Printer friendly version
Email
Sierra Leone
Country Specific Information
On this page » |
|
June 10, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Sierra Leone is a developing country in western Africa still recovering from a ten-year civil war that ended in 2002.
English is the official language, but Krio, an English-based language, is widely used. Tourist facilities in the capital,
Freetown, are limited; elsewhere, they are rudimentary or nonexistent. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Sierra Leone for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Visitors are strongly encouraged to obtain visas in advance of travel to Sierra Leone. Visitors to Sierra Leone are required to show International Certificates of Vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival at the airport with a record of vaccination against yellow fever. The Embassy of Sierra Leone is located at 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 939-9261. Information may also be obtained from the Sierra Leonean Mission to the United Nations, 245 East 49th St., New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 688-1656; and from the website of the Sierra Leonean High Commission in London at http://www.slhc-uk.org.uk/. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Sierra Leonean embassy or consulate. Visit the Embassy of Sierra Leone’s web site at http://www.embassyofsierraleone.org/ for the most current visa information.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Security in Sierra Leone has improved significantly since the end of the civil war in 2002. The United Nations Peacekeeping
Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) withdrew in December 2005 and Sierra Leone resumed responsibilities for its own security.
The Sierra Leonean police are working to improve their professionalism and capabilities, but fall short of American standards
in response time, communications, and specialty skills.
Areas outside Freetown lack most basic services. Embassy employees are free to travel throughout Sierra Leone. Travelers
are urged to exercise caution, however, especially when traveling beyond the capital. Road conditions are hazardous and
serious vehicle accidents are common. Emergency response to vehicular and other accidents ranges from slow to nonexistent.
There are occasional unauthorized, possibly armed, roadblocks outside Freetown, where travelers might be asked to pay a small
amount of money to the personnel manning the roadblock. Because many Sierra Leoneans do not speak English, especially outside
of Freetown, it can be difficult for foreigners to communicate their identity. Public demonstrations are rare but can turn
violent. U.S. citizens should are advised to avoid large crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations, and maintain
security awareness at all times.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Entrenched poverty in Sierra Leone has led to criminality. Visitors and resident Americans have experienced armed mugging,
assault and burglary. Petty crime and pick pocketing of wallets, cell phones, and passports are very common especially on
the ferry to and from Lungi International Airport. Law enforcement authorities usually respond to crimes slowly, if at all.
Police investigative response is often incomplete and don’t provide support to victims. Inefficiency and corruption is a
serious problem at all levels within the government of Sierra Leone. Americans traveling to or residing in Sierra Leone
should maintain a heightened sense of awareness of their surroundings to help avoid becoming the victims of crime.
Upon arrival in Sierra Leone, U.S. citizens are urged to register at the Embassy in Freetown (see Registration/Embassy Location
section below) where they may obtain current safety information and advice on minimizing risks.
The Embassy receives regular reports from potential American investors who have been victims of fraud, often in the mining
industry. While law enforcement authorities have been involved in investigating the cases, many remain unresolved. Investors
are urged to proceed cautiously when engaging in business transactions with individuals presenting themselves as legitimate
diamond/gold dealers. It is not uncommon for registered diamond/gold dealers to target foreigners using sophisticated scams
resulting in significant financial loss.
Business fraud is rampant and the perpetrators often target foreigners, including Americans. Schemes previously associated
with Nigeria are now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Sierra Leone, and pose a danger of grave financial loss.
Typically these scams begin with unsolicited communication (usually e-mails) from strangers who promise quick financial gain,
often by transferring large sums of money or valuables out of the country, but then require a series of "advance fees" to
be paid, such as fees for legal documents or taxes. Of course, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam
is simply to collect the advance fees. A common variation is the scammer’s claim to be a refugee or émigré of a prominent
West African family, or a relative of a present or former political leader who needs assistance in transferring large sums
of cash. Still other variations appear to be legitimate business deals that require advance payments on contracts. Sometimes
victims are convinced to provide bank account and credit card information and financial authorization that drains their accounts,
incurs large debts against their credit, and takes their life savings.
The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud is common sense – if a proposition looks too good to be true,
it probably is. You should carefully check and research any unsolicited business proposal before committing any funds, providing
any goods or services, or undertaking any travel. It is virtually impossible to recover money lost through these scams.
Please see the Department of State’s brochure on International Financial Scams for more information.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Quality and comprehensive medical services are very limited in Freetown, and are almost nonexistent for all but most minor
treatment outside of the capital. Persons with unstable chronic medical conditions that require on-going medical treatment
or medications are discouraged from traveling to Sierra Leone. Medicines are in short supply and due to inadequate diagnostic
equipment, lack of medical resources and limited medical specialty personnel, complex diagnosis and treatment are unavailable.
The quality of medications in Sierra Leone is inconsistent and counterfeit drugs remain a problem. Local pharmacies are generally
unreliable. In the event medications are needed, such as over-the-counter medication, antibiotics, allergy remedies, or malaria
prophylaxis, travelers may contact U.S. Embassy Health Unit personnel to receive general information about reliable pharmacies.
Medical facilities in Sierra Leone are scarce and for the most part sub-standard; outside the capital, standards are even
lower. There is no ambulance service in Sierra Leone, trauma care is extremely limited, and local hospitals should only be
used in the event of an extreme medical emergency. Many primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack adequate
professional training. Instances of misdiagnosis, improper treatment, and the administration of improper drugs have been
reported. Life-threatening emergencies often require evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense. For a list
of hospitals, visit our web site at http://freetown.usembassy.gov/.
Gastrointestinal diseases and malaria pose serious risk to travelers in Sierra Leone. For additional information on malaria,
including protective measures, see the CDC Travelers’ Health web site at http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Sierra Leone is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Most main roads in Freetown are narrow and paved but have potholes; extremely narrow unpaved side streets are generally navigable.
Most roads outside Freetown are unpaved and are generally passable with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. However, certain stretches
of mapped road are often impassable during the rainy season, which usually lasts from May to September. During the rainy
season, add several hours to travel time between Freetown and outlying areas. There is a major road repair and resurfacing
program going on throughout the country that is slowly improving the quality of roads. Public transport (bus or group taxi)
is erratic, unsafe, and not recommended. U.S. government employees are prohibited from using public transportation except
for taxis that operate in conjunction with an approved hotel and that are rented on a daily basis.
Many vehicles on the road in Sierra Leone are unsafe and accidents resulting from the poor condition of these vehicles, including
multi-vehicle accidents, are common. Many drivers on the road in Sierra Leone are inexperienced and often drive without
proper license or training. Serious accidents are common, especially outside of Freetown, where the relative lack of traffic
allows for greater speeds. The chance of being involved in an accident increases greatly when traveling at night, and Embassy
officials are not authorized to travel outside of major cities after dark.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Sierra Leone, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Sierra Leone’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa. It is not uncommon for regional airlines to alter scheduled stops, cancel or postpone flights on short notice, and overbook flights. Travelers may experience unexpected delays even after checking in and must be prepared to handle alternate ticketing and/or increased food and lodging expenses. European carriers are typically more reliable. American citizens departing Lungi International Airport have reported incidents of attempted extortion by officials claiming that travel documents were not in order. Luggage can often be lost or pilfered.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Lungi Airport is located across a large body of water from Freetown. There are usually four travel options to/from Lungi
airport: helicopter, ferry, hovercraft and by road. While none is without risk, all are used by Embassy personnel. The cost
for the ferry service is minimal; however, the service experiences frequent delays, and the ferry terminal is located in East
Freetown, which has a higher crime rate than other parts of the capital. When the hovercraft and helicopter services are
operating, they charge approximately $50-70 each way (payable in U.S. currency). Passengers departing Freetown by air should
expect to pay an airport tax of $40.00 (payable in U.S. Dollars).
Sierra Leone is a cash economy. However, an anti-money laundering law passed in July 2005 prohibits importing more than $10,000
in cash except through a financial institution. Travelers are advised not to use credit cards in Sierra Leone because very
few facilities accept them and there is a serious risk that using a card will lead to the number being stolen for use in fraudulent
transactions. There are no ATMs connected to international networks. Travelers' checks are not usually accepted as payment;
however, they can be cashed at some banks including Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Rokel Commercial
Bank. The traveler must have proof of identification and a signed receipt by the institution where the travelers’ checks
were purchased. Currency exchanges should be handled through a bank or established foreign exchange bureau. Exchanging money
with street vendors is dangerous because criminals may "mark" such people for future attack and there is the risk of receiving
counterfeit currency.
Sierra Leone's customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the export of gems and precious minerals, such as
diamonds and gold. All mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, belong to the State and only the government of Sierra
Leone can issue mining and export licenses. The legal authority for the issuance of licenses is vested in the Ministry of
Mines and Mineral Resources. Failure to comply with relevant legislation can lead to serious criminal penalties. For further
information on mining activities in Sierra Leone, contact the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources: The Director of Mines,
Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, Fifth Floor, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown, Sierra Leone; tel. (232-22) 240-420
or 240-176; fax (232-22) 240-574.
Corruption is a problem in Sierra Leone. Travelers requesting service from government officials at any level may be asked
for bribes. Corrupt government officials should be reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission at one of the following locations:
The Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission, 3 Gloucester Street, Freetown; 14a Lightfoot Boston Street, Freetown; 37 Kissy
Town Road, Bo, Southern Province; Independence Square, Rogbaneh Road, Makeni; tel. (232- 22) 229-984 or 227-100 or 221-701;
fax (232-22) 221-900; email: acc@sierratel.sl or info@anticorruption.sl, the web site for the Anti Corruption Commission in Sierra Leone at http://www.anticorruptionsl.org/anonymous.html.
Travelers must obtain official permission to photograph government buildings, airports, bridges, or official facilities including
the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the United States Embassy. Areas where photography is prohibited may not be clearly
marked or defined. People sometimes do not want to be photographed for religious reasons or may want to be paid for posing.
Photographers should ask permission before taking someone’s picture.
U.S. citizens who are also Sierra Leonean nationals must provide proof of payment of taxes on revenues earned in Sierra Leone
before being granted clearance to depart the country. The Government of Sierra Leone now recognizes dual U.S.-Sierra Leonean
citizenship. However; the U.S. Embassy may have difficulty assisting American citizens involved in legal or criminal proceedings
if they entered the country on a Sierra Leonean passport.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Sierra Leone laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Sierra Leone are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Sierra Leone are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Sierra Leone. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Leicester Square, Regent; tel. (232) (22) 515 000 or (232) (76) 515 000; fax (232) (22) 515 355. The Embassy maintains a home page on the Internet at http://freetown.usembassy.gov/.
* * *
This replaces the Country Specific Information for Sierra Leone dated September 4, 2007 to update the section on Crime, sections
in Aviation Safety and Oversight were moved to Special Circumstances.
