Packing List for Sierra Leone 2026 — What to Bring to Lungi Airport

Sierra Leone is a tropical West African destination where the right gear makes all the difference between a comfortable trip and a miserable one. This is a practical, no-nonsense packing list based on what regular visitors — NGO workers, expats, backpackers and business travellers — actually use on the ground.

Essential Documents (Hand Luggage Only)

• Passport (valid 6+ months beyond departure date)
• International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate ("Yellow Card") — mandatory for entry
• USD 80 cash for visa on arrival (in small bills)
• USD 200–300 additional cash for first few days
• Printed or screen-ready return flight ticket
• Hotel/accommodation booking confirmation
• Travel insurance policy (with emergency evacuation cover)
• Prescription medications with original pharmacy label

Health and Medical Essentials

• Antimalarial tablets (start course before travel — ask your GP or travel clinic)
• DEET insect repellent (30–50% concentration) — this is the most important single item
• Permethrin-treated mosquito net (or confirm your accommodation provides one)
• Oral rehydration sachets (for stomach bugs and heavy sweating)
• Water purification tablets or a travel water filter
• Basic first aid kit: plasters, antiseptic cream, pain relief, antihistamines
• Diarrhoea medication (Imodium) and antacids
• Any prescription medications (bring 25% more than you need)
• Hand sanitiser (80%+ alcohol)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+

For a detailed guide to malaria prevention and recommended antimalarials for Sierra Leone, see our malaria prevention guide.

Clothing

Sierra Leone is hot and humid year-round (26–34°C). Pack light, breathable fabrics. If travelling during the rainy season (May–October), add waterproof layers.

• Lightweight cotton or moisture-wicking shirts (4–5 for a week)
• Lightweight trousers (2 pairs — convertible zip-offs are ideal)
• Shorts (2 pairs for casual/beach use)
• Long-sleeved shirt for evenings (mosquito protection)
• Light waterproof jacket or packable poncho (essential May–October)
• Comfortable walking sandals and a pair of closed-toe shoes (for muddy tracks)
• Flip-flops for the beach and guesthouse showers
• Swimwear (Sierra Leone has excellent beaches)
• Modest clothing for village visits and NGO field work (shoulders/knees covered)

Technology and Power

Sierra Leone uses 230V electricity with Type G sockets (same as the UK). Power cuts are common — a power bank is not optional, it is essential.

• UK-style Type G plug adaptors (if your home country uses different plugs)
• Power bank (20,000 mAh minimum — enough for 3+ phone charges)
• Universal multi-port USB charger
• Unlocked smartphone (to use a local SIM card)
• Laptop with a carrying sleeve
• Portable travel router (if working remotely and relying on mobile data)
• Backup USB drive for important files

For mobile data tips, read our guide on SIM cards in Sierra Leone — Africell vs Orange.

Practical Items

• Headtorch / flashlight (power cuts happen at night)
• Reusable water bottle (reduce plastic waste and save money)
• Padlocks for bags and guesthouse lockers
• Cash wallet or hidden money belt
• Small day backpack for excursions
• Dry bags or ziplock bags (protect electronics and documents from rain)
• Tissue/toilet paper (not always available in toilets outside hotels)
• Laundry detergent sachets (hand-washing between laundry runs)

What NOT to Pack

Equally important — what to leave at home:

• Expensive jewellery or watches: Leave them at home. They attract attention and are a theft risk.
• Drone (without permits): Sierra Leone requires permits for drone use. Do not bring one without advance clearance.
• Large amounts of medication not in original packaging: This can cause delays at customs and immigration.
• Excessive luggage: Lungi Airport's baggage reclaim is small and slow. Travelling with carry-on only dramatically speeds up your arrival.

The Single Most Important Item

Experienced travellers to Sierra Leone agree: the single most impactful item you can pack is DEET-based insect repellent in sufficient quantity. Malaria is a serious risk in Lungi and the wider Western Area. Apply it every evening from sunset, every night, and whenever you are near standing water. Do not rely on finding it locally — bring enough from home.