossings may close with little notice.

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 foreigners' 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

塞拉利昂风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在塞拉利昂中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。