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.

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.

Banana Island is a beautiful place in Sierra Leone that tourists like to visit because of its clear waters and white sandy beaches. People can do fun activities there, like swimming, snorkeling, and diving to see different types of colorful fish and sea animals. They can also go fishing with local fishermen, who use traditional methods to catch fish.

Banana Island is also a good place to relax and unwind because it is a quiet and peaceful island. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the island’s history and culture, or walk around and explore. There are also small guesthouses and lodges on the island where people can stay and experience island life.

Banana Island is a great place to visit if you like being near the ocean, want to try new things or want to relax in a beautiful setting.

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

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