Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 14 December 2021, 16:06 NZDT
- Still current at: 14 December 2021
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We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.
The global situation remains complex. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly, particularly in response to new variants of concern. Should you decide to travel overseas at this time, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses. Talk to your insurer about how sudden changes to the international travel environment might affect your insurance.
Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
Travellers to New Zealand may be required to enter government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). The length of your stay in MIQ may depend on where you are travelling from. Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.
Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
Most travellers must have a negative pre-departure test result and approved documentation to enter New Zealand. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against COVID-19 website here.
We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.
Sierra Leone
Violent Crime
Violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault and mugging, is common in Sierra Leone. Petty and opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, is also frequent and residential burglaries have been reported.
The risk is higher after dark and walking alone or travelling outside the capital after dark should be avoided. If travelling by road, car doors should be locked and windows up. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery, mugging or other crime as this could lead to an escalation in violence.
Tourists and expatriates have been the targets of crime in the past. As foreigners may be targeted due to their perceived wealth, avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as mobile devices and jewellery.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur in Sierra Leone and on occasion have resulted in violence. New Zealanders in Sierra Leone are advised to avoid all large crowds, political rallies and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.
Ebola Virus Disease
Following an Ebola outbreak in 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Sierra Leone free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission in March 2016. For more information on Ebola, please see the Ministry of Health’s website.
Local travel
New Zealanders are advised to carefully plan travel outside the capital Freetown, where basic services are very limited. All transport options from Lungi International airport to Freetown carry some safety and security risks. Arrange to land early enough to be able to arrive at your destination before nightfall. Exercise particular care in border areas with Guinea and Liberia, where criminal gangs and smugglers have a presence and the security situation may be unsettled.
General travel advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Sierra Leone, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited.
We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Sierra Leone should consider.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Sierra Leone should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Sierra Leone are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Travel tips
See our regional advice for Africa
