By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The United States Embassy in Freetown has on Monday June 9, 2025, announced the suspension of several categories of nonimmigrant visa issuance to nationals of Sierra Leone, in compliance with a recent presidential proclamation issued by the White House.
According to the Embassy, the suspension affects the issuance of tourist (B), business (B), student (F, M), and exchange visitor (J) nonimmigrant visas. This means Sierra Leonean nationals seeking to travel to the United States for tourism, business, study, or cultural exchange programs will not be issued new visas under these categories until further notice.
However, the U.S. Embassy clarified that the restriction does not apply to immigrant visas for certain eligible family members of U.S. citizens. These include spouses (IR-1/CR-1), children (IR-2/CR-2), parents (IR-5), and adopted children (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4). Visas under these classifications will continue to be processed for Sierra Leonean applicants.
Importantly, the proclamation does not revoke existing visas. Individuals already in possession of valid U.S. visas may continue to travel to the United States and present themselves for entry at a U.S. port of entry. The Embassy, however, cautioned travelers to strictly adhere to the conditions of their visas to avoid violations such as overstaying, which could result in penalties, visa cancellation, or deportation.
“We strongly encourage all travelers to use their visa as intended,” the Embassy stated, “and to comply with all U.S. immigration regulations to avoid jeopardizing future travel opportunities.”
The new policy forms part of a broader executive action taken by the U.S. administration aimed at strengthening national security and managing immigration more stringently.
Read the full proclamation here:
