Travel Vaccines and Advice for Sierra Leone
Despite its beauty, Sierra Leone has remained mostly uninfluenced by tourist activities. Much of the country is still undiscovered.
The country’s coastline, is only one of its many attractive landscapes. The Loma Mountains in the north have dense rain forests and volcanoes nestled in rolling hills.
In Freetown vibrant houses perched on stilts remain from when freed slaves relocated to the country’s Western shores.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Sierra Leone?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Sierra Leone
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Sierra Leone?
What Is the Climate Like in Sierra Leone?
How Safe Is Sierra Leone?
Is the Food Safe in Sierra Leone?
Going to Banana Island
What Should I Take to Sierra Leone?
Canadian Embassy in Sierra Leone
Do I Need Vaccines for Sierra Leone?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Sierra Leone. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sierra Leone: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
While there is no active polio transmission in Sierra Leone, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for arriving travellers from ALL countries. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Sierra Leone |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | While there is no active polio transmission in Sierra Leone, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for arriving travellers from ALL countries. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Sierra Leone |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads via contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Protect yourself by practicing good hygiene and safe food habits. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of typhoid infection, especially when travelling to endemic areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective shot that provides immunity against the virus, usually given in two doses.
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever is a serious, potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by fever, jaundice, and bleeding. The yellow fever vaccine, given as a single injection, offers effective, long-lasting immunity against the virus and is crucial for travellers to and residents of endemic areas in Africa and South America.
- Rabies – The rabies virus is a deadly threat that spreads through bites and scratches from infected animals. Preventing rabies involves timely vaccination, avoiding contact with wildlife and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten. The rabies vaccine is instrumental in developing immunity and safeguarding against this fatal disease.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread through bodily fluids, poses a significant health risk. Safe practices help, but vaccination is the ultimate safeguard. It prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring strong and persistent protection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious viral infections, causing various symptoms and complications. To prevent them, vaccination is key. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, safeguards against all three diseases and helps establish herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Yellow Fever in Sierra Leone
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Sierra Leone. All travellers over the age of nine months must show proof of vaccination upon arriving in the country. Vaccination is also recommended by the PHAC and WHO to keep travellers protected against the virus.
Malaria in Sierra Leone
Malaria is widespread in Sierra Leone. Antimalarials are recommended for all travellers to the country. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are often given to travellers to Sierra Leone. Malaria parasite are resistant to chloroquine in the region. Be sure to consult with a travel health specialist on which antimalarials are best for your itinerary and health situation.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Sierra Leone.
The PHAC also says that the Zika virus is a risk in Sierra Leone. This virus can cause serious birth defects. It is recommended that pregnant women, or women planning to become pregnant, should not travel to Sierra Leone.
Typhoid vaccination is highly recommended for travellers to Sierra Leone. Individuals who visit friends or relatives or go to rural areas are at greater risk and should be immunized.
Ebola struck Sierra Leone in July of 2014. The outbreak claimed more than 700 lives.
In March 2016, the World Health Organization declared Sierra Leone Ebola-free.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Sierra Leone
Prevent Bug Bites in Sierra Leone
To ward off bug bites, follow PHAC advice: wear long clothing, use screens, and remove standing water. Opt for EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE for protection. If bitten, wash the area, avoid scratching, and apply remedies. Seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Sierra Leone
Abroad, practice food safety by avoiding street vendors, washing hands thoroughly, and choosing well-cooked meals. Opt for bottled or canned drinks with unbroken seals. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by practicing hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Infections To Be Aware of in Sierra Leone
- African Tick-Bite Fever – ATBF, transmitted by ticks in sub-Saharan Africa, can be prevented by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks. For additional protection, inquire about available options from healthcare experts before travelling to affected areas.
- Dengue – Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including high fever and pain. The PHAC emphasizes prevention through avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents and removing standing water. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and hydration, avoiding certain pain relievers that can worsen bleeding risks.
- Ebola – Ebola, a deadly virus, can be prevented through rigorous hand hygiene and avoiding infected individuals, both are crucial in halting its transmission.
- Lassa Fever – Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, spreads via rodents and human-to-human transmission. Although no vaccine is licensed yet, prevention entails strict hygiene, rodent control, and healthcare safety measures.
- Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever – Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever (MHF) spreads through contact with infected animals and individuals, necessitating stringent protective measures. Safe burial practices, healthcare infection control, and community education are pivotal in reducing MHF transmission risks.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated water. Avoiding contact with infected water sources and using protective clothing can reduce the risk of infection. Seeking medical evaluation promptly if symptoms such as fever and fatigue manifest enables timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications and promoting recovery.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, spreads through mosquito bites, sexual contact, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Preventive measures include using repellent, practicing safe sex, and removing mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Sierra Leone?
A valid passport is required to enter the country. All tourist and business visits will also require a visa.
Sierra Leone Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Sierra Leone? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Sierra Leone and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months following your expected date of arrival. Proof of yellow fever immunization is also required for entry.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone is, for the most part, humid year-round. The country’s hottest season is from November through around April. During this time, travellers can expect a slight drop in humidity, but a spike in temperatures. Near the coast, breezes from the Atlantic offer a slight drop in temperature. March is considered the peak of the dry, hot season.
From December to January, dry dust storms from the Sahara blow through most of the country.
November and May are considered “wet months.” Travellers should expect a moderate amount of rainfall during this time.
- Freetown – In this coastal town, the temperatures tend to be relatively cooler than other major cities in Sierra Leone. Freetown experiences frequent rainfall.
- Kenema – Located in the South Sierra Leone, the climate is tropical and rainfall is present for most of the year. The dry season here has little impact on the climate.
- Makeni – Located in the center of Sierra Leone, this city experiences weather like Kenema to the South and Freetown to the West. But, this area experiences less rainfall.
How Safe Is Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone is widely regarded as one of the poorest countries in the world. With this poverty comes an increase in crime rates.
Freetown is seen as the safest destination in the country. But, even in Freetown, night time wandering is not recommended. If you decide to travel from Freetown, the trip should be made in the daylight as run-ins with bandits are not uncommon.
If you are headed to border areas pay attention to your surroundings and never travel alone if you can help it. For instance, the border to Liberia is considered unstable.
Is the Food Safe in Sierra Leone?
Most dishes in Sierra Leone are spicy, plant-based and served with rice. Vegetable, meat and nut stews are common. Local dishes include: okra stew, cassava bread, coconut cake and pepper soup.
More impoverished areas in the country will have poor hygiene practices. It is best to stick to restaurants that are recommended for serving quality food on a consistent basis.
Although street food may smell tempting, cooking food outdoors increases the likelihood of your meal becoming contaminated.
All travellers to Sierra Leone should bring a travellers’ diarrhea kit, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations.
Going to Banana Island
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Banana Island is a beautiful place in Sierra Leone that tourists like to visit because of its clear waters and white sandy beaches. People can do fun activities there, like swimming, snorkeling, and diving to see different types of colorful fish and sea animals. They can also go fishing with local fishermen, who use traditional methods to catch fish.
Banana Island is also a good place to relax and unwind because it is a quiet and peaceful island. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the island’s history and culture, or walk around and explore. There are also small guesthouses and lodges on the island where people can stay and experience island life.
Banana Island is a great place to visit if you like being near the ocean, want to try new things or want to relax in a beautiful setting.
What Should I Take to Sierra Leone?
Consider packing the following items, regardless what time of year you plan on travelling to Sierra Leone:
- Either a rain poncho or a light rain jacket – Prepare for any expected or unexpected rainfall.
- Bug spray or insect repellent – The high level of humidity across the country attracts mosquitoes, among other insects.
- Long sleeved shirts and pants – Coverage of the arms and legs further reduces your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.
- Light and airy, yet relatively conservative clothing – The temperatures are manageable, but humidity can make it feel much warmer than it is.
Canadian Embassy in Sierra Leone
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. There are no consular services in Sierra Leone. For any consular needs, contact the Canadian Embassy of Ghana:
Canadian Embassy in Ghana
42 Independence Avenue,
Accra, Ghana
Tel: +233 (0) 302 21 15 21 / +233 (0) 302 22 85 55
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Sierra Leone
“The nurse was very knowledgeable with Sierra Leone and I felt very comfortable with her recommendations on the necessary vaccinations. Quick in and out consultation and I was happy with their service.”
“The lady who helped me was very nice and knowledgeable. It explained a lot about the passport immunization clinic.”
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