Bunce Island

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Sierra Leone page at Yoogo.

Sierra Leone uses the Leone (ISO code SLE), introduced in 2022. Cash is the dominant means of payment outside of a handful of upmarket hotels and restaurants in Freetown, so it is advisable to carry sufficient local currency, which can be obtained at banks and bureaux de change in the capital.

Sierra Leone is a peaceful country and many visitors travel without incident, but it is advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, and check current government travel advisories before your trip. Petty theft is the most commonly reported issue, particularly in busy markets and ferry terminals in Freetown.

Within Freetown, shared taxis and poda-podas (minibuses) are the main forms of public transport, alongside okada motorcycle taxis and three-wheeled keke taxis. Travel between towns is served by poda-podas and shared taxis departing from poda-poda parks; journeys to the provinces are on largely unpaved roads, so journey times can be long, particularly during the rainy season.

The dry season from November to April is generally considered the best time to visit, with the months of November through January offering the most pleasant conditions for sightseeing and beach travel. The wet season from May to October brings heavy rainfall, with July and August seeing the most intense downpours that can make some roads impassable.

English is the official language and is used in government, education, and formal business. Krio, a creole language descended partly from English and spoken by the majority of the population as a first or second language, serves as the common tongue across ethnic groups, and learning a few basic phrases such as 'kusheh' (hello) and 'tenki' (thank you) is warmly appreciated.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry and will be checked on arrival. Malaria is a high risk throughout the country, so antimalarial medication should be taken as prescribed; other commonly recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio. Travellers should consult a travel health clinic at least four to eight weeks before departure.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; in mid-range and upmarket restaurants a tip of around 10 per cent is appropriate if a service charge has not already been added to the bill. For tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff, a modest tip in local currency is a well-received gesture for good service.