Social ConventionsThe majority of people in Sierra Leone still live a traditional, agricultural way of life, with ruling chiefs, and religions which preserve social stability, as well as local music, dance, customs and traditions. Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. It is usual to be entertained in a hotel or restaurant, particularly for business visitors. Small tokens of appreciation are always welcome. Casual wear is suitable everywhere. Men are rarely expected to wear suits and ties.
International Travel:Getting There by AirAstraeus Airlines (website:
www.flyastraeus.com) operates to
Freetown (Lungi) Airport.
BMed (website:
www.flybmed.com) also operates flights.
Departure TaxUS$40. Non-African air carriers include the tax in the ticket fare. Transit passengers proceeding within 24 hours and children under two years of age are exempt.
Main AirportsFreetown (FNA) (Lungi) is 13km (8 miles) north of the city (journey time – 45 minutes).
To/from the airport: There is a catamaran/ferry link as well as taxi and bus services to the city. A helicopter service is also available (journey time – 6 minutes).
Facilities: Post office, bar, shops and currency exchange.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: Freetown. There are services to Guinea Republic and Liberia.
Getting There by RailThere are no passenger services at present.
Getting There by RoadThere are routes from Guinea Republic and Liberia, but access depends on the prevailing political situation. Contact the embassy or high commission for up-to-date information.
OverviewThe following may be imported into Sierra Leone without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 225g tobacco;
1.1l of wine or spirits.
Narcotics; firearms without a license from the Commissioner of Police in Freetown.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirSierra National Airlines (LJ) does not operate internal flights. Private airlines can be chartered.
Getting Around by WaterFerries connect all coastal ports. For details, contact local authorities or the National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone (see
Top Things To See & Do).
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the right. Sierra Leone has over 10,000km (6214 miles) of roads. Although the principal highways have a tarred surface, the secondary roads are poorly maintained and often impassable during the rainy season. There are some roadblocks at night on major roads near centers of population.
Bus: Local and long-distance bus services are operated by the
Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation. Buses are fast and cheap and connect all the major centers.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
Getting Around Towns and CitiesLimited bus services in Freetown are operated by the
Road Transport Corporation, although a substantial part of the city’s public transport is provided by minibuses and share-taxis.
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