NPHA Reviews Airport Health Screening After SLCAA Boarding Warning

The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) assessed Port Health operations and the Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport in Lungi on Friday, 30 October 2026, to strengthen border screening.

The visit comes nine days after the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) warned that passengers who skip the mandatory health declaration will be denied boarding, as SwitSalone reported.

What the NPHA Reviewed

NPHA technical monitoring officials setting up connectivity hardware to support digital health screening at Lungi airport.

The technical monitoring and needs assessment brought NPHA officials together with key airport stakeholders. The team examined existing operational arrangements, reviewed how the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal is being used, and identified gaps that need fixing.

The agency said the visit also aimed to improve coordination with airport partners and test the systems that detect, monitor and respond to public health threats at the point of entry.

Two Sides of the Same System

Travellers entering or leaving Sierra Leone must complete the digital Health Declaration Form before reaching check-in.

The SLCAA notice places responsibility on passengers to complete the form before they reach the airport. The NPHA visit looks at the other side: the screening arrangements and portal that process those declarations. The NPHA’s statement does not say the visit was a response to the notice.

Regional pressure is also rising. In mid-October, the NPHA announced stronger screening at the airport and official land borders after Kenya confirmed eight Ebola cases, according to Xinhua. Travellers from affected countries must give accurate information and monitor their health for 21 days.

How the Portal Got Here

NPHA officials met with airport stakeholders to review portal operations and strengthen border health security.

Health Minister Dr Austin Demby launched the portal at Lungi on 5 June 2026, with support from Jhpiego and the World Health Organization. 

It also operates at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay and at land crossings including Gbalamuya and Jendema. At the launch, Demby said it gives the country the capacity to “anticipate, detect and respond to any health threat.”

What Travellers Should Do

National Public Health Agency officials evaluating screening counter operations at Freetown International Airport.

The health declaration applies to everyone who flies in or out of Freetown. That includes Sierra Leoneans abroad who plan to come home for Sierra Leone Diaspora Week at the end of December. Whether you land for a conference or a longer stay, the same form comes before your flight.

Every passenger arriving in or departing from Freetown International Airport must complete the Health Declaration Form. First, go to the official Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal at https://poep.npha.gov.sl/. Travellers must submit it no more than 72 hours before their flight. Also, passengers fill out an arrival form when coming in and a departure form when leaving.

After submitting, keep your QR code or reference number safe, as officials may ask to see it. An e-Visa does not replace the health declaration, so travellers must complete both. Need help with the steps? Read our full step-by-step guide in our earlier report.

A Week Built to Bring the Diaspora Home

For the first time, the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC) will be coming to Freetown, Sierra Leone. 

The SLDIC will take place on December 29–30, 2026, at Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, featuring keynote speeches, policy panels, a vendor and SME showcase, a welcome cocktail, and the Diaspora Excellence Awards Gala.

The SLDIC forms part of Sierra Leone Diaspora Week, founded and curated by Vickie Remoe, the conference’s founder and chair.

The week is structured in three phases. 

Structured in three phases, the week opens with the investment phase on December 28–29, 2026, highlighting the SLDIC event. The celebration phase runs from December 30, 2026, to January 2, 2027, featuring the Diaspora Sports Day and Beach Bonfire, culture days, and The Song of Njama theater performance. It concludes with the building phase from January 4–5, featuring an Investment Bootcamp and a Trade, Agribusiness, and Eco-Tourism Tour.

Discover the ticket options available for the upcoming conference and Sierra Leone Diaspora Week:

Conference Delegate Pass ($125): Ideal for attending the conference only. Pass holders gain access to 2 keynote speeches, 8 panel discussions, and the SME showcase, as well as breakfast and lunch on both days at the Radisson Blu.

Vendor Package ($500): Designed for small businesses looking to highlight their brands to over 1,000 diaspora investors across both days. Includes a directory profile, photo, guide listing, social media feature, plus lunch and refreshments for both days.

All-Access Pass: Provides full access to all week activities, including premier conference seating with daily breakfast and lunch, VIP seating at the Diaspora Excellence Awards Gala, entrance to the Diaspora Wars and bonfire, and much more!

Ready to secure your spot? Head over to https://makesierraleonefamous.com/pricing-plans/ and grab your ticket today!