Passport Health logo
canada flag
Afficher en français
VACCINATIONS|FIND A TRAVEL CLINIC|ADVICE
  • Home
    • About
        • Company History
        • Careers
        • Contact Us
        • Customer Feedback
        • FAQ
        • Mission Statement
        • Privacy Policy
        • Blog
    • Close
  • Destination Advice
    • Top Destinations
        • Brazil
        • China
        • Costa Rica
        • India
        • Kenya
        • Peru
        • Philippines
        • South Africa
        • Thailand
        • Vietnam
    • Destination Advice
          • Afghanistan
          • Albania
          • Algeria
          • American Samoa
          • Andorra
          • Angola
          • Anguilla
          • Antarctica
          • Antigua and Barbuda
          • Argentina
          • Armenia
          • Aruba
          • Australia
          • Austria
          • Azerbaijan
          • Azores
          • Bahamas
          • Bahrain
          • Balearics
          • Bangladesh
          • Barbados
          • Belarus
          • Belgium
          • Belize
          • Benin
          • Bermuda
          • Bhutan
          • Bolivia
          • Bonaire
          • Bora Bora
          • Bosnia
          • Botswana
          • Brazil
          • British Virgin Islands
          • Brunei
          • Bulgaria
          • Burkina Faso
          • Burundi
          • Cambodia
          • Cameroon
          • Canada
          • Canary Islands
          • Cape Verde
          • Cayman Islands
          • Central African Republic
          • Chad
          • Chile
          • China
          • Christmas Island
          • Cocos (Keeling) Islands
          • Colombia
          • Comoros
          • Cook Islands
          • Costa Rica
          • Cote d'Ivoire
          • Croatia
          • Cuba
          • Curacao
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Democratic Republic of the Congo
          • Denmark
          • Djibouti
          • Dominica
          • Dominican Republic
          • East Timor
          • Easter Island
          • Ecuador
          • Egypt
          • El Salvador
          • Equatorial Guinea
          • Eritrea
          • Estonia
          • Eswatini
          • Ethiopia
          • Falkland Islands
          • Faroe Islands
          • Fiji
          • Finland
          • France
          • French Guiana
          • French Polynesia
          • Gabon
          • Gambia
          • Georgia
          • Germany
          • Ghana
          • Gibraltar
          • Greece
          • Greenland
          • Grenada
          • Guadeloupe
          • Guam
          • Guatemala
          • Guinea-Bissau
          • Guinea
          • Guyana
          • Haiti
          • Hawaii
          • Honduras
          • Hong Kong
          • Hungary
          • Ibiza
          • Iceland
          • India
          • Indonesia
          • Iran
          • Iraq
          • Ireland
          • Israel
          • Italy
          • Jamaica
          • Japan
          • Jordan
          • Kazakhstan
          • Kenya
          • Kiribati
          • Kosovo
          • Kuwait
          • Kyrgyzstan
          • Laos
          • Latvia
          • Lebanon
          • Lesotho
          • Liberia
          • Libya
          • Liechtenstein
          • Lithuania
          • Luxembourg
          • Macao
          • Madagascar
          • Madeira Islands
          • Malawi
          • Malaysia
          • Maldives
          • Mali
          • Malta
          • Marshall Islands
          • Martinique
          • Mauritania
          • Mauritius
          • Mayotte
          • Mexico
          • Micronesia
          • Moldova
          • Monaco
          • Mongolia
          • Montenegro
          • Montserrat
          • Morocco
          • Mozambique
          • Myanmar
          • Namibia
          • Nauru
          • Nepal
          • Netherlands
          • New Caledonia
          • New Zealand
          • Nicaragua
          • Niger
          • Nigeria
          • Niue
          • Norfolk Island
          • North Korea
          • North Macedonia
          • Northern Mariana Islands
          • Norway
          • Oman
          • Pakistan
          • Palau
          • Palestinian Territories
          • Panama
          • Papua New Guinea
          • Paraguay
          • Peru
          • Philippines
          • Pitcairn Islands
          • Poland
          • Portugal
          • Puerto Rico
          • Qatar
          • Republic of the Congo
          • Réunion
          • Romania
          • Russia
          • Rwanda
          • Saba
          • Saint Barthelemy
          • Saint Helena
          • Saint Kitts and Nevis
          • Saint Lucia
          • Saint Martin
          • Saint Pierre-et-Miquelon
          • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
          • Samoa
          • San Marino
          • Sao Tome and Principe
          • Saudi Arabia
          • Senegal
          • Serbia
          • Seychelles
          • Sierra Leone
          • Singapore
          • Sint Eustatius
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Solomon Islands
          • Somalia
          • South Africa
          • South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
          • South Korea
          • South Sudan
          • Spain
          • Sri Lanka
          • Sudan
          • Suriname
          • Sweden
          • Switzerland
          • Syria
          • Tahiti
          • Taiwan
          • Tajikistan
          • Tanzania
          • Thailand
          • Togo
          • Tokelau
          • Tonga
          • Trinidad and Tobago
          • Tunisia
          • Türkiye
          • Turkmenistan
          • Turks and Caicos Islands
          • Tuvalu
          • U.S. Virgin Islands
          • Uganda
          • Ukraine
          • United Arab Emirates
          • United Kingdom
          • United States
          • Uruguay
          • Uzbekistan
          • Vanuatu
          • Vatican
          • Venezuela
          • Vietnam
          • Wake Island
          • Western Sahara
          • Yemen
          • Zambia
          • Zimbabwe
    • Close
  • Travel Medicine
    • Travel Medical Services
        • Vaccines for Travel
        • Travel Health Consulting
        • Travellers’ Diarrhea Kits
        • Dengue Fever Prevention
        • Malaria Medication
        • Zika Virus Prevention
        • Ebola Virus
        • Coronavirus
    • Close
  • Vaccinations
    • Key Travel Vaccines
      • Typhoid
      • Yellow Fever
      • Hepatitis A
      • Rabies
      • Japanese Encephalitis
      • Drug Identification Numbers (DIN)
    • Other Travel Vaccines
      • Cholera (Dukoral)
      • Chikungunya
      • Hepatitis B
      • Malaria Information
      • Meningitis
      • Polio
    • Routine Vaccinations
      • Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
      • Measles – Mumps – Rubella (MMR)
      • Pneumonia
      • Shingles
      • Influenza (The Flu)
    • Close
  • Other Services
    • Additional Services
      • TB Tests
      • Physician Referral Program
    • Close
  • For Employers
    • Corporate Wellness Solutions
      • Travel Medicine & Vaccinations
      • Onsite Flu Clinics
      • Onsite Vaccination Clinics
      • Biometric Screenings
      • Vaccine Credentialing
    • Close
  • Locations
        • Ontario
          Barrie Travel Clinic
          Brampton Travel Clinic
          Carlington - Ottawa Travel Clinic
          Downtown - Ottawa Travel Clinic
          Etobicoke Travel Clinic
          Hamilton Travel Clinic
          Kingston Travel Clinic
          Kitchener Travel Clinic
          London Travel Clinic
          Markham Travel Clinic
          Mississauga Travel Clinic
          North York Travel Clinic
          Oakville Travel Clinic
          Richmond Hill Travel Clinic
          St. Catharines Travel Clinic
          Toronto Travel Clinic
          Vaughan Travel Clinic
          Whitby Travel Clinic
          Yorkville Travel Clinic
        • Alberta
          Chinook - Calgary Travel Clinic
          Downtown Calgary Travel Clinic
          Downtown Edmonton Travel Clinic
          Southeast Edmonton Travel Clinic
          St. Albert Travel Clinic
        • British Columbia
          Burnaby Travel Clinic
          Downtown Vancouver Travel Clinic
          North Vancouver Travel Clinic
          Richmond Travel Clinic
          Surrey Travel Clinic
        • Quebec
          Clinique Santé-Voyage Centre-Ville Montréal
          Clinique Santé-Voyage Laval
          Clinique Santé-Voyage Pointe-Claire
          Clinique Santé-Voyage Ville de Québec
          Clinique Santé-Voyage Westmount
    • Close
From the capitol to the countryside, Sierra Leone offers a variety of sights and sounds. Travel safely and virus-free with Passport Health.

We’ll help keep you safe at home or abroad. Book your visit online today!

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Sierra Leone

Passport Health offers a variety of options for travellers throughout the world.
Nationwide
Travel Health
Services

Yellow fever vaccination, mosquito repellents, netting and other key vaccines can help you stay illness-free.
Yellow Fever
Vaccination
Available

See what vaccinations or medications may be recommended for your specific destination.
Sierra Leone
Specific
Advice

Passport Health offers a variety of ways to prevent travellers' diarrhea.
Travellers’
Diarrhea Kits
Available

Despite its beauty, Sierra Leone has remained mostly uninfluenced by tourist activities. Much of the country is still undiscovered.

The country’s coastline, is only one of its many attractive landscapes. The Loma Mountains in the north have dense rain forests and volcanoes nestled in rolling hills.

In Freetown vibrant houses perched on stilts remain from when freed slaves relocated to the country’s Western shores.

On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Sierra Leone?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Sierra Leone
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Sierra Leone?
What Is the Climate Like in Sierra Leone?
How Safe Is Sierra Leone?
Is the Food Safe in Sierra Leone?
Going to Banana Island
What Should I Take to Sierra Leone?
Canadian Embassy in Sierra Leone

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Sierra Leone. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sierra Leone: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

  • Typhoid –
    Food & Water –
    Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
  • Hepatitis A –
    Food & Water –
    Recommended for most travellers.
  • Polio –
    Food & Water –
    While there is no active polio transmission in Sierra Leone, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
  • Yellow Fever –
    Mosquito –
    Required for arriving travellers from ALL countries. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age.
  • Rabies –
    Saliva of Infected Animals –
    High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
  • Hepatitis B –
    Blood & Body Fluids –
    Recommended for travellers to most regions.
  • Influenza –
    Airborne –
    Vaccine components change annually.
  • COVID-19 –
    Airborne –
    Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic.
  • Pneumonia –
    Airborne –
    Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
  • Meningitis –
    Direct Contact & Airborne –
    Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
  • Chickenpox –
    Direct Contact & Airborne –
    Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
  • Shingles –
    Direct Contact –
    Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
  • Polio –
    Food & Water –
    Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
  • TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
    Wounds & Airborne –
    Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
  • Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
    Various Vectors –
    Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.

See the table below for more information:

Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Sierra Leone

VACCINE HOW DISEASE SPREADS DETAILS
Typhoid Food & Water Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
Hepatitis A Food & Water Recommended for most travellers.
Polio Food & Water While there is no active polio transmission in Sierra Leone, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
Yellow Fever Mosquito Required for arriving travellers from ALL countries. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age.
Rabies Saliva of Infected Animals High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
Hepatitis B Blood & Body Fluids Recommended for travellers to most regions.

 

Routine Vaccinations for Sierra Leone

VACCINE HOW DISEASE SPREADS DETAILS
Influenza Airborne Vaccine components change annually.
COVID-19 Airborne Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic.
Pneumonia Airborne Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
Meningitis Direct Contact & Airborne Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
Chickenpox Direct Contact & Airborne Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
Shingles Direct Contact Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) Wounds & Airborne Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) Various Vectors Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.

Sources: PHAC, WHO and ISTM

  • Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads via contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Protect yourself by practicing good hygiene and safe food habits. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of typhoid infection, especially when travelling to endemic areas.
  • Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective shot that provides immunity against the virus, usually given in two doses.
  • Yellow Fever – Yellow fever is a serious, potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by fever, jaundice, and bleeding. The yellow fever vaccine, given as a single injection, offers effective, long-lasting immunity against the virus and is crucial for travellers to and residents of endemic areas in Africa and South America.
  • Rabies – The rabies virus is a deadly threat that spreads through bites and scratches from infected animals. Preventing rabies involves timely vaccination, avoiding contact with wildlife and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten. The rabies vaccine is instrumental in developing immunity and safeguarding against this fatal disease.
  • Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread through bodily fluids, poses a significant health risk. Safe practices help, but vaccination is the ultimate safeguard. It prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring strong and persistent protection.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious viral infections, causing various symptoms and complications. To prevent them, vaccination is key. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, safeguards against all three diseases and helps establish herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Sierra Leone. All travellers over the age of nine months must show proof of vaccination upon arriving in the country. Vaccination is also recommended by the PHAC and WHO to keep travellers protected against the virus.

Malaria is widespread in Sierra Leone. Antimalarials are recommended for all travellers to the country. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are often given to travellers to Sierra Leone. Malaria parasite are resistant to chloroquine in the region. Be sure to consult with a travel health specialist on which antimalarials are best for your itinerary and health situation.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Sierra Leone.

The PHAC also says that the Zika virus is a risk in Sierra Leone. This virus can cause serious birth defects. It is recommended that pregnant women, or women planning to become pregnant, should not travel to Sierra Leone.

Typhoid vaccination is highly recommended for travellers to Sierra Leone. Individuals who visit friends or relatives or go to rural areas are at greater risk and should be immunized.

Ebola struck Sierra Leone in July of 2014. The outbreak claimed more than 700 lives.

In March 2016, the World Health Organization declared Sierra Leone Ebola-free.

To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.

To ward off bug bites, follow PHAC advice: wear long clothing, use screens, and remove standing water. Opt for EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE for protection. If bitten, wash the area, avoid scratching, and apply remedies. Seek medical help for severe reactions.

Abroad, practice food safety by avoiding street vendors, washing hands thoroughly, and choosing well-cooked meals. Opt for bottled or canned drinks with unbroken seals. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by practicing hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.

  • African Tick-Bite Fever – ATBF, transmitted by ticks in sub-Saharan Africa, can be prevented by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks. For additional protection, inquire about available options from healthcare experts before travelling to affected areas.
  • Dengue – Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including high fever and pain. The PHAC emphasizes prevention through avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents and removing standing water. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and hydration, avoiding certain pain relievers that can worsen bleeding risks.
  • Ebola – Ebola, a deadly virus, can be prevented through rigorous hand hygiene and avoiding infected individuals, both are crucial in halting its transmission.
  • Lassa Fever – Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus, spreads via rodents and human-to-human transmission. Although no vaccine is licensed yet, prevention entails strict hygiene, rodent control, and healthcare safety measures.
  • Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever – Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever (MHF) spreads through contact with infected animals and individuals, necessitating stringent protective measures. Safe burial practices, healthcare infection control, and community education are pivotal in reducing MHF transmission risks.
  • Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated water. Avoiding contact with infected water sources and using protective clothing can reduce the risk of infection. Seeking medical evaluation promptly if symptoms such as fever and fatigue manifest enables timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications and promoting recovery.
  • Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, spreads through mosquito bites, sexual contact, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Preventive measures include using repellent, practicing safe sex, and removing mosquito breeding sites.

A valid passport is required to enter the country. All tourist and business visits will also require a visa.

Sierra Leone Entry Requirements

Do I Need A… For My Trip to Sierra Leone?
Passport table check mark
Tourist Visa table check mark
Business Visa table check mark
Vaccinations table check mark

Sources: Embassy of Sierra Leone and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months following your expected date of arrival. Proof of yellow fever immunization is also required for entry.

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

Sierra Leone is, for the most part, humid year-round. The country’s hottest season is from November through around April. During this time, travellers can expect a slight drop in humidity, but a spike in temperatures. Near the coast, breezes from the Atlantic offer a slight drop in temperature. March is considered the peak of the dry, hot season.

From December to January, dry dust storms from the Sahara blow through most of the country.

November and May are considered “wet months.” Travellers should expect a moderate amount of rainfall during this time.

  • Freetown – In this coastal town, the temperatures tend to be relatively cooler than other major cities in Sierra Leone. Freetown experiences frequent rainfall.
  • Kenema – Located in the South Sierra Leone, the climate is tropical and rainfall is present for most of the year. The dry season here has little impact on the climate.
  • Makeni – Located in the center of Sierra Leone, this city experiences weather like Kenema to the South and Freetown to the West. But, this area experiences less rainfall.

Sierra Leone is widely regarded as one of the poorest countries in the world. With this poverty comes an increase in crime rates.

Freetown is seen as the safest destination in the country. But, even in Freetown, night time wandering is not recommended. If you decide to travel from Freetown, the trip should be made in the daylight as run-ins with bandits are not uncommon.

If you are headed to border areas pay attention to your surroundings and never travel alone if you can help it. For instance, the border to Liberia is considered unstable.

Most dishes in Sierra Leone are spicy, plant-based and served with rice. Vegetable, meat and nut stews are common. Local dishes include: okra stew, cassava bread, coconut cake and pepper soup.

More impoverished areas in the country will have poor hygiene practices. It is best to stick to restaurants that are recommended for serving quality food on a consistent basis.

Although street food may smell tempting, cooking food outdoors increases the likelihood of your meal becoming contaminated.

All travellers to Sierra Leone should bring a travellers’ diarrhea kit, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations.

Avoid an Embarrassing Stop

Diarrhea can easily ruin a trip.Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.

Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit
!

Banana Island is a beautiful place in Sierra Leone that tourists like to visit because of its clear waters and white sandy beaches. People can do fun activities there, like swimming, snorkeling, and diving to see different types of colorful fish and sea animals. They can also go fishing with local fishermen, who use traditional methods to catch fish.

Banana Island is also a good place to relax and unwind because it is a quiet and peaceful island. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the island’s history and culture, or walk around and explore. There are also small guesthouses and lodges on the island where people can stay and experience island life.

Banana Island is a great place to visit if you like being near the ocean, want to try new things or want to relax in a beautiful setting.

Consider packing the following items, regardless what time of year you plan on travelling to Sierra Leone:

  • Either a rain poncho or a light rain jacket – Prepare for any expected or unexpected rainfall.
  • Bug spray or insect repellent – The high level of humidity across the country attracts mosquitoes, among other insects.
  • Long sleeved shirts and pants – Coverage of the arms and legs further reduces your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.
  • Light and airy, yet relatively conservative clothing – The temperatures are manageable, but humidity can make it feel much warmer than it is.

Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. There are no consular services in Sierra Leone. For any consular needs, contact the Canadian Embassy of Ghana:

Canadian Embassy in Ghana
42 Independence Avenue,
Accra, Ghana
Tel: +233 (0) 302 21 15 21 / +233 (0) 302 22 85 55

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!

Customer Reviews

Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Sierra Leone

Overall rating: 5 stars – 2 reviews
★★★★★
“Great consultation.“
“The nurse was very knowledgeable with Sierra Leone and I felt very comfortable with her recommendations on the necessary vaccinations. Quick in and out consultation and I was happy with their service.”

Submitted by: Ryan
★★★★★
“Prepared for Sierra Leone“
“The lady who helped me was very nice and knowledgeable. It explained a lot about the passport immunization clinic.”

Submitted by: Susan

US - EnglishUS – EnglishCA – EnglishCA - FrançaisCA – FrançaisUK - EnglishUK – EnglishRest of World - EnglishRest of World – English
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • PIPEDA Policy and Consent Form
  • Privacy Policy
  • Automatic Data Collection Statement
  • Sitemap
Schedule Your Appointment
Questions? Please call or E-mail Us
Connect With Us:
Passport Health Canada on Facebook
Passport Health on Twitter
Passport Health on YouTube
Passport Health on Instagram
Passport Health on Linked In
Passport Health Feed

Passport Health is an Outlier business Passport Health es una empresa que pertenece al grupo Outlier Passport Health est une entreprise du groupe Outlier Copyright © 2025

This website or its third-party tools use cookies to improve functionality and performance. By continuing to browse this site, you are consenting to the use of cookies illustrated in our automatic data collection statement.Accept