Sierra Leone

Översikt

Sierra Leone is an underdeveloped post-conflict state. The most significant threats a visitor is likely to encounter in Sierra Leone pertain to high crime levels, endemic petty corruption and risks associated with a lack of safe and functioning infrastructure, including road traffic accidents. The legacy of the Ebola crisis of 2013-2014 is a devastated healthcare sector, as the already-fragile state's nurses and doctors were disproportionately affected by the epidemic. However, there is optimism that the crisis has left a more resilient and adaptable public healthcare system, bolstered by international expertise and donor assistance. Nevertheless, public services and tourism infrastructure are limited or non-existent. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Sierra Leone. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Sierra Leone. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival from all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, Chikungunya and Dengue is present throughout Sierra Leone, including urban areas. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime.

A large Ebola virus epidemic occurred in Sierra Leone in 2014. A total number of 8,704 people were infected and 3,589 have died.

Schistosomiasis risk is present in the country. High risk areas include districts of Bombali, Kailahun, Koinadugu, Kono, Kenema, Tonkolili, and Western area rural. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Long-term visitors (4 weeks or more) should receive a booster dose of Polio vaccine between 4 weeks and 12 months prior to travel.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Sierra Leone. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Sierra Leone.

Medical facilities are generally of a poor standard. Those injured or serious ill in Sierra Leone may wish to consider evacuating to a different country for treatment. Comprehensive travel insurance is definitely worthwhile having, but patients should be aware of the possibility that they may have to pay in cash and that treatment may be expensive.

Freetown has three main healthcare facilities, but receiving adequate treatment is unreliable and inconsistent. It is advised that all travellers obtain comprehensive medical insurance prior to departure.

Pass

All nationals seeking entry into Sierra Leone requires a passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the time of your visa application.

Visum

Visas are required by nationals of all countries, with the exception of nationals of citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).  

All other visitors, including businesspersons, require a visa. Single-entry visas are valid for three months. Visas must be obtained in advance of travel from your nearest Sierra Leonean consular office. A multiple entry visa is valid for either 6 months or one year for maximum stay on each entry of 30 days.

Visa on arrival is available for nationals of many countries, including the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan. The visa on arrival is issued only for tourism, business, or ordinary visit to see family and friends. 

Where an extension is sought after a visitor has already arrived in Sierra Leone, this may be applied for at the Department of Immigration in Freetown.

Visitors to the country are also required to show International Certificates of Vaccination for yellow fever and cholera upon arrival at the airport.