Freetown, June 9, 2025 —
The U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone has announced a temporary suspension of certain nonimmigrant visa services for Sierra Leonean nationals, following a recent presidential proclamation by the U.S. government.
Effective immediately, the Embassy will no longer issue tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F, M), and exchange visitor (J) visas to Sierra Leoneans. The only exception applies to immigrant visas for immediate family members of U.S. citizens, including spouses, children, and parents, as well as for adoption cases.
The suspension is part of a broader policy move, citing concerns over high visa overstay rates.
According to official figures, Sierra Leone recorded a 15.43% overstay rate for tourist visas and a 35.83% overstay rate for student and exchange visas in the last report. U.S. officials also expressed concerns that Sierra Leone has historically been slow to accept back its nationals who are subject to deportation.
“This proclamation does not cancel any visas that have already been issued,” a U.S. Embassy official clarified. “Travelers who currently hold valid visas can still travel to the U.S. and apply for entry at immigration, as long as they comply with all regulations.”
The Embassy also urged visa holders to respect the terms of their stay and warned that overstaying could result in penalties or deportation.
The presidential proclamation further instructs consular officers to reduce the validity period of other nonimmigrant visas for Sierra Leonean nationals wherever possible under U.S. law.
Sierra Leoneans seeking to travel to the U.S. are encouraged to check the latest guidelines and to consult with the U.S. Embassy before making travel arrangements.
Key Details of the Proclamation
- What is suspended?
- All new applications from Sierra Leoneans seeking B‑1/B‑2, F, M, or J visas.
- What is still allowed?
- Issuance of immigrant visas to spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens (IR‑1/CR‑1, IR‑2/CR‑2, IR‑5).
- Visas related to intercountry adoption (IR‑3, IR‑4, IH‑3, IH‑4).
- Special rules on validity:
- Consular officers are instructed to shorten the validity of other visas as allowed by law.
Travel Advice & Next Steps
- If you already have a visa: You can still travel and enter the U.S. legally—as long as you challenge no visa terms.
- If you plan to apply now: Do not expect to receive a tourist, student, or exchange visa until this suspension is lifted.
- Consular services strongly urge travellers to abide by visa terms, or they risk penalties, visa cancellation, deportation, and further restrictions.
- Those affected by the suspension should consider family-based immigration, or consult qualified migration advisors for alternative pathways.
What’s Next?
- The travel policy is scheduled for review every 180 days, meaning updates could come by December 2025.
- Engagements between the U.S. administration and Sierra Leone’s authorities may focus on reducing visa overstay rates and improving repatriation cooperation.
Bottom Line for Sierra Leoneans
- If you’re visiting on a tourist, student, or exchange visa: Only valid visas issued before 9 June 2025 are honoured.
- If you’re applying now: Your request will likely be denied unless it falls under family-based immigration or adoption categories.
- If you’re considering travel or visa applications in the future: Begin exploring family immigration visas or await future policy reviews.