Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone Status
WATCH
Travel to Sierra Leone continues, with international flights and airports operating. Travellers should be aware of enhanced health screening and health declaration requirements, as well as elevated crime and security warnings.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Ordinary travel continues
There is no significant nationwide shutdown affecting international flights, airports or ordinary entry into Sierra Leone.
Health declaration required
All travellers entering or leaving Sierra Leone must complete an online health declaration within 72 hours before travel.
Keep your confirmation
Travellers should keep the QR code or reference number generated by the health declaration system and be prepared to show it when requested.
Enhanced health screening
Sierra Leone has introduced enhanced health screening for arriving travellers as a public health measure. Travellers should allow additional time for arrival procedures.
Yellow fever certificate
Travellers entering Sierra Leone must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Visa requirements
Visa requirements depend on nationality. Travellers who require visas should confirm whether they are eligible for an e-visa, visa on arrival or must obtain a visa before departure.
Freetown International Airport
The country’s main international airport at Lungi remains operational and continues to handle scheduled international passenger flights.
Getting from the airport to Freetown
Freetown International Airport is located across the Sierra Leone River from central Freetown. Travellers should arrange their onward transport before arrival.
Crime
Robbery, assault and other violent crime occur, particularly in Freetown. Travellers should avoid displaying valuables and take additional care after dark.
Night travel
Current U.S. guidance advises against travelling outside the Freetown peninsula after nightfall.
Political situation
The security situation is currently stable, but political tensions remain. Travellers should avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.
Medical facilities
Medical infrastructure is limited. Serious illness or injury may require evacuation to another country for treatment.
Road travel
Road conditions outside major urban areas can be poor, particularly during the rainy season. Avoid unnecessary long-distance travel after dark.
Latest Travel Changes
Health declaration requirement
Travellers entering or leaving Sierra Leone must complete the country’s online health travel declaration within 72 hours before travel.
Enhanced arrival screening
Enhanced health screening is currently being carried out on arriving travellers as a public health measure.
Canada maintains elevated caution
Canadian guidance updated on 24 September 2026 recommends exercising a high degree of caution in Sierra Leone because of crime.
U.S. Level 2
The U.S. State Department currently rates Sierra Leone Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution because of crime, unrest and inadequate health infrastructure.
Airport remains operational
Freetown International Airport continues normal operations and scheduled international passenger services.
No nationwide travel shutdown
No significant current nationwide flight, airport or border closure affecting ordinary travel has been identified.
Before You Travel
Complete the required Sierra Leone health declaration within 72 hours before travelling and keep the QR code or reference number.
Check your individual flight before departure.
Confirm the visa requirements applying to your nationality.
Carry your valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Allow additional time for health screening when arriving in Sierra Leone.
Arrange transportation from Freetown International Airport to your accommodation before arrival where possible.
Avoid unnecessary travel outside the Freetown peninsula after dark.
Consider travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation because local medical facilities are limited.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.