Destinations / Sierra Leone
Driving in Sierra Leone as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Sierra Leone drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and roads outside Freetown can be rough.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Sierra Leone expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 999 or 019 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 80 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in SLE. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Poor roads in the rainy season. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Sierra Leone
At the pump
Stations sell petrol and diesel and are attendant-served, but reliable supply is concentrated in Freetown and major towns, so refuel before rural trips; carry cash (Leones) as card payment is rarely available.
After a crash
Call the police (emergency line 999, or 019) and wait for an official report; do not move vehicles after a serious or injury crash, and note that road signage and accident protocols are inconsistent so document the scene yourself with photos.
Sources: worldtravelguide.net · travel.state.gov · internationaldriversassociation.com · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Sierra Leone?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Sierra Leone drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and roads outside Freetown can be rough.
Which translation format is used for Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Sierra Leone ask for a translation?
Freetown desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised in the rains.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Sierra Leone?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.