Sierra Leone: Government lifts COVID-19 state of public health emergency and curfew as of late March /update 19

Authorities in Sierra Leone lift nationwide state of public health emergency and curfew as of late March. Health measures remain in place.

Event

The government of Sierra Leone has lifted the country's state of public health emergency and the associated 22:00-05:00 curfew as of late March. Nevertheless, a number of restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 remain in effect.

According to current directives, restaurants and bars must close on weekends, with clubs being closed completely. Sporting activities can be held without spectators. Religious services are subject to time restrictions. Facemasks are mandatory on public transportation and in public spaces. Public transport is operating at reduced capacity.

Sea borders are closed to passenger transit. The land border with Liberia is closed; however, overland travel with Guinea has resumed. International travelers must obtain authorization before arrival in Sierra Leone and must provide a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within seven days before departure for the country. Additional tests, including a COVID-19 PCR and rapid diagnostic test (RDT), are conducted on arrival. Any arriving traveler whose RDT test is positive will be isolated at a government-approved facility at his/her own expense. Travelers will remain at an approved facility until the PCR test is returned, with authorities holding their passports until the PCR test results have been received. If the PCR test is positive, the traveler will be required to self-isolate.

Travelers departing Sierra Leone must submit a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of their intended departure time. Travelers who arrived in the country fewer than five days before departing are exempt from the test.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and requirements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.