Sierra Leone

On the 22 December 2014, the Sierra Leone Parliament, at its sitting, tabled The Cargo Tracking Note (Advance Cargo Declaration management) in the Sierra Leone Ports in compliance with section 20 (4) of the NCP Act 2002. Consequently, from 15 February 2015 every commodity loaded, unloaded or transit (export/import and transit), at or with Sierra Leone as the final destination has to, before shipment, obtain a Movement Reference Number (MRN) from the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) representative at all ports around the world. Therefore, all cargoes destined for or out of Sierra Leone (import/export or transit) must be accompanied by a Entry Summary Number (ENS) or an Exit Summary Number (ENS) and; on the Bill of Lading the corresponding Entry or Exit Summary Number as required by the ISPS code.

To this effect, a penalty of EUR100,000–500,000 shall be levied against any organisation that fails to comply with the aforementioned regulation after the 28 February 2015.

The company Associated Transport and Port Management System and its local branch Transport and Ports Management System SL West Africa Ltd which is designated by the Government of Sierra Leone is hereby confirmed as the representative of Sierra Leone Ports Authority and the only authorised agent to validate the Movement Reference Number.

For further information contact the following:

In May 2011 the Sierra Leone National Telecommunication Company launched a ``999-style'' central emergency service response to accidents and emergencies in Freetown. This number, which appears to be staffed 24 hours a day, is accessible by dialling 112 (or 900 from a Sierra Leone mobile phone). However, response to medical emergencies by this service, and that provided by individual hospitals, is very slow and unreliable. Outside the capital you should assume that there would be no emergency service response to an accident.

Rabies, Lassa fever, water-borne diseases, malaria and other tropical diseases are common in Sierra Leone. Vaccination against yellow fever (which is required to enter Sierra Leone) is strongly advised. Lassa fever, previously prevalent in Kenema and the east, has spread to northern Sierra Leone.

Cholera is endemic in Sierra Leone and there are frequent outbreaks, particularly during the rainy season in areas where there is poor sanitation. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. There can be water shortages in the Freetown area especially at the end of the dry season (March to June). If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Sierra Leone you should seek immediate medical attention.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 46,000 adults aged 15 or over in Sierra Leone were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1.6% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.

You need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate when entering Sierra Leone.

If you travel to Sierra Leone, you should stay in contact with your employer or host organisation about the support that they can provide to you while you’re in the country, and if you should wish to leave. If you travel to Sierra Leone to help in the relief effort, you should make sure that you are contracted to a reputable organisation that is able to provide the support and risk assessments required. Restrictions on travel in the region may make it difficult to leave, particularly at short notice.

On 6 August, the ban on large public gatherings was lifted as well as the ban on sporting activities, nightclubs, cinemas and markets. Ebola prevention measures, including temperature screening and hand washing stations remain in place. Screening measures are in place for both inbound and outbound travellers at Lunghi International Airport. Brussels Airlines, Air France, Royal Air Maroc and Air Cote D’Ivoire currently operate flights to/from Sierra Leone.

Ebola screening check points are in operation on the main roads outside of the capital and can be busy.

Although the chances of being infected remain low, there are measures you can take to prevent catching Ebola. You should also follow the health advice issued by the National Travel Health Network and Centre ( W: www.nathnac.org ) to:

General medical facilities throughout Sierra Leone are currently under severe strain due to the Ebola outbreak, and unable to provide a good standard of healthcare. Dedicated healthcare facilities for Ebola are overwhelmed. Many medical facilities expect to be paid up-front.

Also see General

Almost all international flights to Sierra Leone arrive during, or shortly before, the hours of darkness. You should be aware that there is an absence of navigational lights on boats and ferries, and that driving at night in Sierra Leone can be hazardous. At night there is a decreased likelihood of help reaching you in the event of an emergency, and increased vulnerability to crime. If you wish to stay at one of the Lungi Airport hotels we recommend that you book early as rooms are extremely limited and often in high demand. If you are unable to book a room for the night of your arrival it is advised to re-arrange your flight.

The helicopter transfer service between Lungi Airport and Freetown stopped operating in June 2011.

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Petty crime is common and violent crime is increasing, particularly around public holidays. You should exercise caution when travelling in Freetown, particularly in the Eastern area of the city and in the central commercial district, and in the Lumley Beach and Aberdeen areas. You should take precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places. The local police presence and response is limited.

Also see General