Travel alerts & warnings
Sierra Leone driving guide.
Driving in Sierra Leone combines busy streets in Freetown with scenic coastal routes and rural roads that can be rough or unpaved. Allow generous travel time, consider a high-clearance 4WD outside major towns, and avoid driving after dark because of poor lighting, pedestrians and unexpected road hazards.
- Advisory
- Increased caution
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- November to April…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased cautionin Sierra Leone due to crime, unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure.
- Crime
- Violent crimes, such as robbery and assault, occur frequently in Sierra Leone, especially in Freetown. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources.
- Do not travel outside the Freetown peninsula after nightfall. There are increased safety hazards and security concerns at night. U.S. government employees in Sierra Leone are prohibited from travel outside the capital after dark. The U.S. Embassy in Freetown cannot offer emergency services outside Freetown at night.
- Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
- Unrest
- Demonstrations and protests occur in Sierra Leone and occasionally result in violence. Protests can happen with little to no warning. They often develop around political issues, large events, or holidays.
Driving there
Your permit in Sierra Leone
- Sierra Leone honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Sierra Leone
Road rules and hazards
Wear seat belts, avoid handheld phone use and never drink before driving. Watch for shared taxis stopping abruptly, motorcycle taxis, pedestrians and livestock; rainy-season flooding can make rural routes impassable.
Speed limits
Urban limits are generally 50 km/h; follow posted restrictions and confirm current out-of-town limits with your rental provider. Slow substantially for villages, markets, potholes and unmarked speed bumps.
Tolls
Expect toll plazas on the Wellington–Masiaka highway, an important route out of Freetown. Carry small-denomination Sierra Leonean leones, since charges depend on vehicle class and electronic payment may not be available.
Fuel
Refuel in Freetown, Bo, Kenema or Makeni before heading into remote areas. Rural supplies can be unreliable, so avoid running the tank low, carry cash and check whether your rental requires petrol or diesel.
Rentals and police checks
Self-drive rentals are limited, and many vehicles are hired with a driver; confirm the arrangement, insurance and permission for unpaved roads before booking. Carry your original domestic licence alongside your International Driving Permit, identification and the vehicle's rental, registration and insurance documents. Stop calmly at checkpoints and request an official notice and receipt for any fine.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Sierra Leone
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Western Area Peninsula, near Regent · About 45–90 minutes from central Freetown, depending on traffic.
A forest sanctuary offering guided visits focused on rescued chimpanzees and conservation; book ahead and check the condition of the steep final approach.
River Number Two Beach
Western Area Peninsula · About 1–2 hours from central Freetown.
A broad sandy beach beside a river mouth, with locally operated visitor facilities and opportunities for river excursions.
Banana Islands via Kent
Western Area Peninsula and offshore islands · About 1.5–2.5 hours from Freetown to Kent, followed by a roughly 30–45-minute boat crossing, weather permitting.
Drive to Kent for a prearranged boat transfer to islands known for coastal scenery, village walks and historic remains; leave your vehicle on the mainland.
Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Southern Province, near Potoru · About 3–4 hours from Bo to the mainland landing, followed by a short boat transfer; allow longer after rain.
A forested island on the Moa River with guided wildlife walks and canoe outings; arrange access and accommodation before travelling.
Gola Rainforest National Park, Lalehun area
Eastern Province, Kenema District · About 2–3 hours from Kenema to Lalehun, depending on road conditions.
An important rainforest destination for guided hiking and birdwatching; arrange park entry, guides and lodging in advance.
Bumbuna Falls
Northern Province, Tonkolili District · About 1.5–2 hours from Makeni to the Bumbuna area, with additional time for local access and walking.
Scenic falls on the Seli River near Bumbuna; confirm local access and use a guide for the approach rather than entering restricted dam areas.
Heading to Sierra Leone?
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