Sierra Leone imposes mandatory health declaration for all travellers; Ghanaians must comply before departure

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a formal travel advisory alerting Ghanaians to a new mandatory health declaration requirement introduced by Sierra Leone's government. The policy, which took effect on June 18, 2026, applies universally to all persons entering or exiting the West African nation, regardless of nationality or residency status.

Under the new regulations, every traveller must submit a completed Health Declaration Form through Sierra Leone's official Health Travel Portal no later than 72 hours before departure. The process is straightforward but non-negotiable: after submission, the system generates a confirmation QR Code or Reference Number that travellers must retain throughout their journey, as immigration and public health officials may request it at any point.

What travellers need to do

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has outlined the key steps Ghanaians must follow to ensure compliance:

• Complete the Health Declaration Form online via Sierra Leone's Health Travel Portal
• Provide accurate, current travel information including seat numbers before departure
• Save the QR Code or Reference Number issued after successful submission
• Report any illness symptoms to Point of Entry Health Officers immediately
• Expect potential health screening upon arrival in Sierra Leone

Officials have emphasised that submitting false or misleading information carries serious consequences, including travel delays, additional health screening procedures, or outright denial of entry or exit. The advisory further notes that travellers developing symptoms before, during or after travel should seek medical attention and notify health officers promptly.

Data protection and disease surveillance

According to the Ministry, Sierra Leone's authorities have clarified that information collected through the portal serves multiple public health purposes: strengthening disease surveillance systems, supporting broader public health monitoring, and enhancing border security protocols. The government has assured that all personal data will be handled confidentially in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.

The Ministry added that upon arrival in Sierra Leone, travellers may undergo additional health screening and other public health measures deemed necessary by the country's authorities. This suggests that the online declaration is part of a broader, layered approach to health security at entry points.

Why it matters for Ghana

For Ghanaians with regular travel to Sierra Leone—whether for business, family visits, or transit purposes—this development represents a necessary adaptation to evolving cross-border health protocols. Sierra Leone's emphasis on disease surveillance and border health security reflects regional concerns about public health threats, particularly in the wake of epidemiological challenges that have affected West Africa in recent years.

The requirement is also relevant to Ghanaian businesses and traders operating across ECOWAS borders, as it adds a procedural step to travel planning that could impact scheduling and logistics. However, the 72-hour window is reasonably generous for compliance, and the online system is designed for ease of access.

Ghana's Foreign Ministry has framed the advisory as supportive rather than alarmist, acknowledging the legitimacy of Sierra Leone's public health objectives while ensuring Ghanaian citizens understand their obligations. Compliance is straightforward for those who plan ahead, and the penalties for non-compliance should motivate early submission.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges all Ghanaians planning travel to Sierra Leone to complete their health declarations promptly to avoid unnecessary disruption and ensure smooth passage through immigration and border health checkpoints.