From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- SierraLeone
Date: 7 Jan 1993 21:09:47 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sierra Leone
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Sierra Leone - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located at the corner of 
Walpole and Siaka Stevens streets in the capital city of Freetown.  
The telephone number is (232-22) 226-481.  U.S. consular services 
are limited to areas under government control.  Personnel 
constraints imposed on the U.S. Embassy limit the assistance which 
can be provided even in those areas.

Country Description:  Sierra Leone is a developing western African 
nation.  A recent military coup has resulted in an active, highly 
visible military presence throughout the country.  Facilities for 
tourism are limited.  Telephone service remains unreliable.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  Airport 
visas are not available on arrival for United States citizens; visas 
must therefore be obtained in advance from a Sierra Leone embassy or 
consulate.  Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are required.  
Malaria suppressants are utilized by most visitors.  For current 
entry information, the traveler can contact the Embassy of Sierra 
Leone, 1701 19th Street N.W. in Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone 
(202) 939-9261.

Areas of Instability:  The security situation in Sierra Leone is 
unstable.  Since October 1992, there have been serious clashes in 
the Kono District, including the major city of Koidu/Sefadu, and the 
area remains closed to all persons.  In addition, the area in the 
southern province from Zimi to the Atlantic Ocean and up to, but not 
including, Pujehun is also closed because of civil strife.  The 
entire Kailahun district also remains closed to travel.  As a result 
of the closing of Kono District, thousands of displaced people have 
moved to the Magburaka and Makeni areas of Northern Province.  Food 
and medical supplies are not guaranteed in these areas.  Numerous 
road blocks and checkpoints outside Freetown are operated by 
frequently undisciplined troops and travel up-country after dark is 
particularly dangerous.  The U.S. Embassy monitors conditions 
outside the city of Freetown and can provide current information to 
Americans contemplating travel up-country.

Currency Regulations:  Adult travelers (over the age of 16) must 
exchange a minimum of $100 upon arrival, and declare other foreign 
currency on an exchange control form which must be certified and 
stamped at the port of entry.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Some 
medicines are in short supply.  Doctors and hospitals often expect 
immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance 
is not always valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical 
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  
Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for 
Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 
332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime and theft of wallets and 
passports are common.  Useful information on safeguarding valuables 
and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided 
in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," available 
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Curfew:  There is an official nationwide curfew from 2:00 am to 
6:00 am.  Localized changes in the security situation in specific 
areas can lead without warning to imposition of much more stringent 
curfew hours.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect 
jail sentences and fines.

Photography Restrictions:  Permission is required to photograph 
government buildings, airports, bridges or official-looking 
buildings.

Dual Nationality:  Dual nationals who are bearers of Sierra Leone 
passports are required to present proof of payment of taxes before 
being granted departure clearance from the country.  U.S. consular 
assistance to persons of dual nationality may be extremely limited.

Tips For Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips For 
Travelers To Sub-Saharan Africa" is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security.

 No. 92-164


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