Safety and emergencies
Areas advised against, risks on the road and in town, scams and numbers to keep with you. Advice varies with the country that publishes it.
Areas advised against
The border with Liberia is advised against except for essential travel; the rest of the country is under heightened vigilance. The responsible French embassy is in Conakry: emergencies +224 621 00 00 10 during office hours, +224 621 08 89 15 outside.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, safety
In town
In Freetown, insecurity remains low, but armed robbery, burglary and pickpocketing have targeted foreigners (Congo Cross, Wilkinson Road, Lumley Beach, Aberdeen, the centre near Cotton Tree). Avoid the north-east of the city and the port, especially at night, and Lumley beach on foot at night.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, safetyRiots over the cost of living can break out at any time, including in Freetown: avoid gatherings and political meetings.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, safety
On the road
Serious accidents are frequent: no road travel at night outside the peninsula, an off-road vehicle and experienced driver in the rainy season. Motorbike taxis, tricycles ("keke") and shared transport are strongly advised against. After an accident, if possible, leave the scene without getting out and go to the nearest police station.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, safetyFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, useful information
Scams
Gold and diamond purchase scams are common: contact your consulate before any transaction.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, safety
Sea, climate and natural hazards
From May to November, torrential rain causes floods and landslides, especially in Freetown where homes are built on hillsides. Beaches are unsupervised and currents are dangerous.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, safety
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
Emergencies 117; police 999 or 015.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Sierra Leone travel advice: getting helpFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
French diplomatic office in Freetown
Passport: FranceThe responsible embassy is in Conakry (Guinea); it can issue an emergency travel document if you lose your passport.
FCSC compound 2, 2 Mandalay Street, Cold Storage, Kingtom, Freetown+224 621 00 00 10+224 621 08 89 15France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, entry and residenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, safety· Oct 2, 2026
Sources for this guide
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, safety · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Sierra Leone, useful information · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.