What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Sierra Leone, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 19 June 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: New information about completing a health travel declaration (‘Entry Requirements’ page.)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 15 September 2025
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 2 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in Sierra Leone” of the UK government's travel advice for Sierra Leone, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Telephone: 117 (ambulance, fire, police)
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Sierra Leone, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
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.
Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. There are heavy penalties for drug trafficking, including prison sentences. Prison conditions are harsh.
There are heavy penalties for diamond smuggling, including prison sentences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Sierra Leone, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
The UK government's travel advice for Sierra Leone has no section on this topic. Read the full advice on GOV.UK.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Sierra Leone.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.