Sunday, October 15 through Friday, October 20, 2023.

Information Sheet for Participants

This document contains important information regarding your October trip to Sierra Leone. Please note the Rapaport Trade Mission Team is here to help you every step of the way. We have extensive experience operating in Sierra Leone and encourage any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us at SLTrip@rapaport.com. Sherri Hendricks in the US at +1-702-893-9400., Sathi Nair in India at +91-22-6628-6500.

We are pleased to announce that Martin Rapaport, his wife Rivka and his son Ezriel will be leading the mission. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime.

Rapaport Trade Mission Contact Information

Email SLTrip@Rapaport.com
Sherri Hendricks USA
Sathi Nair India and International
WhatsApp: Rapaport Sierra Leone Trade Mission – Avital Engelberg: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LE6cNXywt75BbIGLizLJpU 

Mission Checklist

1. Air Tickets: Email us your flight information
2. Visa: See below for assistance
3. Yellow Fever Vaccination and Malaria Pills (Malarone)
4. Email us your Passport Photo Page and an additional photo
5. Join Rapaport Sierra Leone WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LE6cNXywt75BbIGLizLJpU

Security:

Security during your stay will be provided by Rapaport. Please keep the information in this document confidential. We do not want uninvited guests soliciting you at the hotel or during the trip.

Passport Photo:

Please email us a copy of your passport photo page. Also please send us a photo you would like us to share with other participants.

Visa: 

Contact VSL Travel for an online Visa. You can apply through their website and they will have your online Visa issued. https://www.visitsierraleone.org/services/visas-and-entry-requirements/visa-application-form/ 
You should be asking for a tourist visa which is normally processed in 2-3 business days

For additional information click here. https://www.visitsierraleone.org/visiting-sierra-leone/getting-there/visa-application-information/
or contact: +232 76 258 258  info@vsltravel.com

Visa Fees: USA – $195, Belgium – $120, India – $110, Israel – $125. Credit Card Payment accepted.

Please email us if you have any difficulty obtaining your visa

Hotel

The hotel we will be staying at is the Radisson Blu Hotel Freetown

Vaccinations:
It is important to get a Yellow fever vaccination and Malaria pills. Your Yellow Fever Vaccination should be done at least two weeks before departure. We recommend Malarone to be taken daily starting 3 days before the trip, during the trip, and for one week after the trip.

We encourage you to consult your doctor.

Air Travel: 

Please arrange to arrive to Freetown, Sierra Leone on Sunday Oct. 15. Sathi will help coordinate flights from India. There are direct flights from Brussels  and Paris as well as locations in Africa.

Brussels Air Office contact:

salessierraleone@brusselsairlines.com  
+232 76333777 / +232 88333777
Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5pm (4.30 pm on Thursday)
Saturday 10am to 12pm
All times UTC

Air France Office Contact:

+1-(800) 237-2747

Comments

A Rapaport representative will meet you at the airport upon arrival. Please send us your travel information as soon as possible. Rapaport will be providing transportation to and from the hotel

FAQ

1. Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel?
   1. A Rapaport representative will meet you at the airport. All transportation inside Sierra Leone will be taken care of by Rapaport. This includes transportation back to the airport form your hotel.
   2. Please note the trip to and from the airport requires a boat ride. Total travel time is about one and a half hours.
2. What kind of transportation will be used?
   1. Rapaport has arranged Jeeps for local transportation.
3. Is there a certain travel agent I need to talk to about getting a flight?
   1. Rapaport’s Trade Mission Airline is Brussels Airline. Information you can find in Air Travel section.
   2. If you are coming from India, please contact Tanya Jha: Phone: +91-22-6628-6544, Email: jha@diamonds.net
4. Is it possible to get a list of others traveling in the group?
   1. We will be sending out a confidential list of all participants before the trip.
   2. We have opened a WhatsApp group with all participants. You may join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LE6cNXywt75BbIGLizLJpU
5. IPC travel says they do not take credit cards for Visas. Is there another way to pay?
   1. Please contact VSL Travel. If you still have any difficulty, please contact us.
6. Is a yellow Fever vaccination certificate still required to enter Sierra Leone?
   1. You should take the vaccination at least two weeks before departure. Please visit your doctor.
7. Is it ok to stay for one day longer and leave on Saturday/Sunday?
   1. Yes, it is ok and safe to stay longer. Martin and a few others will be staying until Sunday afternoon.
   2. We will be arranging buying facilities for that for those who want to stay a few extra days and legally purchase diamonds in Freetown.
8. Is the trip safe for women?
   1. Women should feel comfortable and are encouraged to join us. Martin’s wife traveled up-country to Koryardu a few months ago.
9. I was wondering how to book the hotel for an additional 2 nights in Freetown.
   1. Rapaport will be arranging additional hotel rooms for participants wishing to extend their stay.
   2. Rates will be approximately $140-$160 per nig