Sierra Leone Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Sierra Leone.
Healthcare System
Sierra Leone's healthcare system is under-resourced and faces significant challenges. Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside Freetown, and most hospitals lack modern equipment, supplies, and trained specialists. The country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally and healthcare infrastructure remains in recovery following the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak.
Hospitals
The best medical facilities are in Freetown, including Choithram Memorial Hospital (private), Emergency Hospital, and Connaught Hospital. These facilities can handle basic emergencies but lack capacity for complex procedures. Medical staff may expect immediate cash payment. Outside the capital, medical facilities are extremely basic.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in Freetown and larger towns but stock is limited and inconsistent. Counterfeit medications are a significant problem. Bring all prescription medications in original packaging with sufficient supply for your entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Common over-the-counter medications may be unavailable or of questionable quality.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage up to $100,000 minimum is essential and strongly recommended by all embassies. Verify your policy covers Sierra Leone specifically, as some insurers exclude it.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medications you might need
- Carry contact information for your travel insurance and embassy at all times
- Consider medical evacuation membership services like International SOS
- Avoid medical procedures requiring needles or blood transfusions unless absolutely necessary
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Bring oral rehydration salts as diarrheal diseases are common
- Ensure your tetanus vaccination is current before travel
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of belongings occur regularly, particularly targeting tourists who appear distracted or display valuable items. Thieves often work in pairs or groups, with one creating a distraction while another steals.
Beach vendors and self-appointed 'guides' can be persistent and occasionally aggressive in their sales approaches, particularly toward foreign tourists. While usually not dangerous, situations can become uncomfortable or intimidating.
Road accidents are one of the most significant risks to travelers. Roads are often in poor condition with potholes, lack of signage, and no street lighting. Driving standards are erratic, vehicles are poorly maintained, and overcrowded public transport is common. Accidents involving pedestrians are frequent.
Diarrheal diseases, typhoid, and cholera pose significant risks due to poor water quality and food hygiene standards. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in the country.
Malaria transmission occurs year-round throughout Sierra Leone and is one of the leading health risks for travelers. The disease is potentially fatal if untreated.
Political demonstrations and strikes occur occasionally, particularly around elections or in response to economic conditions. While usually peaceful, they can turn violent quickly and may result in road closures or curfews.
Petty corruption exists, and travelers may encounter requests for 'dash' (bribes) at checkpoints or from officials. Police may stop travelers, particularly at roadblocks, seeking payments for alleged violations.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to be official tour guides or offering to show them around. They may provide some genuine guidance but then demand excessive payment, take tourists to shops where they receive commissions, or lead them to isolated areas for robbery.
Criminals install devices on ATMs to capture card information and PIN numbers, then create duplicate cards to drain accounts. Individuals may also watch over shoulders to steal PINs.
Taxi drivers quote one price but demand significantly more at the destination, sometimes claiming misunderstanding or that the agreed price was per person rather than per trip. Some may take unnecessarily long routes.
Street money changers offer better rates than banks but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists, switch bills for lower denominations, or provide counterfeit currency. They may also work with accomplices who rob tourists after seeing them with cash.
Individuals approach tourists with emotional stories about orphanages, schools, or medical needs, requesting donations. Some of these are legitimate, but many are fraudulent with money going to scammers rather than those in need.
Individuals pose as plainclothes police officers, claim there's a problem with documents or that they need to check for counterfeit money, then steal cash or valuables during the 'inspection.'
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Carry only small amounts of cash and keep it in multiple locations on your body
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Make copies of important documents and store them separately from originals
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
- Bring US dollars in good condition (post-2006, no tears or marks) as they're widely accepted and easier to exchange
- ATMs are limited and often run out of cash; plan accordingly
- Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels
Transportation
- Arrange airport pickup through your hotel before arrival
- Use only licensed taxis or hotel-arranged transport
- Avoid motorcycle taxis (okadas) as accidents are frequent
- Never travel by road after dark due to poor lighting, road conditions, and crime risk
- Wear seatbelts at all times when available
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up in traffic
- Avoid overcrowded poda-podas (minibuses) which are unsafe and targeted by pickpockets
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer
- Bring water purification tablets as backup
- Avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, and bats due to rabies risk
- Seek immediate medical attention for any animal bites
- Apply insect repellent regularly, especially at dawn and dusk
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed, even if you don't see mosquitoes
- Get comprehensive travel vaccinations at least 6 weeks before departure
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (Orange, Africell, or Airtel)
- Share your itinerary with family or friends at home
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone and written down
- Learn basic phrases in Krio, the local lingua franca
- Internet is unreliable; don't depend on it for important communications
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially outside tourist areas
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas
- Respect local customs and Islamic practices in Muslim-majority areas
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting; left hand is considered unclean
- Be patient as 'African time' means schedules are flexible
- Don't criticize the government or discuss politics openly
Accommodation
- Book accommodation in advance, especially during dry season
- Choose hotels with security guards and gated compounds
- Verify that rooms have mosquito nets and check for holes
- Keep room doors and windows locked at all times
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through reception
- Store valuables in room safes or hotel safe deposit boxes
- Check that accommodations have backup generators for power outages
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Sierra Leone safely but should take extra precautions. Street harassment and catcalling are common, though usually verbal rather than physical. Sexual assault does occur, and women should never walk alone after dark or accept drinks from strangers. Conservative dress helps reduce unwanted attention. Many women travelers report positive experiences when traveling with others or joining organized tours.
- Dress conservatively with shoulders and knees covered; avoid tight or revealing clothing
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to discourage unwanted advances
- Don't walk alone after dark under any circumstances
- Avoid isolated beaches and areas without other people present
- Use hotel-arranged transportation rather than hailing taxis on the street
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; avoid engaging in arguments
- Keep hotel room numbers private and don't share accommodation details with strangers
- Join group tours for activities rather than exploring alone
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Consider connecting with local women's organizations or expat groups for advice and companionship
- Be cautious about accepting invitations to private homes from people you've just met
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for emergencies
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Sierra Leone under colonial-era laws, with penalties including up to life imprisonment, though prosecutions are rare. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Do not display affection with same-sex partners in public
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with locals
- Be extremely discreet about your sexual orientation or gender identity
- Do not attempt to seek out LGBTQ+ venues or communities as they do not exist openly
- Book accommodations that are international chains or have experience with foreign guests
- Consider travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation for any reason
- Register with your embassy and keep contact information readily available
- Be aware that hotel staff may question same-sex couples sharing a room
- Research your home country's embassy policies on LGBTQ+ citizen assistance
- Consider whether travel to Sierra Leone is necessary given the significant risks
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for Sierra Leone due to limited medical facilities, high risk of illness, poor road conditions, and potential need for emergency medical evacuation. Medical evacuation to South Africa or Europe can cost $50,000-$150,000. Without insurance, travelers may be unable to receive necessary treatment or face financial ruin. Many embassies strongly recommend or require proof of insurance with evacuation coverage.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Sierra Leone Safety Guide before you go.