The United States Embassy in Freetown has announced a significant shift in its visa policy, effective Monday, June 9, 2025, suspending the issuance of several categories of nonimmigrant visas for Sierra Leonean nationals. This decision comes in direct compliance with a recent presidential proclamation issued by the White House, marking a broader executive action aimed at bolstering U.S. national security and tightening immigration controls.
The suspension directly impacts Sierra Leonean citizens seeking to travel to the United States for various temporary purposes. Specifically, the issuance of new tourist (B), business (B), student (F, M), and exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visas has been halted until further notice. This means that individuals planning trips for leisure, commercial activities, academic pursuits, or cultural exchange programs will be unable to obtain these specific visa types for the foreseeable future. The presidential proclamation, issued on June 4, 2025, and effective June 9, 2025, included Sierra Leone among a list of countries subject to partial restrictions on entry, encompassing these nonimmigrant visa categories and, in some cases, immigrant visas.
However, the U.S. Embassy has clarified that this new restriction does not extend to immigrant visas designated for certain eligible family members of U.S. citizens. Categories such as spouses (IR-1/CR-1), children (IR-2/CR-2), parents (IR-5), and adopted children (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4) will continue to be processed for Sierra Leonean applicants, ensuring that family reunification remains a priority within the framework of U.S. immigration law.
It is crucial to note that the proclamation does not revoke existing, valid visas. Individuals who are already in possession of a valid U.S. visa issued before June 9, 2025, are still permitted to travel to the United States and present themselves for entry at a U.S. port of entry. Nevertheless, the Embassy has issued a strong caution to all travelers to strictly adhere to the conditions of their visas. Violations such as overstaying the permitted duration could lead to severe penalties, including visa cancellation, future travel restrictions, or even deportation.
“We strongly encourage all travelers to use their visa as intended,” the Embassy emphasized in its statement, “and to comply with all U.S. immigration regulations to avoid jeopardizing future travel opportunities.” This directive underscores the importance of understanding and respecting U.S. immigration law to prevent adverse consequences.
This new policy is part of a comprehensive executive action by the U.S. administration, stemming from an interagency report on global risks to national security and public safety. The broader aim is to strengthen vetting and screening procedures for foreign nationals entering the United States. While the immediate impact on Sierra Leonean travelers seeking new nonimmigrant visas is significant, the U.S. government maintains that these measures are essential for national security and the integrity of its immigration system. The proclamation also indicates that the suspensions and limitations will be reviewed periodically, offering a potential for future adjustments based on evolving assessments.