Briefing de orientación en Sierra Leona

Habitada de forma continua durante al menos 2.500 años, la zona que hoy se conoce como Sierra Leona está cubierta por una selva densa que permitió a la región mantenerse relativamente protegida de los imperios de África Occidental que intentaron invadirla. Los comerciantes introdujeron el islam en Sierra Leona, religión que ocupa un papel central en la cultura y la historia del país. En el siglo XVII, los británicos establecieron un puesto comercial cerca de la actual Freetown. El comercio consistía originalmente en madera y marfil, pero más tarde se amplió para incluir a personas esclavizadas. En 1787, tras la Revolución Estadounidense, Sierra Leona se convirtió en destino de leales británicos negros procedentes de los nuevos Estados Unidos. Cuando Gran Bretaña abolió la trata de esclavos en 1807, buques británicos llevaron a Sierra Leona a miles de africanos liberados. Durante el siglo XIX, la colonia se expandió gradualmente hacia el interior.

En 1961, Sierra Leona se independizó del Reino Unido. Sierra Leona celebró elecciones libres y justas en 1962 y 1967, pero Siaka STEVENS, segundo primer ministro del país, no tardó en recuperar tendencias autoritarias, prohibió la mayoría de los partidos políticos y gobernó de 1967 a 1985. En 1991, militares sierraleoneses lanzaron una guerra civil contra el partido gobernante de STEVENS. La guerra causó decenas de miles de muertes y desplazó a más de 2 millones de personas (alrededor de un tercio de la población). En 1998, una coalición militar de África Occidental dirigida por Nigeria intervino e instaló como primer ministro a Tejan KABBAH, elegido originalmente en 1996. En 2002, KABBAH anunció oficialmente el fin de la guerra. Desde 1998, Sierra Leona ha celebrado elecciones democráticas dominadas por los dos principales partidos políticos, el Partido del Pueblo de Sierra Leona (SLPP) y el Congreso de Todo el Pueblo (APC). En 2018, Julius Maada BIO, del Partido del Pueblo de Sierra Leona, ganó las elecciones presidenciales, en las que se registró una alta participación electoral a pesar de algunas denuncias de intimidación de votantes. BIO volvió a ganar en junio de 2023, aunque se observaron irregularidades que pusieron en duda la integridad de los resultados. En octubre de 2023, el Gobierno de Sierra Leona y el principal partido de la oposición, el Congreso de Todo el Pueblo, firmaron el Acuerdo por la Unidad Nacional para impulsar la cooperación entre los partidos políticos e iniciar el proceso de reforma del sistema electoral del país.

Following the end of the civil war in 2002, the political situation in Sierra Leone has improved. However, the political situation can change and protests can turn violent. Avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations and follow any curfews or restrictions. Remain vigilant as the security situation could change quickly.  

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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Terrorism  

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Sierra Leone  

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Sierra Leone, attacks cannot be ruled out.  

Political situation  

Following the end of the civil war in 2002, the political situation in Sierra Leone has improved. However, the political situation can change and protests can turn violent. Avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations and follow any curfews or restrictions. Remain vigilant as the security situation could change quickly.  

Crime 

In a small number of incidents, British nationals have been robbed, sometimes at knifepoint. Robberies have taken place in Congo Cross, Wilkinson Road, Lumley Beach, Aberdeen and at beach resorts along the Freetown peninsula and surrounding islands. Crime rates in Sierra Leone are comparatively low, however incidents of violent and organised crime are rising. Exercise vigilance and avoid walking alone at night.

The greatest risk to short-stay visitors is from pickpocketing and mugging in Freetown. If you’re staying for a longer period, make sure you secure your property and employ guards. 

To reduce your personal risk: 

• avoid crowds and political demonstrations 
• do not display or carry expensive items or large sums of money 
• avoid walking alone after dark 
• familiarise yourself with your surroundings and stay alert 
• arrange your transport in advance 
• check your hotel safe is secure 

Public transport drivers and passengers have robbed foreign visitors. Avoid travelling in taxis, minibuses (‘poda-podas’), motorised rickshaws (‘kekes’) or motorbikes (‘ocadas’). 

Reporting crime 

The Sierra Leone Police charge foreign nationals a fee for police reports. They will not issue a crime reference number, which is needed for most insurance claims, without a police report. Do not pay the police directly. Make your payment to the Sierra Leone Police Revenue Generation Fund account at the Bank of Sierra Leone and get a receipt.  

There is no charge if you want to report a crime and do not need a crime reference number.

Laws and cultural differences  

Sierra Leone has a tolerant, multi-religion culture. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions and make sure your actions do not cause offence. 

Personal ID 

Always carry ID such as a passport or residence permit. The police will usually accept a copy of your passport’s photo page and visa stamp.  

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. There are heavy penalties for drug trafficking, including prison sentences. Prison conditions are harsh. 

Diamond smuggling 

There are heavy penalties for diamond smuggling, including prison sentences. 

Land ownership disputes

Land registry records are sometimes disputed and can lead to land disputes, where more than one person claims rights to the same land. Disputes can lead to threats of violence. If you are concerned about land ownership, seek independent legal advice and contact the Anti-Land Grabbing Unit of the Sierra Leone Police. The British High Commission cannot intervene with disputes or investigate ownership claims. 

Taking photographs and filmmaking

Do not take pictures of military installations or any other official government buildings, including prisons and courthouses. There have been instances where individuals have been arrested for doing so.

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex relations between men are illegal in Sierra Leone, even if they are consensual. Penalties can include imprisonment. Same-sex relations are not illegal between women. All travellers should exercise caution given the much more conservative culture than UK. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Adoption in Sierra Leone  

The UK does not recognise adoption orders from Sierra Leone. If you are planning to adopt a child in Sierra Leone, make sure you comply with Sierra Leone’s adoption laws. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs is responsible for adoptions in Sierra Leone. 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Water sports and swimming safety  

There are strong ocean currents along the coast in Sierra Leone, and no lifeguards on any beaches. You go into the sea at your own risk.  

Get local advice about sea conditions before you swim or do any water sports. Health and safety standards for water sports operators are usually lower than the UK. Check safety credentials in advance and always ask for a life jacket.  

Beware of hospital waste, including needles, on Lumley Beach.  

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks  

Road travel  

If you are planning to drive in Sierra Leone, see information on driving abroad. 

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Sierra Leone for up to one month after you arrive. If you also get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP), you can drive for the length of the IDP’s validity. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.  

If you’re staying longer or living in Sierra Leone, you must get a Sierra Leone driving licence. 

Road conditions and safety 

Serious traffic accidents are common and road travel across the country comes with risks, including: 

• poor standards of vehicle maintenance  
• people driving erratically, particularly motorbike riders, and ignoring road regulations 
• roads with little or no lighting  
• vehicles with no lights, and pedestrians and animals on the road 
• damage to roads during the rainy season 
• high traffic levels, increasing the risk of collisions  

If you are travelling by road, particularly outside the Freetown peninsula, you should:  

• plan your journey  
• try to complete your travel during daylight hours as risks are higher at night 
• travel in convoy if possible 
• keep your employer, friends and family updated on your progress 
• use well-maintained vehicles 
• travel with your doors locked  
• be alert to groups stopping your car under false pretences  

British High Commission staff avoid road travel outside the Freetown peninsula at night. They do not use local taxis, minibuses (‘poda-podas’), motorised riskshaw (‘kekes’) or motorbikes (‘ocadas’). 

The mobile network is unreliable, particularly in remote areas. If you do manage to communicate, the emergency response is unreliable. If you have an accident, mobs of people can form around your car. You need a plan for what to do in an emergency. 

Sierra Leone’s borders with Guinea and Liberia 

Sierra Leone is bordered to the north and east by Guinea, and to the south by Liberia. There will be security personnel at these borders. Make sure you have your paperwork ready if you are crossing by land. Stay calm and patient while you wait for your paperwork to be processed and be prepared for disruption and short-notice border closures. 

Checkpoints and unofficial roadblocks 

Officers in uniform control official checkpoints with marked barriers.  

Children sometimes put a rope across the road and ask for a small donation for mending the road. These unofficial roadblocks are most common at the weekend and on the roads to tourist beaches in the Western Area.  

Air travel 

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Sierra Leone that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. 

Travel to and from Lungi airport  

Lungi airport is on the far side of a wide estuary across from Freetown. The journey time from Freetown to the airport is around 3 hours by road. There are no car hire facilities at the airport.

British High Commission staff do not travel by road after dark and rarely take this route in the daytime due to the risk of accidents. 

Let someone know your expected arrival time and what action they should take if you do not arrive at that time.  

Airport hotels rooms are extremely limited and in high demand. 

Airport water taxis and ferries 

The 2 main water taxi operators, Sierra Leone Sea Coach Express Africa and SeaBird Water Taxi, run a reliable service between Freetown and Lungi. It takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the boat.  

The one-hour ferry service between Lungi Tagrin and Kissy Town only runs when there is enough demand. 

Water taxis are scheduled to align with specific flight arrivals and departures, and also include a courtesy bus between Lungi airport and the beach departure or arrival point in Lungi.  

During the rainy season from May to October, rough sea conditions may cause delays or cancellations. Water taxis have navigational aids, night lights and life jackets for passengers. However they have limited rescue capability if you fall overboard. 

Avoid using the unregulated or privately operated boats such as wooden pirogues and canoes, which do not have lights or safety equipment. British High Commission staff do not travel on small boats.

Phone services and utilities 

There is no country-wide coverage from mobile network providers in Sierra Leone. Some areas have no mobile reception. There’s no public telephone system, and landline connections are mainly disused. Calls between Sierra Leone mobile phones and Sierra Leone landline phones are not possible. 

Mains water is limited. Mains power is unreliable and extended outages are common. Power surges, especially in the rainy season, are common – you may want to use power surge protectors. Hotels and rented villas have generators and private water supplies. 

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 117 and ask for an ambulance. 

Ambulance services are unreliable in Freetown and unavailable throughout most of the country. Staff are not usually trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.  

Some private hospitals, particularly in Freetown, operate their own commercial ambulances. Injured or seriously ill travellers may need to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Sierra Leone
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Sierra Leone, including: 

• yellow fever
• cholera 
• malaria 
• rabies 

Water-borne diseases, including cholera, are endemic in Sierra Leone with outbreaks, particularly during the rainy season, in areas where there is poor sanitation. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. 

As of 2023, UNAIDS estimate that around 77,000 people in Sierra Leone were living with HIV. You should take normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. 

If you are in Sierra Leone for business, check what medical support your employer can provide if you fall ill.  

Medication 

Check with the Federal Office of Public Health that your medication is legal in Sierra Leone. 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in Sierra Leone 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Sierra Leone. 

Hospitals, medical facilities and services in Sierra Leone are severely limited. The standard of care is much lower than in the UK, including basic services such as blood screening. Many facilities, particularly outside of Freetown, only accept cash payments. 

Medical supplies are unreliable and limited. Carry basic medical supplies and adequate supplies of prescription medication. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation.  

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.