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Sierra Leone Travel Health Guide

High risk

Sierra Leone carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Sierra Leone. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.

Overall risk

High risk

Malaria

Present

Best time to visit

Year-round

Recommended vaccines

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines including chickenpox, DTP, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles before traveling.

Recommended

COVID-19

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.

Recommended

Hepatitis A

Get hepatitis A vaccine if you haven't been vaccinated before. Infants 6-11 months also need vaccination.

Recommended

Hepatitis B

Get hepatitis B vaccine if you haven't been vaccinated before, regardless of age.

Recommended

Malaria

Take prescription malaria prevention medicine. Start taking it before your trip and continue during and after your trip as directed by your doctor.

Recommended

Measles

Get fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least two weeks before travel. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.

Recommended

Polio

Get polio vaccination before travel. Adults may need a one-time booster if previously vaccinated as children. Unvaccinated travelers need the complete series.

Recommended

Typhoid

Get typhoid vaccine, especially if staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Recommended

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into Sierra Leone and recommended for all travelers 9 months and older.

Recommended

Monkeypox

Consider monkeypox vaccine if you plan certain high-risk sexual activities. Get first dose at least 6 weeks before travel if possible.

Situational

Rabies

Consider rabies vaccine before travel if you'll be around animals or in remote areas. Rabies treatment may only be available in larger medical facilities.

Situational

Disease risks

Malaria risk

Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.

Malaria risk exists throughout Sierra Leone. Take prescription malaria prevention medicine as recommended by your doctor, starting before your trip and continuing during and after.

Emergency numbers

Police

019

Medical / Ambulance

019

Fire

019

U.S. Embassy

+232-99-105-000

Sierra Leone travel health FAQ

Do I need vaccines to travel to Sierra Leone?▼

For travel to Sierra Leone, Routine vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Measles, Polio, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are recommended; Monkeypox and Rabies may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Is there malaria in Sierra Leone?▼

Yes — malaria is present in Sierra Leone. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.

Is it safe to travel to Sierra Leone?▼

From a travel-health standpoint, Sierra Leone is currently rated high risk. Sierra Leone carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Sierra Leone. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.

What are the emergency phone numbers in Sierra Leone?▼

Key emergency numbers in Sierra Leone are Police 019, Medical / Ambulance 019, Fire 019 and U.S. Embassy +232-99-105-000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.

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Sources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.