Travel to Freetown in Sierra Leone, is it safe?

whizzbang

I might be heading to Freetown in the future but I'd like to get an idea of how safe it is. Anyone everbeen there?

Cheers!

J

BuffyBot

Snippets from the UK Foreign Office's Travel Advice section:

Sierra Leone

SUMMARY

* Visits to the western area of Sierra Leone, including Freetown are usually trouble-free. Travel outside the western area can be difficult, as roads and infrastructure are poor.

* Opposition leader Charles Margai was arrested on 7 December 2005. Following his arrest there were demonstrations both in Freetown and Bo. The general situation is now calm, but you should avoid public demonstrations or large crowds.

* Petty crime is common. You should take sensible precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places.

* The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate attacks, which could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners.

* We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.


SAFETY AND SECURITY

Terrorism

The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Please read "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas" pages on the FCO website.

Crime

Pickpocketing, muggings and armed break-ins occur in Freetown.

You should avoid carrying valuables in public and be vigilant at all times, especially at night. In particular, you should also avoid the groups of youths who congregate in town centres.

You should check the quality of any gems and/or minerals that you purchase before legally removing them from the country. You should also be aware that any deals that appear too good to be true, probably are.

Political Situation

Sierra Leone is becoming more stable. The 10-year conflict ended in 2002 and Sierra Leone has successfully conducted both national (2002) and local (2004) elections.

However, Sierra Leone is bordered by Liberia, still recovering after 14 years of conflict, and Guinea which is politically fragile.

Charles Margai, opposition leader of the Peoples’ Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), was arrested on 7 December 2005 and charged under the Public Order and Political Parties' Acts. A demonstration was held outside the Headquarters of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Freetown immediately following the arrest. The police used teargas and the protestors responded with throwing stones. His case was adjourned on 19 December 2005, and will resume early February.

Freetown and Bo are now calm again.

You should continue to avoid demonstrations or large crowds. In particular, you should avoid political gatherings.

Local Travel

There are no commercial flights available within Sierra Leone

There are no restrictions on travelling around Sierra Leone. But travelling by road, particularly outside the Western Area, can be difficult. Public transport, where it exists, is neither reliable nor necessarily safe. Within the Western Area crowded private taxis provide transport along fixed routes. A limited number of private cars are available for hire on a short-term basis and major hotels and travel agencies offer cars for hire, with a chauffeur if required.

Road Safety

All roads are unlit and potholes are common, especially during the rainy season (May to November), so care should be taken when driving. The roads outside the capital are particularly poor and many are only accessible by four-wheel-drive. Travel after dark in the interior should be avoided.

Air Safety

Any airline from outside the EU or European Economic area, which wishes to pick up or put down passengers or cargo in the UK, requires a permit from the Secretary of State. It is a condition of the permit that the airline should be operated in accordance with international safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. No airline registered in Sierra Leone currently has a permit to land in the UK.

Following the October crash (cause unknown) of a Boeing 737 operated by Bellview Airlines en route from Lagos to Abuja (killing all 117 passengers and crew) and a more recent emergency landing (hydraulic failure) by another Bellview operated Boeing 737 en route to Freetown at Accra, the airline was grounded for a week by Nigerian authorities. Regional flights from Lagos and Abuja to Freetown and the Bellview service from Freetown to London Heathrow have now resumed. However, we advise that these incidents are taken into consideration when planning any regional travel in West Africa.

Sea Safety

Sierra Leone has many attractive beaches. But strong currents are common. Swimmers should take care and consult local advice before entering the water.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

The majority of Sierra Leoneans are Muslim and Sierra Leone has a tolerant Islamic culture. You should be sensitive to this when travelling throughout the Country.

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. All precious stones require an export licence. Those who commit criminal offences, including drug trafficking and diamond smuggling can expect to be subjected to local law. There are heavy penalties for those convicted. Local prison conditions are harsh.

Homosexuality is illegal in Sierra Leone.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All British nationals require a visa to enter Sierra Leone. Visas must be obtained before arrival from: Sierra Leonean representation in the UK.

Visitors travelling via Conakry should ensure that they have the necessary multiple entry visas for Guinea and a certified Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

HEALTH

During May 2005, there were reports of four deaths as a result of a cholera outbreak in the north west district of Kambia. We advise that you take particular care and recommend that you drink only boiled/bottled water.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance. This should include cover for medical treatment and evacuation, accidents, cancelled flights and stolen cash, credit cards, passport and luggage. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.

Medical facilities are poor. You should carry basic medical supplies. You are advised to take medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. Waterborne diseases, malaria and other tropical diseases are prevalent. You should consider taking prophylaxis against malaria and using insect repellent. Vaccination against rabies and yellow fever (required to enter Guinea) are strongly advised. You should consult your doctor about these and other requirements before travelling. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Lassa fever can be contracted in Kenema and the east. If you have travelled in this region you should seek urgent medical advice for any fever not positively identified as malaria.

For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk

GENERAL

Credit cards are not accepted in Sierra Leone and the opportunities to exchange travellers' cheques are limited. All foreign exchange transactions must be handled through the banks and official exchange offices. A small number of banks in central Freetown may be prepared to accept credit cards for the purchase of local currency.

You should carry ID (passport or residence permit) at all times, particularly when driving or taking a taxi, when the likelihood of having to produce it is high.

You should reconfirm onward/return flights 72 hours in advance.

whizzbang

Thanks for that! I'd taken a look there and was surprised it didn't have a "no unnessesary travel" warning, I'm just wondering if they are being a bit slanted as the UK is try to help SL back on its feet.

Cheers though!

J