Sierra Leone Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Sierra Leone
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated September 15, 2025
Sierra Leone recorded 2.2 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2020, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Sierra Leone #110 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 15% over the past decade (from 2.6 in 2010). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Sierra Leone at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
2.2 /100k
Safety Rank
#86 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2020
Homicide Rate Trend (2004-2020)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 15% over the past decade (from 2.6 in 2010). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Sierra Leone Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Sierra Leone:
Exercise increased caution in Sierra Leone due to crime , civil unrest , and inadequate health infrastructure. Advisory Summary: Crime Violent crimes, such as robbery and assault, occur frequently in Sierra Leone, especially in Freetown. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources. Do not travel outside the Freetown peninsula after nightfall. There are increased safety hazards and security concerns at night. U.S. government employees in Sierra Leone are prohibited from travel outside the capital after dark. The U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Sierra Leone
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated September 25, 2025).
Crime
Crime is widespread in Sierra Leone. U.S. citizens have experienced armed mugging, assault, and burglary. Petty crime and pick pocketing of wallets, cell phones, and passports are very common, especially on the ferry to and from Lungi International Airport, as well as in bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in the Lumley Beach and Aberdeen areas of Freetown.
Demonstrations
occur periodically. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Sierra Leone. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings or profiles, or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Romance/Online dating Money transfers Lucrative sales Gold purchase Contracts with promises of large commissions Grandparent/Relative targeting Free Trip/Luggage Lotteries Inheritance notices Work permits/job offers Bank overpayments
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy at (232) (99) 105 500. Report crimes to the local police at (232) (76) 692 830. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our website on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victims’ role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Hazardous areas and activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities in the field. If you are injured, you will likely find medical treatment only in or near major cities and there are few medical specialists in country able to treat complicated medical conditions. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. See our website for information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Sierra Leone Population & Demographics
Population of 8,642,022, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sierra Leone safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Sierra Leone at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime, civil unrest, health. The homicide rate of 2.2 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone has an intentional homicide rate of 2.2 per 100,000 people (2020, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #110 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Sierra Leone compare to other countries?
Sierra Leone's homicide rate of 2.2 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.