Freetown, 17 December 2025 – The Government of Sierra Leone has announced that it has commenced consultations with the United States following the recent full entry ban on Sierra Leonean nationals. The move comes after a proclamation signed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump on 16 December 2025, expanding America’s travel ban to countries the White House says pose national security and immigration enforcement risks.
Previously under partial restrictions, Sierra Leone now faces a complete suspension of entry for its nationals, with limited exemptions for diplomats, athletes, lawful permanent residents, individuals with valid visas, and cases deemed in the U.S. national interest. The administration has also narrowed family-based immigration exceptions due to concerns over fraud, while maintaining discretionary case-by-case waivers.
The U.S. government cited persistent high visa overstay rates and poor cooperation on repatriation as key reasons for the escalation. Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows Sierra Leone recorded a 16.48 percent overstay rate for B-1/B-2 (business and tourism) visas and 35.83 percent for student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visas. U.S. authorities have also highlighted Sierra Leone’s historical refusal to accept nationals ordered removed from the United States.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the government is taking steps to address these issues, including enhancing document security, improving repatriation processes, and strengthening information-sharing with U.S. authorities. Officials appealed for public patience as they work to negotiate relief from the ban and emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to international cooperation.
The move places Sierra Leone alongside countries such as Laos, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria under the strictest category of U.S. travel restrictions. The White House noted that restrictions could be reviewed if affected governments demonstrate meaningful progress in compliance with U.S. immigration and identity verification standards.
