Warden Information

Immigration Checkpoints (June 12, 2009)

The United States Embassy in Freetown informs U.S. citizens of an immigration check conducted by immigration officers at the roundabout intersection of Kissy Road, Ross Road and Blackhall Road.  This intersection on the eastern side of Freetown is commonly known as Upgun.  Yesterday morning, immigration officers detained any vehicle passengers of non-African descent who could not immediately present valid immigration papers.

Immigration officials informed us they announced these spot-checks over the radio.  The embassy learned that two American citizens and two British citizens were detained by immigration authorities who did not have their immigration documents.  In the coming days, we expect similar checks to continue in other parts of town including Congo Cross and Lumley.

U.S. citizens are reminded to travel with proof of their citizenship and immigration status.  Immigration officials state a photocopy of your blue Non-Citizen’s Registration Card should be sufficient.  You could also have photocopies of all applicable stamps in your passport.  We further recommend you carry a photocopy of the biographical data page of your passport.

If you are detained, please contact the U.S. Embassy immediately at the telephone numbers below.

U.S. citizens should be aware that when you are initially admitted into Sierra Leone by an immigration officer that it is for the period of time stamped in your passport, usually 30 days.  If you intend to stay longer than 30 days, you must extend your status by applying at the Immigration Office at the corner of Siaka Stevens Street and Rawdon Street just before your status expires.  Visitation visas for tourists are extended free of charge for three months. Residential permits are valid for one year, and are available in two varieties: employee permits for people working in Sierra Leone, and non-employee permits.  Employee permits are issued at the request of the employer, and cost Le 3,000,000.  Non-employee permits cost Le 200,000.  These must be renewed every year.  It will take three business days to process your application, during which the Immigration Office will have your passport.  You will receive the business card of the immigration officer who handled your application.  Present this business card if your immigration status is challenged.

Americans living or traveling in Sierra Leone are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, where they can obtain up-to-date information on travel and security within Sierra Leone.  Registration may be done online, and can be done in advance of travel at http://www.travel.state.gov.  Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone.  By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  Country Specific Information can also be found at the Department of State website http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1016.html.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Leicester Square, Regent; tel. (232) (22) 515 000 or (232) (76) 515 000; fax (232) (22) 515 355.  The Embassy web page is at http://freetown.usembassy.gov/.

The telephone numbers are operational 24 hours per day.
                  
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