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Sierra Leone · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Freetown scores 64/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes. Freetown is moderately safe for visitors who exercise caution, particularly in crowded areas and after dark. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Sierra Leone · Assessed 18 October 2026
64
/ 100
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
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.”
Updated Mon, 15 Sep 2025
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:16:41Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Sierra Leone: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:35.2725833-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateOpportunistic mugging can occur after dark in poorly lit or isolated areas; visitors should avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded places like markets, bus stations, and popular beaches, especially during festivals or events.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
66/100
Recent traveller reports indicate visitors feel safe exploring central Freetown and tourist sites during the day, with many highlighting friendly locals and incident-free trips when precautions are taken.
Yes. Freetown is moderately safe for visitors who exercise caution, particularly in crowded areas and after dark.
Freetown has a moderate safety profile with a composite index of 64/100. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching occurs in markets, ferry terminals, and tourist areas, especially after dark. Visitors generally feel safe during the day in central areas and tourist sites.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Freetown presents a moderate risk environment where street-smart behaviour is essential. The city’s tourist areas and peninsula beaches are generally safe during daylight hours, but petty crime increases in crowded markets, ferry terminals, and popular beaches, particularly after dark or during events. Visitors should remain vigilant against pickpocketing and bag-snatching in these zones and avoid displaying valuables such as phones or jewellery. Opportunistic mugging is a concern in poorly lit or isolated streets at night, so walking alone after dark in unfamiliar neighbourhoods should be avoided.
Recent developments include a ban on a planned August 2026 protest over constitutional amendments, reflecting ongoing civic engagement around governance issues, and a landmark trial on child marriage that began in June 2026 in Freetown, indicating progress on social reforms. In July 2026, the government suspended the $25 airport security fee while reviewing the contract, which may affect arrival procedures at Lungi Airport. These events do not directly threaten visitor safety but highlight the importance of staying informed about local developments.
Scams targeting tourists are prevalent at Lungi Airport, where unofficial taxi drivers and helpers often overcharge confused arrivals; pre-arranging transport through your hotel is strongly advised. Currency exchange traps and unofficial guides offering inflated services are also common in tourist zones. Health risks remain significant, with malaria being a year-round threat requiring prophylaxis and daily use of DEET-based repellent. Road safety is another concern due to poor conditions and variable driving standards, especially outside the city at night. By taking standard urban precautions — using reputable drivers, keeping valuables secure, avoiding isolated areas after dark, and registering with your embassy — visitors can enjoy Freetown’s cultural and natural attractions with a high degree of safety.
Was this Freetown, Sierra Leone report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Freetown districts for visitors: 2 safer, 5 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Freetown safety map.
Congo TownavoidHigher incidence of opportunistic crime and robbery; avoid walking alone, particularly after dark, and exercise increased caution.
Western Area Urban (central Freetown)cautionPetty crime like pickpocketing occurs in markets and crowded areas; exercise normal precautions during day, avoid walking alone at night.
AberdeencautionResidential and hotel zone; petty theft reported, especially targeting foreigners; use reputable transport and avoid walking alone at night.
KissycautionIndustrial and residential area; reports of muggings and theft after dark; avoid isolated areas and use registered taxis at night.
WilberforcecautionHistoric area near Fourah Bay College; petty crime reported in crowded zones; avoid walking alone after dark and stay alert.
Lungi (airport area)cautionUnofficial taxi drivers and helpers overcharge arrivals; pre-arrange hotel pickup and avoid unofficial transport.
Lumley Beach areasaferPopular tourist beach with hotels and restaurants; generally safe during daylight, but avoid isolated stretches after dark.
GoderichsaferQuiet residential peninsula area with lower crime rates; safe for visitors during day, but take standard precautions after dark.
07 · After Dark
Opportunistic mugging can occur after dark in poorly lit or isolated areas; visitors should avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
After dark, be most careful around Congo Town, Western Area Urban (central Freetown), Aberdeen, Kissy. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes. Freetown is moderately safe for visitors who exercise caution, particularly in crowded areas and after dark. Freetown has a moderate safety profile with a composite index of 64/100. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching occurs in markets, ferry terminals, and tourist areas, especially after dark. Visitors generally feel safe during the day in central areas and tourist sites. (Assessed 18 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Freetown report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Field research flags Congo Town as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Freetown scores 64/100 — see the Sierra Leone safety overview for country-level data.
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: freetown.json (CC BY 4.0).
