Travel Vaccines and Advice for Sierra Leone
Despite its beauty, Sierra Leone has remained mostly uninfluenced by tourist activities. Much of the country is still undiscovered.
The country’s coastline, is only one of its many attractive landscapes. The Loma Mountains in the north have dense rainforests and volcanoes nestled in rolling hills.
In Freetown vibrant houses perched on stilts remain from when freed slaves relocated to the country’s Western shores.
Do I Need Vaccines 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for arriving travelers from ALL countries. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
While there is no active polio transmission in Sierra Leone, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Sierra Leone |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for arriving travelers from ALL countries. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | While there is no active polio transmission in Sierra Leone, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Sierra Leone |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
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.
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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Sierra Leone
“I have to the nurse was wonderful! I try to avoid going to the doctor for shots or blood work due to my fear of needles. She made the experience way less stressful and created a bond with me in a short time in order for me to get the needed shots before leaving for Sierra Leone. She is the reason I will let everyone know about your company and refer them to you.”
“I have gone to the Passport Health in Midvale for 3 years now–ever since my first trip to Sierra Leone. Every year that I return for more malaria meds, Sandra (the Nurse) remembers me & asks how my work out there is going. Very friendly, helpful staff. Highly recommended.”
“Took my daughter here before her trip to Sierra Leone!!! We had a great experience!!!”
“Passport Health took the time to sit down and discuss all of the various health and safety issues related to my trip to Sierra Leone. They were well informed and knowledgeable. I feel much more comfortable about my international travel now! Thank you so much!”
“Truthfully–My experience was truly exceptional. Consideration for my time, my unique experience in Sierra Leone, what I know (and don’t know) about int’l travel were all GREATLY appreciated.”
“The nurse was well informed, friendly, and efficient. SHe put me at ease and did an outstanding job explaining everything I needed to know health-wise about going to Sierra Leone.”
“I was unaware of Passport Health until my doctor referred us for an evaluation of my son’s vaccines prior to traveling to Sierra Leone. I was given an appointment for the day after I called. The young woman on the phone was very helpful. I was a little stressed by the trip and what vaccines they were going to recommend. Karen was kind, helpful, and knowledgeable- all of which reduced my level of anxiety. She prepared a booklet for him about traveling to Sierra Leone, administered two vaccines, talked to him about what to avoid, and told him to call Passport Health while he was traveling if he had any questions. It was a good experience.”
“Very thorough, about medications and choices of oral or injection. everything explained in detail. Loved the free parking. The cost was affordable. The booklet I was given has so much valuable information about Sierra Leone, the diseases, safety concerning crime. Thank you very much.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for 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 |
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| 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.
For more information, see our Sierra Leone visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What is the Climate Like in Sierra Leone?
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.
How Safe Is Sierra Leone?
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.
Is the Food Safe In Sierra Leone?
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 traveler’s diarrhea kit, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations.
Camping With the Wildlife of Tiwai Island
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.
What Should I Take to Sierra Leone?
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, amongst 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.
U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone
The U.S. Embassy urges travelers to register with the State Deparment 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) 105 500
Emergency after hours: (232) (99) 905 029
Email: consularfreetown@state.gov
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Sierra Leone?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Sierra Leone?
What Is the Climate Like In Sierra Leone?
How Safe Is Sierra Leone?
Is the Food Safe In Sierra Leone?
Camping With the Wildlife of Tiwai Island
What Should I Take to Sierra Leone?
U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone
