Sierra Leone

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

Temperatures and humidity are high and rainfall is heavy. The average temperature is about 26.6°C (80°F), with a range of about 5.6°C (10°F) on the coast and 11°C (20°F) well inland. There are two distinct seasons; the dry season from November to April; and the wet season over the rest of the year, with the heaviest rainfall in July, August and September. Rainfall is greater along the coast, especially in the mountains, where there is more than 230 inches annually, but it averages more than 125 inches a year in most of the country, with about 144 inches at Freetown. The relative humidity varies from an average of 80% during the wet season to about 50% in the dry season.

Climate Chart for Freetown

For the latest weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts


LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings



VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all except nationals of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Visas extensions are available at the Department of Immigration in Freetown.

Embassies abroad


MONEY

Official Currency:    Leone=100 cents
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

American Express is widely accepted and other credit cards are accepted on a limited basis. Travellers cheques are best taken in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars, other currencies incur high exchange rates. It is recommended that you also have cash with you.



BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday to Thursday : 0800-1300   Friday: 0800-1400
Shops:     Monday to Saturday: 0800-1200 and 1400-1700


LOCAL TIME

Sierra Leone has the same time as GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:
There is currently no domestic airline. Private airlines can be chartered.


Public Transport:
Sierra Leone Road Transport Corp. provides a reliable and efficient bus services from Freetown to all the major towns and the prices are fairly cheap. Bush taxis and minibuses also run on relatively short trips between towns.


Self Drive / Hire Cars:

Map & Atlases for Sale

The main roads connecting major towns are sealed, but lesser used routes are in poor condition rendering them often impassable during the rains. Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. There a very few car hie companies in the country.


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Sierrra Leone, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.