Sierra leone customs

Import regulations by Sierra leone customs

Currency Import:
Local: up to SLL 50,000.00
Foreign: unlimited, cash must not exceed USD 5,000.00

Import Allowances
200 cigarettes or 225gr of tobacco
1.136 lit of wine or 1.136 lit of spirit
1.136 lit of perfume
Prohibited: Firearms & explosives, obscene literature, prescribed drugs & live animals cannot be imported.

Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment and other items . It is advisable to contact the Embassy of your destination country in Washington or one of that country?s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Export regulations by Sierra leone customs

Currency Export:

Residents
Local: up to SLL 50,000.00
Foreign: up to USD 5,000.00
Amounts that exceed USD 5,000.00 must be transferred through any commercial bank or authorization from the Bank of Sierra Leone

Non-Residents
Local: up to SLL 50,000.00
Foreign: up to the amount imported & declared

Firearms & explosives, live animals, gold & historical artifacts cannot be exported.

Sierra Leone\'s customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the export of gems and precious minerals, such as diamonds and gold. All mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, belong to the State and only the government of Sierra Leone can issue mining and export licenses. The legal authority for the issuance of licenses is vested in the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources. Failure to comply with relevant legislation can lead to serious criminal penalties. For further information on mining activities in Sierra Leone, contact the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources: The Director of Mines, Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, Fifth Floor, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown, Sierra Leone; tel. (232-22) 240-420 or 240-176; fax (232-22) 240-574.

Other Sierra leone customs information

You must obtain official permission to photograph government buildings, airports, bridges, or official facilities including the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the American Embassy. Areas where photography is prohibited may not be clearly marked or defined. People sometimes do not want to be photographed for religious reasons or may want to be paid for posing. Photographers should ask permission before taking someone?s picture.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found here. U.S. Customs and Border Protection may impose corresponding import restrictions in accordance with the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act. (Contact CBP at 202-344-1000 or Internet http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ for further information). For general travel information, visit the CBP web site at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/.

http://www.welcometosierraleone.org/needtoknows.asp http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis