Sierra Leone: Authorities maintain tightened COVID-19 domestic restrictions nationwide through at least Aug. 31 /update 24

Sierra Leone maintains 23:00-05:00 curfew and other domestic restrictions through Aug. 31 to curb spread of COVID-19.

Event

Authorities announced July 31 that they will maintain tightened domestic restrictions through at least Aug. 31 due to increasing COVID-19 infections.

Domestic Restrictions
According to the directive, a nationwide 23:00-05:00 curfew will be in place through Aug. 31, though could be extended further. In addition, religious places and gatherings are suspended through at least Aug. 15. Social events, including weddings and funerals, should not exceed 50 people. Restaurants and bars must close at 21:00. Current directives also include the mandatory use of facemasks in all public spaces and on transportation.

International Travel
Freetown's Lungi International Airport (FNA) is open to commercial flights; however, the nation's land and sea borders remain closed to passenger traffic. International air travelers must complete an online travel form to receive a unique ID number and provide a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure. Additional tests, including a PCR test and a 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 (including Brazil, India, Turkey, or Argentina) are required to 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.

Travelers departing Sierra Leone must submit 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.

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.