The U.S. Department of State has renewed its travel advisory for Sierra Leone as of September 25, 2025. The advisory remains at Level 2, urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure. The summary section of the advisory was updated, but there were no changes to the overall level or specific indicators.
According to the advisory, violent crimes such as robbery and assault are common in Sierra Leone, particularly in Freetown. Police often have limited resources and may not be able to respond effectively to serious incidents outside major areas.
Travelers are advised not to travel outside the Freetown peninsula after nightfall because of heightened safety risks. U.S. government employees in Sierra Leone are also prohibited from traveling outside the capital after dark. "The U.S. Embassy in Freetown cannot offer emergency services outside Freetown at night," states the advisory.
Demonstrations and protests occur regularly in Sierra Leone and can sometimes turn violent without warning, especially around political events or holidays.
The advisory also highlights concerns about health infrastructure: "Sierra Leone’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health facilities, services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe."
Travelers are encouraged to secure medical or travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and to bring enough prescription medication for their entire stay.
Additional recommendations include avoiding demonstrations and crowds, staying aware of surroundings, not displaying signs of wealth such as expensive jewelry or electronics, using caution at night, not resisting robbery attempts physically, being vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, keeping travel documents up-to-date and accessible, checking with a doctor about necessary vaccines before departure, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates from the embassy or consulate, reviewing security reports for Sierra Leone, consulting CDC guidance on travel health information for Sierra Leone, and using an international travel checklist before departure.
"We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage," concludes the advisory.