Sierra Leone
Last update 18 August 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Increased level of risk (recommendation not to travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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We call on Bulgarian citizens to refrain from travelling!
Republic of Sierra Leone
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in the capital Freetown. Bulgarian citizens residing in Sierra Leone on a short or long-term basis may address consular matters to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja
Address: 10 Euphrates str., Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Maitama, Abuja
Telephone: +234 9 413 00 34; +234 9 672 43 59 –
10:00 – 16:00 GMT+2
Fax: +234 9 413 27 41
Working hours: 09:00 – 12:30
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/nigeria
The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Moscow is accredited to Bulgaria.
Embassy of Sierra Leone in Moscow
Address: P.O. Box 141, Rublyovskyoye Chaussee, Moscow 121615, Russia
Telephone: 7 495 4154166
Fax: +7 495 4154124; +7 495 4152985
E-mail: [email protected]
General information
Security level:
Travellers are advised to pay particular attention to their personal safety. There is a very high level of crime, kidnapping, robbery and theft in the major cities and tourist centres. Avoid travelling at night.
Healthcare:
Low level of healthcare. A number of infectious diseases are widespread. Be careful when eating fruit and vegetables.
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccines you may contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country. Yellow fever vaccine is administered at the following regional health inspectorates: Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate; Varna RHI; Burgas RHI; Pleven RHI; Plovdiv RHI; Blagoevgrad RHI and Ruse RHI.
Specifics of the local legislation:
Homosexuality is prohibited in Sierra Leone.
Customs requirements:
You can import an unlimited amount of foreign currency into Sierra Leone. Import of local currency is prohibited.
Goods for personal use, including up to 200 cigarettes, may be imported.
Exports of foreign currency are allowed without restriction and of local currency of up to 50,000 leones.
There are no restrictions on the export of goods.
Road traffic:
Public transport and taxis can be used. Poor road network. When entering by car, it is necessary to present or purchase an insurance.
Practical advice:
More fluid intake and low-fat foods are needed, as well as avoiding alcohol.
Local currency:
Leone (SLL). When travelling to Sierra Leone it is recommended that you carry a small amount of cash — US dollars, Euro, cheques or credit cards.
Travel papers and visas
You must enter the country with an international passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Sierra Leone.
Bulgarian citizens travelling to Sierra Leone (holders of regular, official and diplomatic passports) need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days, which can be obtained at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Moscow.
Immunization against yellow fever is recommended.
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccines you may contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country. Yellow fever vaccine is administered at the following regional health inspectorates: Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate; Varna RHI; Burgas RHI; Pleven RHI; Plovdiv RHI; Blagoevgrad RHI and Ruse RHI.
Competitive service
European Emergency Travel Document:
In extreme situations — in case of damage, loss or theft of a passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for an Emergency Travel Document at an Embassy of an EU Member State in Freetown.
Certifications and legalizations:
In order to be valid in Bulgaria and to be able to serve before Bulgarian institutions, all documents issued by the authorities in Senegal to Bulgarian citizens should bear the stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone. Then, they are certified by the embassy of Sierra Leone accredited to Bulgaria — in this case in Moscow. The signature and certifications of the Consular Office are then certified at our Embassy in Moscow.
Once the documents have been so prepared, they must be translated into Bulgarian by an authorized translation agency in Bulgaria and the translation must be certified by the Department of Certifications and Legalizations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.