Sierra Leone travel health
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Overview
Sierra Leone has year‑round malaria transmission, endemic yellow fever and periodic outbreaks of viral haemorrhagic fevers (Lassa) and other infections. Border health formalities (a mandatory online health‑declaration form) and a required yellow fever vaccination certificate are enforced; travellers should see a travel‑health clinician well before departure to review vaccines, malaria prevention and emergency plans.
Entry rules and health declarations
Sierra Leone requires incoming travellers to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (the “Yellow Card”) showing yellow fever immunization; the certificate is checked at entry and remains an administrative requirement. Travellers must also complete the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) online Health Travel Portal declaration (forms must be completed within 72 hours before travel). CDC — Sierra Leone travel page National Public Health Agency (NPHA) — Health Travel Portal Government of Sierra Leone — Visa & entry information.
Vaccinations and entry requirements
Distinguish legal/administrative entry requirements (yellow fever certificate) from clinical recommendations (vaccines you should consider for health protection).
Yellow fever (entry requirement)
Yellow fever vaccination is required by Sierra Leone for travellers; public‑health authorities also recommend vaccination for most travellers because the disease is present in the country. The vaccine is generally given from 9 months of age and many countries recognise the WHO/IHR certificate as valid for the life of the vaccinated person. If you cannot receive the vaccine for medical reasons, seek official advice before travel about accepted documentation and any quarantine or other measures. WHO — IHR vaccination requirements (country list) CDC — Yellow fever / country guidance TravelHealthPro — Sierra Leone.
Routine and commonly recommended vaccines
Make sure routine immunizations are up to date (MMR, tetanus, polio, routine childhood vaccines). Hepatitis A is recommended for most travellers to Sierra Leone; hepatitis B is recommended for travellers at risk (long stays, healthcare work, sexual exposure or medical procedures) and is routinely advised for unvaccinated travellers. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travellers, especially those visiting friends and relatives or expecting to eat street food or travel to areas with poor sanitation. Seasonal influenza vaccination is advised for those for whom it is indicated. Discuss timing and any contraindications with your clinician. CDC — vaccine recommendations for Sierra Leone TravelHealthPro — vaccine guidance.
Rabies (pre‑exposure for some travellers)
Dog rabies is present in Sierra Leone and post‑exposure treatment is not always readily available outside larger centres. Consider rabies pre‑exposure vaccination if you will be doing activities that increase risk (extensive time outdoors, working with animals, remote travel where prompt post‑exposure care may be difficult). Even if pre‑exposure vaccine is given, full post‑exposure treatment is required after a bite. CDC — rabies advice for Sierra Leone.
Other health risks
Non‑vaccine risks and prevention depend on season, location and activities. Tailor precautions to your itinerary.
Malaria
Malaria (primarily Plasmodium falciparum) is transmitted throughout Sierra Leone year‑round. CDC and travel‑medicine authorities recommend chemoprophylaxis for all travellers to Sierra Leone; commonly used options include atovaquone‑proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine and, where appropriate, tafenoquine. Strict mosquito‑bite prevention (insect repellent, permethrin‑treated bednets, air‑conditioned or screened accommodation) is essential. Discuss the best antimalarial for you with a clinician before travel. CDC — malaria and prophylaxis WHO — malaria risk (country summary).
Food, water and diarrhoeal disease (including cholera)
Contaminated food and water are common causes of travellers’ diarrhoea in Sierra Leone; cholera is endemic and outbreaks occur, particularly during the rainy season and where sanitation is poor. Practice careful food and water hygiene: drink bottled or treated water, avoid raw/unpeeled produce and street‑prepared uncooked foods, and wash hands frequently. In specific high‑risk roles (humanitarian workers) or during known local cholera outbreaks, oral cholera vaccination may be considered—discuss with a travel clinic. TravelHealthPro — cholera & food‑water advice UK FCDO — health risks and cholera note.
Lassa fever and viral haemorrhagic fevers
Lassa fever is endemic in parts of West Africa, including Sierra Leone, and causes sporadic cases and periodic outbreaks. Risk is higher with close contact to sick people, exposure to rodents or visits to health facilities during outbreaks. There is no licensed vaccine for Lassa for routine travellers; prevention focuses on avoiding rodent exposure and close contact with sick people and seeking immediate medical care for fever or unexplained bleeding. Health‑care workers should follow strict infection‑control precautions. WHO — Lassa fever (disease information) CDC — Sierra Leone non‑vaccine disease guidance (Lassa).
Vector‑borne viral infections (dengue, chikungunya, Zika considerations)
Dengue and chikungunya occur in Sierra Leone; these viruses are transmitted by day‑biting mosquitoes. There is no widely available, travel‑relevant vaccine for dengue for dengue‑naïve travellers; prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites. Pregnant travellers should discuss risks with a clinician. TravelHealthPro — dengue & chikungunya CDC — dengue prevention.
Water‑related infections and environmental hazards
Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) can be acquired by contact with fresh water; avoid swimming or wading in freshwater sources. Leptospirosis and other water/soil exposures are risks after heavy rains or flooding—avoid floodwater and cover wounds. CDC — waterborne and environmental risks.
Current health alerts
Only items with clear, current supporting evidence are listed below.
Mandatory health declaration and points of entry checks (current)
Since mid‑2026 Sierra Leone requires completion of the NPHA Health Travel Portal (point‑of‑entry arrival and departure forms) within 72 hours of travel; airlines and the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) have issued notices that failure to complete the form may result in denied boarding. Complete the portal and keep proof of submission (QR‑code/confirmation) with travel documents. National Public Health Agency (NPHA) — Health Travel Portal Sierra Leone Today — SLCAA advisory (21 Oct 2026 notice).
Endemic and periodic outbreaks (Lassa and others)
Lassa fever is endemic and Sierra Leone has experienced recent outbreaks (reported to WHO in 2024–2025). This represents an ongoing regional public‑health risk rather than a single one‑time event; travellers should avoid rodent contact and close contact with ill persons, and seek care for febrile illness. There are no broadly applicable travel restrictions from WHO at this time, but local situations can change rapidly—consult official bulletins and your travel clinic before departure. WHO — Lassa fever WHO AFRO — weekly outbreak bulletins (regional reporting).
Measles and vaccine‑preventable disease warnings
Measles activity is elevated globally and travellers should be fully vaccinated (MMR) before travel. Ensure immunity particularly if travelling with young children. CDC — measles and routine vaccination advice.
Before you travel
Plan medical preparation early and carry documentation and supplies appropriate to destination, activities and personal health needs.
Practical preparation
See a travel‑health clinician 4–8 weeks before departure (earlier if multiple vaccines or a complex medical history are involved). Carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) if vaccinated for yellow fever, printed confirmation of the NPHA health declaration, insect repellent (DEET or picaridin), a first‑aid kit, antimalarial medication as prescribed, and photocopies of prescriptions and important documents. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. CDC — packing and pre‑travel checklist TravelHealthPro — pre‑travel advice.
Clinical disclaimer
This information summarizes published public‑health guidance. A travel‑health professional can advise on your itinerary, medical history and vaccination needs.
