Published: May 2, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Sierra Leone Travel Advisory and Sierra Leone Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Freetown:
Leicester Square, off Regent Road, in the hills above the city.
Tel.: +232 99 105-500; After-hours Emergencies: +232 99 905-007.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 0800-1715; Friday 0800-1300.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
U.S. Embassy Freetown does not have an OSAC Country Chapter.
Contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.
Sierra Leone Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to crime, civil unrest, and limited circulation of poliovirus.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Freetown as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sierra Leone, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Victims rarely report crimes to the police for fear of reprisal and lack of trust in the systems in place to arrest and prosecute criminals. Robberies, home invasions, assaults, and petty street crimes continue to occur throughout the country. However, the rate of violent crime in Sierra Leone remains comparable with that of other West African countries.
Sierra Leone continues to grapple with poverty, rising inflation, and high unemployment rates; this is especially the case among the youth, who possess limited job prospects. Over 90% of the population live on less than $5.50 per day. Economic desperation has fueled increases in crime.
Rape, including spousal rape, is illegal in Sierra Leone and punishable by up to 15 years in prison. However, rape is common, and indictments are rare. Domestic violence is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to five million Leones ($455) and up to two years in prison. However, domestic violence is common, and police are unlikely to intervene.
Most crimes against U.S. travelers in Sierra Leone are opportunistic and non-violent, though violent crime remains a concern. Pickpocketing and petty theft are the most common types of non-violent crime affecting Westerners. As in many countries, expatriates are the targets of petty crime due to their perceived wealth.
Criminals may steal personal belongings from hotel rooms, even with doors locked. Store valuables securely at all times. Since 2016, there have been no reported thefts from installed hotel room safes at internationally branded hotels, but no hotel in Sierra Leone is immune to theft – even upscale establishments. The small safes provided by the hotel are vulnerable; do not trust them with highly valuable items.
Travel to/from Sierra Leone increases during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, as people travel to visit family and friends. Hotel rooms and international flights may become scarce from November until February. Freetown experiences seasonal rises in crime (e.g., petty theft, luggage pilferage, pick pocketing, scams, fraud) with the influx of affluent visitors.
There have been incidents in which criminals used local tools of convenience (e.g., machetes, bladed weapons) during robbery attempts. In the event of confrontation with an armed criminal actor, immediately hand over the desired property to avoid escalation or injury.
Keep security plans diverse and flexible to ensure the safety of individuals and the security of property. Diplomatic missions, foreign organizations, expatriates, and wealthy local nationals typically contract with private security services for the protection of facilities and residences as a deterrent to property crime. Crime can still occur despite the employment of private security personnel. Do not invite strangers into your living quarters. Supervise/escort all workers in your living quarters. Practice good operational security if you are transporting valuable items into and around Sierra Leone. Some reported robberies committed against expatriates appear to involve those with inside information regarding the victims.
Gangs pose a potential threat to public order, with increased criminality, antisocial behavior, and drug use. Most often, gangs are composed of unemployed youth who align according to political affiliation, sports teams, or music preferences (e.g., rival local hip-hop artists). Most gang activity occurs in the eastern area of Freetown and usually does not affect foreigners.
While Sierra Leone remains a primarily cash economy, more and more businesses, particularly in Freetown, are accepting credit cards. Visa cards are more prevalent than other brands. Point-of-sale terminals exist in some major shops, hotels, and restaurants. Credit card machines operate over the cell phone system, so ensure the machine comes to you. Some ATMs accept international Visa cards. Use credit cards cautiously; there is a serious risk that criminals may steal the card numbers for use in fraudulent transactions.
In August 2019, the Bank of Sierra Leone announced a prohibition on conducting business in foreign currency. The prohibition went into effect immediately, with violations punishable by a fine of 100 million Leones ($9,100) and/or imprisonment of not less than three years. Handle currency exchanges only through a bank or established foreign exchange bureau. Avoid exchanging money with street vendors, since criminals may "mark" such individuals for future targeting; there is also a risk of receiving counterfeit currency or being short-changed in the transaction.
U.S. nationals and foreigners can be victims of schemes involving the purchase of gold dust and diamonds by local nationals who claim to work for various gold vendors, the Government Gold and Diamond Office (GGDO), government ministries, customs, and the police. U.S. citizens have been defrauded by such investment schemes, even when conducted with seemingly legitimate parties. The Regional Security Office is aware of at least one instance in which gold purchased according to the commonly understood regulations was seized by local authorities on the pretext the sale was illegitimate. Beware of offers to sell you gold, diamonds, etc.; these types of activities could result in substantial loss of money or violation of local laws. Regulation of the gold and diamond industry remains under the control of the government. Only make purchases of gold or diamonds through licensed brokers. Do not purchase diamonds, gold, or other gems/minerals from an unlicensed source. Many diamond distributors are unlicensed and produce fraudulent gem certificates.
Land-fraud schemes continue to be prevalent throughout Sierra Leone. Many foreign investors fall victim to individuals claiming to be employed by the National Power Authority (NPA) who provide false documents of land ownership to would-be investors. Conduct any transactions involving investment or land purchases directly with the NPA and not with individuals claiming connections within the NPA to facilitate the sale.
U.S. citizens wishing to conduct business in Sierra Leone should consult the U.S. embassy’s economic section for business advice and words of caution. The U.S. embassy continues to support the establishment of an American Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone. When searching for legal representation in Sierra Leone, use extreme diligence; some local attorneys are often at the center of criminal activities.
There are no specific geographical areas of concern within the capital city of Freetown or in the country that are off-limits for U.S. embassy personnel due to crime.
Petty crime and pickpocketing of wallets, cell phones, and passports is very common, especially on the ferry to/from Freetown’s Lungi International Airport (FNA), as well as in the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in the Lumley Beach and Aberdeen areas of Freetown. Thieves often attempt to distract a victim by asking questions, begging for money, bumping, or jostling the individual, or offering to sell items.
Areas that tourists frequent are havens for incidents involving theft, prostitution, drug sales, and disorderly conduct. The Lumley Beach area is one such location in Freetown. Avoid walking in this area at night, as it has poor lighting and attracts intoxicated persons.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sierra Leone.
Kidnapping and kidnapping for ransom are not common in Sierra Leone. No cases involving international personnel have been reported in recent history.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Freetown as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sierra Leone.
There are no known terrorism organizations targeting U.S. travelers or interests in Sierra Leone. However, there exists a real and growing threat in West Africa from the operational presence of multiple terrorist groups, including regional affiliates of al-Qa’ida and ISIS. Sierra Leone has not experienced terrorist attacks but remains vulnerable to terrorist activities due to its porous borders, regional instability, and increasing terrorist attacks targeting Western interests, foreigners, and African governments. The Government of Sierra Leone remains sensitive to the threat of terrorism and engages with its international partners to detect and combat it.
In July 2024, local authorities arrested several individuals in Freetown for storing explosives and millions of dollars in Captagon, a synthetic drug widely used in the Middle East. The seizure demonstrated the extent to which Sierra Leone is increasingly used to transit contraband to outside markets.
Al-Qa’ida-affiliated terrorist groups based in Mali have launched multiple attacks on soft and hard targets and foreigners that frequent major cities in West Africa, including those outside of the traditional areas of operation for these groups.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Freetown as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sierra Leone, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
There have been no acts of political violence directed toward U.S. nationals in recent years. Political demonstrations and rallies are generally peaceful, but sporadic clashes do occur, often instigated by individuals within the crowds. Participants at political rallies are easily incited and may use weapons of opportunity, including sticks and rocks. Strong rivalries exist in Sierra Leone; participants at large demonstrations can become aggressive toward one another and the police. The police deploy crowd-control techniques, including the firing of warning shots and using tear gas. Avoid all political rallies and demonstrations; even peaceful gatherings can escalate to violence.
Sierra Leone conducted national elections in June 2023. The electoral commission declared the incumbent, President Julius Bio, the winner after the first round of the presidential election. President Bio’s second presidential term began on June 24. The elections occurred with minimal violence, though voters and observers witnessed logistical challenges and irregularities in the voting and tallying processes. Lack of transparency in the tabulation process, accusations of compromised election materials, and inconsistencies in the official vote count led many observers to question the results’ credibility. Following the elections, the U.S. Department of State announced it would pursue visa restrictions for individuals responsible for undermining democracy in Sierra Leone.
In the early morning hours of November 26, 2023, there was an attack on the Wilberforce Barracks, located near the President’s residence in the Hill Station neighborhood of Freetown. Attackers breached an armory and stole heavy weapons before proceeding to Pademba Prison and the military’s Joint Logistics Unit facility. Approximately 2000 prisoners were freed from the prison and over 20 killed before the attackers were repelled and chased to the outskirts of the city by government security forces. Investigations carried out following the incident showed the attacking force was composed of Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) active duty and retired personnel, active duty and retired Sierra Leone Police officers, as well as civilians.
The November 26 attack followed reports in July 2023 of a foiled coup plot involving members of the armed forces.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests and demonstrations occur sporadically within the city, and many times lead to small clashes between the participants and police. The reason for these protests and demonstrations varies, with popular concerns including skyrocketing inflation and the erosion of consumer purchasing power, land disputes, poor or lack of public services, and student activism. Violent protests have abated significantly since the August 2022 protests; however, when protests and demonstrations do turn violent, participants have thrown rocks, glass bottles, and even Molotov cocktails at police who respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and at times, with small arms fire. Avoid all protests and demonstrations; even peaceful gatherings can escalate to violence.
Power outages have become particularly bad in recent years. The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has not been able to enforce payments, nor curbed rampant theft of electricity, resulting in widespread power shortages. These outages have become politically problematic for the government, particularly as the Turkish-owned Karpowership plans to cease operations in Sierra Leone by the end of June 2025. Karpowership had been supplying 65 megawatts, the majority of the country’s electricity, since 2018.
In August 2022, violent anti-government protests and riots broke out in Sierra Leone, impacting Freetown as well as other provincial cities. Protesters originally gathered to protest high inflation, the growing cost of living, police harassment, corruption, and a government crackdown on freedom of speech. Demonstrations started peacefully but quickly turned violent, resulting in widespread brutality and the deaths of nine police officers and 21 civilians across the country. The government responded by calling in military forces to help quell the violence and shut off internet, cell service, television, and radio. The Sierra Leonean government controlled the violence after the first day of riots, but the incident shows how quickly peaceful protests can escalate into widespread violence in Sierra Leone.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
U.S. Embassy employees consistently report that the public and their professional counterparts are welcoming, and that there are no concerns relating to anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment.
Law Enforcement
Travelers requiring police assistance should contact the Chief Clerk at Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters Room 27 (2nd floor) at +232 76 933 001, which has the best-equipped offices to assist international travelers. If this number is unavailable, contact the Local Unit Commander (LUC) for the area in which the incident occurs. Many residents call their LUC when in need of assistance. Visitors should obtain the phone numbers of LUC of the areas they will visit. The U.S. embassy is unable to provide these contact numbers, as the LUCs frequently change assignments and phone numbers. Local police stations, like so many residences and businesses, do not have working landline telephones. Most police officers rely on private cell phones for communication, and these numbers are not made public. Officers answering the telephone often do not understand English speakers with a U.S. accent. Many nationals speak “Krio,” the lingua franca of the country.
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is a national police force administered from Freetown. Of the approximately 12,000 members, there are about 3,000 armed officers assigned to the Operational Support Division (OSD). OSD officers carry shoulder weapons and usually staff roadside checkpoints, serve on emergency response patrol teams, and protect foreign missions. The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces is responsible for external security but also has some domestic security responsibilities to assist police upon request in extraordinary circumstances. The armed forces report to the Defense Ministry. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of the security forces have committed some abuses.
Police Response
SLP capabilities have improved with guidance and support from international advisors, but only continued training will help the police reach international policing standards. SLP seeks to improve its response to escalating crime, but the lack of resources hinders progress. The lack of police vehicles to provide transportation for officers and, at times, no paper on which to prepare reports are challenges the SLP faces in its daily operations. As a result, officers must rely heavily on local transportation to travel to/from assignments. While vehicles may be available, fuel may not be. Police response is often slow and unreliable. It is not an uncommon practice for victims of crime to pay for or provide transportation for police officers to accompany them to the local station to file a report. The U.S., UN, and UK continue to work with the SLP on preparedness and crime prevention strategies.
The SLP has been accused of excessive use of force and corruption within its ranks, especially among OSD officers. The Government of Sierra Leone calls upon OSD to quell public protests that arise. Public opinion of and confidence in the SLP remain low, despite a well-publicized move in 2024 to refashion the SLP from a police force into a police service.
Some U.S. citizens who have traveled to a police station to report a crime or accident have stated that police officers requested money to purchase paper and pens before the officer could take a statement or write a report. There is a fee to make a police report; for foreigners, the cost is 300 Leones, (about $30), and for residents it is 50Leones ($2.50). Pay at the bank, not at the police station.
Do not pay bribes, “gifts,” or on-the-spot fines; if one is requested of you, obtain the officer’s name and badge number, and politely ask to speak with a supervisor and/or request to go to police headquarters for further processing. By international convention, the Government of Sierra Leone must notify the U.S. Embassy when it arrests a U.S. Citizen; however, it consistently fails to do so. Arrested or detained U.S. nationals should assert the right to speak with a representative from the U.S. Embassy; you may need to repeat this request.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Sierra Leone, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Sierra Leone.
The constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention, but human rights groups such as Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission indicate that police occasionally arrest and detain persons arbitrarily, including members of opposition parties. The government allows the Sierra Leone Police and chiefdom police to hold suspects in detention cells without charge or explanation for up to three days for suspected misdemeanors and up to ten days for suspected felonies.
The government has taken some steps to investigate, prosecute, and punish officials who committed abuses, but impunity persists.
Corruption is present at all levels within the government and private sector. According to a 2021/2023 Afrobarometer survey released in 2024, Sierra Leoneans perceived widespread corruption among police, with 39% of respondents saying police never act professionally or respect citizens’ rights and 47% of that police engage in criminal activities. Trust in the president and president’s office is largely dependent on political party affiliation, with significantly more respondents in Sierra Leone’s South and East regions, where the ruling party enjoys widespread support, reporting greater trust in the presidency than in the North, North-West, or West regions.
Cybersecurity
The embassy has received reports from U.S. citizens involved in financial scams. Scams involving promises of investment or business opportunities happen in Sierra Leone. Do not respond to any unsolicited opportunities to make money. Perform due diligence before entering into any financial agreement.
Import/Export Restrictions
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 National Minerals Agency (NMA) can provide licenses for export, while the agency’s Directorate of Precious Minerals Trading is responsible for Kimberly Process certification of diamonds. For further information on mining activities in Sierra Leone, contact the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources.
Establishments will not accept U.S. dollars dated 2006 and earlier, even though they are legal tender in the United States. An anti-money laundering law passed in 2005 prohibits importing more than $10,000 in cash except through a financial institution. Most outlets do not accept travelers' checks as payment.
There are no known restrictions on the use or importation of satellite phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
