Sierra Leone is scheduled to hold elections on June 24, 2023.  Campaigning for local and national offices officially starts Tuesday, May 23. Election-related demonstrations and rallies regularly take place in the runup to the election and at times will block key intersections and cause traffic jams.  Large crowds may occasionally be violent, requiring police intervention.  …

Heavy rains throughout the day have caused landslides and major flooding in the Freetown area. Please use caution if you must go out and avoid standing and moving water when driving. If you are in an area prone to flooding, take appropriate measures. ASSISTANCE:  U.S. Embassy Freetown (232) 99 105 500 Consularfreetown@state.gov State Department – Consular …

Groups have formed in multiple areas in Freetown, including Waterloo and downtown near the seaport. Use caution today and over the weekend as you move around the city. ASSISTANCE:  U.S. Embassy Freetown (232) 99 105 500 Consularfreetown@state.gov State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747, 202-501-4444 Sierra Leone Country Specific Information  Enroll in  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts Follow us on  Facebook  and  …

There are ongoing clashes between protestors and the SLP at multiple locations including Lungi, East End, and Downtown. Tear gas has been fired at multiple locations and arrests are being made. Exercise increased caution if you are transiting the city. ASSISTANCE:  U.S. Embassy Freetown (232) 99 105 500 Consularfreetown@state.gov State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747, 202-501-4444 Sierra Leone Country Specific Information  Enroll …

Location: Worldwide Event:  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for  Monkeypox in Multiple Countries .  The World Health Organization has determined the multi-country outbreak of monkeypox is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern ( click here to view the WHO’s determination). Actions to Take:​​ ·         Travelers should AVOID : o    Close contact with …

There is much chatter around town and on social media concerning Monday, August 8 and potential protests/demonstrations/strikes. Due to this, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) are deploying additional forces to strategic locations throughout Freetown on Monday. There have been no official demonstration requests submitted to the SLP and no specific locations have been identified for …

On July 31, 2022, the United States conducted a precision counterterrorism strike in Afghanistan that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s deputy and successor as leader of al-Qa’ida.  Al- Zawahiri was one of the masterminds of the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and had continued to urge his followers to attack …

Location: Countrywide Event:  As of June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded.  Starting at 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer require air travelers to show …

This notice explains the current COVID-19 testing requirements for entry and exit to Sierra Leone. Traveling into Sierra Leone by air After you have purchased your air ticket: Register on the online travel portal at  www.travel.gov.sl  to receive a SI (Sierra Leone Incoming) number. Fully immunized inbound passengers are not required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR …

There is an ongoing disruption with commercial transportation as many drivers are striking. If you are on the road, exercise additional caution as clashes between drivers and police may occur and roads may become blocked. Additional information: U.S. Embassy Freetown (232) 99 105 500 Consularfreetown@state.gov State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747, 202-501-4444 Sierra Leone Country Specific Information  Enroll in  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts …

All adult (18 years and older) American citizens in Sierra Leone are cordially invited to attend a Town Hall Meeting at the U.S. Embassy, Southridge, Hill Station, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Adult American citizens must present their U.S. passport to be admitted to the meeting. Cellular telephones, cameras, laptop computers …

Registering to Vote and submitting a ballot is fast, easy, and can be done from anywhere in the world! Start by confirming your voter registration with your state.  Some states require absentee voters to register annually so you may need to re-register.  Go to FVAP.gov to connect to your state’s voter portal to register to vote, …

The Department of State has recently updated the Travel Advisory for Sierra Leone. Please find the updated advisory below. For further information, please visit the  Sierra Leone International Travel Information  page. Sierra Leone – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution C U Exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to crime and civil unrest. Read the  Department of State’s COVID-19 page  before you plan any international travel. The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  has issued a …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced updated entry requirements for air travelers to the United States.  Effective December 6, 2021: All American citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) who are eligible to travel are required to have a negative COVID-19 test (PCR, rapid antigen, or proctored self-test) conducted within one (1) …

Location: Worldwide Event: On October 25, President Biden announced the United States will adopt a global air travel policy.  This policy prioritizes public health, protecting U.S. citizens and residents as well as those who come to visit us.  Effective November 8 all non-citizen, nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to …

The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  has announced a new Order for all air passengers traveling to the United States. Effective November 8, 2021, all non-immigrant, non-citizen air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States. Exceptions to this policy …

Location:  U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone Event:  The Government of Sierra Leone is providing Astra Zeneca vaccinations in an outdoor space provided by U.S. Embassy Freetown on a first come basis on September 2 and 3 at 9:00AM.  In addition to Sierra Leonean citizens, other nationalities, including American citizens are also invited to receive vaccinations at this time. Please bring …

Reconsider travel to Sierra Leone due to crime. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The U.S. Department of State updated the Travel Advisory for Sierra Leone due to COVID-19 on August 31, 2020.  See the  updated Travel Advisory  and the  U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 page  for additional information. Reconsider travel to Sierra Leone due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to crime. Read the Department of State’s  COVID-19  page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has …

The U.S. Department of State updated the Travel Advisory for Sierra Leone due to COVID-19 on August 6, 2020.  See the updated Travel Advisory and the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone’s COVID-19 page for additional information. Reconsider travel to Sierra Leone due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to crime. Read the Department of State’s  COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease …

Event: Airport and places of worship to reopen; curfew hours shortened Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) On July 9, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health confirmed 1,598 cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. The restrictions on Inter-District Travel have been lifted in Sierra Leone.  Curfew hours have been reduced. The nationwide curfew now extends from 11:00 p.m. …

Event:  Restrictions on Inter-District Travel Lifted; Curfew Hours Reduced Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) On June 23, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health confirmed 1,347 cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. The restrictions on Inter-District Travel have been lifted in Sierra Leone.  Curfew hours have been reduced. The nationwide curfew now extends from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 …

Event: Repatriation Flight to the United States, June 9, 2020 Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) A special charter flight is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2020 from Freetown to Dulles Airport, Virginia.  Passengers will be responsible for their own transportation from the arrival airport to their final destinations. American citizens and legal permanent residents who wish to …

Event: Register for Possible Repatriation Flight to the United States Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) The U.S. Embassy is exploring the option of a repatriation flight to the United States to depart in early June.  U.S. citizens and LPRs who would like to return to the United States should use the  online request form to register their interest.  Each …

Event: 585 Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) On May 21, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health confirmed 585 cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone’s border closures remain in effect and commercial flight operations continue to be suspended. We do not anticipate additional repatriation flights from Sierra Leone …

May 1, 2020 Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event:  Nationwide Lockdown, Sunday to Tuesday, May 3-5 There will be a nationwide lockdown from Sunday, May 3 to Tuesday, May 5.  All individuals in Sierra Leone are required to stay at home during this three-day period. The National Cleaning Day scheduled for Saturday, May 2 has been cancelled …

April 29, 2020 Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone Event: A violent confrontation has been reported near Pademba Road Prison (approximately 1.5 km east of the National Stadium) today, April 29. Expect increased police presence in the area and traffic congestion. Actions to Take: Avoid the area of central Freetown. Monitor local media for updates. Avoid crowds. …

Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event:  ASKY Special Flight on April 19, 2020; Pay by April 16 The U.S Embassy in Freetown is working to facilitate a special flight through Satguru Travel Agency for U.S. citizens and those eligible to travel to or transit through the U.S.  U.S visa holders are eligible to purchase tickets on …

Action:  Submit registration information for repatriation flight, April 10   The U.S. Embassy is organizing a special repatriation flight to the U.S. on April 10, expected to depart in the early afternoon.  Specific details on the flight will be sent to confirmed passengers. The Embassy cannot guarantee that future flights will be available. If you are interested in returning to …

Action:  Submit registration information for possible repatriation flights The U.S. Embassy in Freetown is continuing to work to organize repatriation flights to the United States. If you are interested in returning to the United States on a repatriation flight, you must complete the required information requested in the  travel request form .  Please include all requested information. Each …

Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event:  Nationwide Lockdown, Sunday to Tuesday, April 5-7, Repatriation Flight Scheduled Sierra Leone has recorded its first cases of COVID-19.  President Bio declared a state of emergency and has convened the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response team.  There will be a nationwide lockdown on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, April 5-7.  All individuals in …

Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event:  Nationwide Lockdown, Sunday to Tuesday, April 5-7, Repatriation Flight April 10 Sierra Leone has recorded its first cases of COVID-19.  President Bio declared a state of emergency and has convened the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response team.  There will be a nationwide lockdown on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, April 5-7.  All individuals …

Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event:  Nationwide Lockdown, Sunday to Tuesday, April 5-7   Sierra Leone has recorded its first cases of COVID-19.  President Bio declared a state of emergency and has convened the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response team.  There will be a nationwide lockdown on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, April 5-7.  All individuals in …

Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event:  Repatriation Flight on April 10, 2020; Purchase Ticket by April 6   READ ENTIRE NOTICE Sierra Leone has recorded its first case of COVID-19.  President Bio declared a state of emergency and has convened the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response team.  Please monitor local media sources for information on forthcoming restrictions that …

Location:  Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event:  The Government of Sierra Leone has announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. President Bio has declared a state of emergency for Sierra Leone and has convened the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response team.  Please monitor local media sources for information on forthcoming restrictions that will be …

Location: Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event:  Evacuation Flight leaving Freetown on March 30, 2020 There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.  The Department of State has issued a  Global Level 4 Health Advisory  for COVID-19.  We recognize this has been a challenging period for many of our fellow Americans, particularly those of you seeking to depart Sierra Leone …

Location:  Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event:  There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. President Bio has declared a state of emergency for Sierra Leone.  Please monitor local media sources for information on forthcoming restrictions that will be put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  The U.S. Embassy will send updates as …

Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Freetown (March 26, 2020) Location:  Sierra Leone (countrywide) Event:  There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. The Department of State has issued a  Global Level 4 Health Advisory  for COVID-19.  We recognize this has been a challenging period for many of our fellow Americans, particularly those of you seeking to depart Sierra Leone after …

Sierra Leone COVID-19 Information (updated March 26, 2020) Country Specific Information Sierra Leone has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders Lungi International Airport closed to all passenger flights on March 22. Quarantine requirements are imposed on travelers arriving from any country with confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Government of Sierra Leone has put …

Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel

Location: Sierra Leone Event: The government of Sierra Leone has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Sierra Leone has implemented mandatory quarantine for travelers who are traveling from countries with confirmed cases …

Global Level 3 Health Advisory. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/travel-advisory-alert-global-level-3-health-advisory-issue.html

Location: Guinean Embassy, Freetown Event: Guinean Legislative elections The Guinean legislative elections and constitutional referendum are scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 1.  On February 22, the Guinean Embassy in Freetown was attacked by Guinean nationals resulting in material damage to the building and one dead.  The Guinean Embassy will be used as a …

COVID-19 Information: Last updated: May 4, 2023 Update on Change to U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for nonimmigrant travel On May 11, Nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States.  CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on …

Location:   Fourah Bay College, Freetown Event:  Sources in the area of Fourah Bay College are reporting there are violent confrontations at the school, and an increased number of police maintaining order is expected. An enlarged security presence and continued confrontations will likely congest traffic on the main road leading through the college and could present …

Location: Brookfields, Freetown Event: Reports indicate there are currently violent confrontations between APC and SLPP supporters near APC headquarters in Brookfields. U.S. government personnel are advised to avoid the area today. Additionally, there is an increased amount of police in the area tasked with maintaining order. Expect the increased personnel and confrontations to congest traffic …

Location: Sierra Leone Event: Heightened Middle East Tensions There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad. The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed. Actions to Take: Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay …

The U.S. Department of State annually reviews and reissues travel advisories for every country. The information is provided to help travelers assess the risks of international travel and know what steps to take to ensure their safety while traveling. The travel advisory for Sierra Leone, reissued today, remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This …

Location: Near Fourah Bay College, Mount Aureol, Freetown Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place today, at or near Fourah Bay College related to student elections. US government personnel are advised to avoid roads to and from Fourah Bay College until after 4:00 pm local time. Actions to Take: Avoid the area. Monitor local media for updates. …

Location: Government Center, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone US Embassy, Southridge/Hill Station, Freetown, Sierra Leone Other Diplomatic Missions, Freetown, Sierra Leone Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place today, September 19, 2019.  Reports on social media and on the radio are reporting there are planned demonstrations at the State House, U.S. Embassy and other diplomatic missions. …

  In a public notice dated August 20, the Bank of Sierra Leone announced a prohibition on conducting business in foreign currency. The notice applies to both quoting prices and making payments in any currency other than Leones (Le), and references the Bank of Sierra Leone Act of 2019. The prohibition went into effect immediately, …

Location: APC headquarters and Government Center-area in Freetown, Sierra Leone Event: Violent confrontations currently reported between APC supporters and the police at the APC headquarters.  Additionally, there is an increased amount of police in both areas tasked with maintaining order.  Expect the increased security personnel and confrontations to congest traffic in central Freetown. Actions to …

Location:  Freetown, Countrywide  Event:  Independence Day celebrations will take place over the extended holiday weekend.  Expect crowded conditions at public events. Actions to Take: Avoid Crowds Be Aware of Your Surroundings Monitor Local Media for updates Assistance: U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone +(232) 99100 5000 +(232) 99905029 (after hours) consularfreetown@state.gov U.S. Embassy Freetown Website State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 …

Demonstrations related to political events in Sierra Leone are planned for the central business district of Freetown from December 29-31, 2018. Gloucester Street, Wallace Johnson Street, Shaika Steven Street, Lamaina Sankoh Street and the State Avenue area are expected to be affected by the demonstrations.  Expect traffic congestion and an increased police presence in the area to …

Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone (December 8-9, 2018) Location: Bureh Beach Event:  December 8 to December 9, 2018, a Sierra Leone political organization is hosting a large beach party.  As with any large gathering, there is a risk of increased petty crime, including pickpocketing.  If travelling south of Freetown, exercise caution and …

Location:  Moriba Village (Southeast of Bo, Southern Region), Sierra Leone Event: Local authorities have notified the Embassy of continuing protests in the area of Moriba Village in the southern region of Sierra Leone.  The protests are related to an ongoing strike at the Sierra Rutile mine.  Roads may be blocked.  A Town Hall meeting was …

Locations: Lumley and Juba areas of Freetown Event: Civil disorder is expected to continue in Lumley and Juba this evening, Tuesday, November 6, 2018.  There is a large police and military presence in these areas.  U.S. government personnel are advised to avoid these areas. Actions to take: –         Avoid Lumley and Juba neighborhoods –         Monitor local media …

Demonstration Alert – U. S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone (January 25-26, 2018) Location: Announced gathering points include, but are not limited to, the following neighborhoods in Freetown, Sierra Leone: Freetown, Downtown National Electoral Commission Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place on January 25 and 26, 2018 beginning at 9 a.m.  On the 25th, Sierra …