Travel Vaccines and Advice for Sierra Leone

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Sierra Leone. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sierra Leone: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

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

The CDC 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.

Typhoid vaccination is highly recommended for travelers to Sierra Leone. Individuals who visit friends or relatives or go to rural areas are at greater risk and should be immunized.

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

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

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

Sierra Leone does not have any entry restrictions, at this time. But, all travelers arriving from regions with 50 confirmed cases or more of COVID-19 must be quarantined for up to 14 days. This includes transiting though a region with over 50 confirmed cases.

While there is not yet a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, vaccines do guard against typhoid and yellow fever, two infections common in Sierra Leone, as well as medication to prevent travelers’ diarrhea are readily available. Call us at or schedule an appointment online to learn more about protecting your health while traveling in Sierra Leone.

All U.S. citizens must have a visa before visiting Sierra Leone. If you do not have a visa, you will be denied entry.

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 U.S. State Department

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months following your expected date of arrival. Proof of yellow fever immunization is also required for entry.

Sierra Leone is, for the most part, humid year-round. The country’s hottest season is from November through around April. During this time, travelers 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.” Travelers 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 center 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 travelers to Sierra Leone should bring a travelers’ diarrhea kit, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations.

Gola Forest National Park is the best opportunity to get up close and personal 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 traveling to Sierra Leone:

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

The U.S. Embassy urges travelers to register with the State Department before traveling to Sierra Leone.

Travelers also must make an appointment at the embassy for all non-emergency services including: routine passport application and renewals and notary signings.

U.S. Embassy Freetown
Southridge, Hill Station
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Tel: (232) 99-105-000
Emergency after hours: (232) 99-905-029
Email: consularfreetown@state.gov

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!