Sierra Leone: Authorities ease select COVID-19 domestic restrictions nationwide as of Sept. 15 /update 26

Event

Authorities have eased select COVID-19-related domestic measures, including lifting a nationwide 23:00-05:00 curfew, as of Sept. 15. Restrictions on hotels, bars, restaurants and other entertainment activities are also no longer in effect. However, individuals may only access such businesses with proof of vaccination. Likewise, individuals must show proof of vaccination to enter public buildings, educational institutions, and sporting venues. Public gatherings, including weddings and receptions, may resume with strict health protocols in place. Current directives also include the mandatory use of facemasks in public spaces and on transportation.

International Travel
Freetown's Lungi International Airport (FNA) is open to commercial flights. International air travelers must complete an online travel form to receive a unique ID number and provide a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. Additional tests, including a PCR and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), are conducted on arrival. Anyone who tests positive will be isolated at a government-approved facility.

Travelers arriving from countries deemed high-risk locations must self-isolate for eight days at a government-approved hotel or at an approved location. High-risk locations are subject to constant change; travelers will be notified whether their place of departure is deemed high-risk or not when they register through the online travel form. Fully vaccinated travelers arriving at least 14 days after their last injection will not be required to self-isolate but will be tested on arrival.

Authorities also announced that from Sept. 27, unvaccinated travelers entering the country will be subject to a mandatory quarantine period at their own cost until they test (PCR) negative for COVID-19.

Travelers departing Sierra Leone must also complete the online travel form to receive a unique ID number and provide a negative result from a PCR test taken 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.

The nation's land borders are open to international traffic under the same aforementioned health protocols.

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.

Resources

World Health Organisation (WHO)
Sierra Leone Ministry of Health
Sierra Leone State House
Travel Portal