Sierra Leone
Warnings and insuranceSummary
TheIn the early hours of 26 November 2023 Wilberforce Barracks came under attack and there was heavy gunfire in the vicinity of Wilkinson Road (central area of Freetown). There was subsequently an escape of a large number of prisoners.
There is a heightened risk of crime and incidents of sporadic violence in the aftermath of these attacks. As of 20 December 2023, the nationwide curfew has been lifted across Sierra Leone. You may see additional security measures in place, including checkpoints in Freetown. Remain vigilant and co-operate with security forces.
Consular staff are available 24/7 to support British Nationals if needed.
If you’re in Sierra Leone and you need urgent help you can call us 24/7 on +232 (0) 7678 0713.
If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) providesin London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Sierra Leone’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice aboutfor risksthe oflatest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
See our travel advice help Britishand nationalssupport makefor informeddetails decisions.of Findwho outto contact in an emergency.
It is more aboutimportant than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel adviceinsurance. .
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Although whenthere thisis adviceno isrecent updated. history of terrorism in Sierra Leone, attacks can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be vigilant, especially in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism
Travel insurance
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Update history
2025-04-01 12:59
New information on land ownership disputes (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-12-09 16:58
Updated information about political situation in Sierra Leone (‘Safety and security’ page)
2024-11-26 13:11
New information on taking photographs and filmmaking (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-02-09 13:33
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2024-02-02 14:02
Information on water sports and swimming safety (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-12-20 14:13
As of 20 December 2023, the nationwide curfew has been lifted across Sierra Leone (‘Summary’ page).
2023-12-12 11:16
Information on nationwide curfew times (‘Summary’ page).
2023-11-30 09:23
Updated information about safety following the reports of gunfire in Freetown on 26 November 2023 (‘Summary’ page).
2023-11-27 20:16
“Updated information about safety following the reports of gunfire in Freetown on 26 November 2023 (Summary page)”
2023-11-26 15:46
Information about safety following the reports of gunfire in Freetown on 26 November 2023 (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-07-12 16:18
Information about safety following the general election on 24 June (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-06-27 14:55
Information about safety following the general election on 24 June (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages) and to note public holiday on 28 June (‘Summary’ page).
2023-06-26 15:42
Information about safety following the general election on 24 June (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-06-23 15:31
Information about safety during the general election on 24 June (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-06-22 12:08
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages
2023-04-28 11:16
Removal of information on COVID-19 testing and addition of information on new Evisa available and general election on 24 June 2023 (‘Coronavirus’, ‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-03-15 09:10
Removal of reference to Covid testing (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-08-31 14:08
Addition of information about the introduction of a airport security fee for inbound and outbound passengers (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-08-12 15:52
Updated information on disruption at the Sierra Leone-Guinea border. (‘Safety and security’ page).
2022-08-10 17:58
Updated information on violent demonstrations in Freetown and other cities on 10 August. (“Summary” and “Safety and Security” pages).
2022-07-14 15:45
Updated information on changes to entry requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-06-13 11:23
Removal of information on a case of Marburg virus disease in Guekédou, Forestière Region in neighbouring Guinea
2022-04-25 15:15
Updated information on testing requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-20 17:39
Updated information on changes in requirements for COVID-19 testing prior to departure and on arrival in Sierra Leone (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-01 14:06
Update to information on Lassa fever on COVID-19 vaccine requirements for entry to Sierra Leone (‘Health’ page).