Travel Vaccines and Advice for Sierra Leone

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Sierra Leone. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sierra Leone: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, polio and tetanus.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Sierra Leone.

The NaTHNaC 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.

Ebola struck Sierra Leone in July of 2014. The outbreak claimed more than 700 lives.

In March 2016, the World Health organisation declared Sierra Leone Ebola-free.

To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either ring or start booking online now.

A visa is required for all travel to Sierra Leone. Passports must have at least six months validity. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country. If you do not have proof of vaccination, you may be vaccinated on site, quarantined or returned to your previous location.

Sierra Leone Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Sierra Leone?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Sierra Leone and GOV.UK

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 centre of Sierra Leone, this city experiences weather like Kenema to the South and Freetown to the West. But, this area experiences less rainfall.

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.

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 traveller’s diarrhoea kit and receive cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations.

Gola Forest National Park is the best opportunity to get up close with wildlife. At one point of entry to the park sits Tiwai Island, where 11 primate species, exotic butterflies and pygmy hippos live.

Local groups offer weekend excursions that involves canoeing, hiking, animal tracking and visits to local communities for a full cultural experience.

Consider packing the following items, regardless what time of year you plan on travelling to Sierra Leone:

• Either a rain kagoul or a light rain jacket – Prepare for any expected or unexpected rainfall.
• Insect spray or insect repellent – The high level of humidity across the country attracts mosquitoes, among other insects.
• Long sleeved shirts and trousers – 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.

If you are in Sierra Leone and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British High Commission Freetown
6 Spur Road Freetown
Freetown
Sierra Leone
Telephone: +232 (0) 78200190
Emergency Phone: +232 (0) 76780713
Email: freetown.general.enquiries@fco.gov.uk

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