Freetown, Sierra Leone – June 20, 2026 — The Government of Sierra Leone has issued a new travel advisory requiring all incoming and outgoing travelers to complete a mandatory health declaration through the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal, effective June 18, 2026.
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), under the Ministry of Health, announced the measure to strengthen public health surveillance, enable early detection, and support the prevention and control of communicable diseases. The portal centralizes health and travel information collection for both arrivals and departures.
According to the advisory, all travelers, including Sierra Leonean citizens, foreign nationals, residents returning to the country, and visitors, must access the portal, register, and submit the Health Declaration and Travel Information Form at least 72 hours before travel. Travelers are also required to ensure their seat number is updated in the system and to retain the confirmation QR code or reference number for presentation to authorities if requested.
Key Requirements and Guidance:
– The portal supports public health monitoring while aiming to facilitate safe and efficient travel.
– Providing false, inaccurate, or misleading information may result in delays, denial of entry or departure clearance, or additional screening procedures.
– Travelers feeling unwell before, during, or after their journey are urged to report promptly to Point of Entry officers and seek medical attention.
– All data collected will be treated confidentially and used solely for public health purposes in line with data protection standards.
– Designated Point of Entry personnel may conduct additional health screenings upon arrival.
– Travelers experiencing difficulties with the portal can seek assistance from health personnel at official points of entry and exit.
The advisory emphasizes cooperation from all travelers to support national and global public health security. It was signed by Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency.
Travelers can access the portal at: **https://poep.npha.gov.sl** or by scanning the QR code provided in the official notice.
This latest requirement comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain robust health safeguards at Sierra Leone’s borders following lessons from previous public health challenges. Officials have encouraged early compliance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
For more information, contact the NPHA or visit the official website at www.npha.gov.sl.
