Warnings & Dangers in Sierra Leone
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Sierra Leone is not the safest country to travel. Tourists here can face a variety of types of crimes. Therefore, during the trip, you need to be as prudent as possible, monitor your things and surroundings.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
The public transport system is not developed in Sierra Leone; local taxis or their transport are usually used here. In any case, a taxi ride is quite safe if you use a licensed service.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpockets are a major disaster in Sierra Leone. There are a lot of them, and they hunt just for tourists. Do not leave personal items unattended, watch your pockets. It is good to have an anti-theft backpack while traveling around the country.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
The geographical location of Sierra Leone, land features, many rivers and monsoon climate make the country prone to multiple natural disasters, especially floods, winds, landslides, and coastal erosion. Check the weather conditions before you travel here.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
The risk of severe armed robberies is high enough. Do not walk late at night in the streets, do not sit up in bars; be careful with those who ask or offer you help. Carefully lock your lodging for the night and park your car only in secure parking lots.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
Terrorist attacks in Sierra Leone have not yet occurred, but this perhaps cannot be ruled out. Keep track of the political situation in the country and avoid participating in demonstrations.
SCAMS RISK : HIGH
Fraud is quite common. The most common scams are street vendors who try to sell you goods at overpriced prices. Also, be careful in cafes and restaurants - sometimes, the waiters will add more to the bill than you ordered. Withdraw money only at ATM with banks.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Sierra Leone is not the safest place for women traveling alone. Do not stay outside at night and always be vigilant of any possible dangers. Lock your housing and do not draw attention to yourself with your appearance or behavior.
How Safe Is Sierra Leone for Tourists?
Sierra Leone is not the safest country to travel.
The crime index here ranges from high to very high.
The main problems are related to the theft of goods, hacking of houses and cars, attacks, drug trafficking, violent crimes, and corruption.
While petty thefts, bag thefts, and other non-violent crimes are a problem in some parts of Freetown (and the police do not respond to them), violent crimes are sporadic across the country by any international standards, even in the capital.
Nevertheless, there are a lot of fraudsters and petty criminals in the country.
Their goal is tourists, especially if you shine with a large amount of cash and jewelry.
Be vigilant, especially in markets, bazaars, and tourist destinations.
Beggars can be ordinary pickpockets.
Watch your surroundings, and do not leave things unattended.
The police may demand a bribe, but now this is happening less frequently.
Sierra Leone also has very unsafe traffic.
Drivers rarely follow the rules of the road.
Therefore, if you travel in your car, be extremely careful.
Malaria, as usual, is the greatest danger, and any foreign guest traveling without a mosquito net and anti-malarial drugs risks their lives.
In the rainy season, cholera is a common problem in much of Sierra Leone.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Sierra Leone?
Visitors to Sierra Leone must obtain a visa from one of the Sierra Leonean diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Sierra Leone?
The leone is the currency of Sierra Leone. It is subdivided into 100 cents. The ISO 4217 code is SLL and the leone is abbreviated as Le placed before the amount.
How's the Weather like in Sierra Leone?
The best time to go to Sierra Leone is in the dry season, which runs from October to May. January and February tend to be the hottest months.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Sierra Leone?
Freetown International Airport, locally known as Lungi International Airport, is an international airport located in the coastal town of Lungi, Sierra Leone. It is the only international airport in Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone River separates Lungi International Airport from Freetown, the nation’s capital city.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Just like anywhere else, the travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Sierra Leone?
Given the vast and varied nature of the country’s landscape, from the magnificent coastline with plenty of water activities to the mountains of Sierra Leone, where you can take many hikes and hikes by land, there is something for every adventurer and adrenaline lover. Here you can also get acquainted with the local culture and look at the village life from the inside. And Sierra Leone has many reserves where you can see a wide variety of animals.
Is the Water in Sierra Leone Safe to Drink?
In Sierra Leone, less than 40% of households have access to clean, safe drinking water. Fecal contamination, in particular, poses a severe threat to the health of Sierra Leoneans. Tap water isn’t drinkable.
Is Uber Safe in Sierra Leone?
There is no Uber service in Sierra Leone. But you can use any other taxi services in this country.
