By Elizabeth A. Kaine
The Sierra Leone Government has adopted a diplomatic strategy in response to the recent travel ban and restrictions imposed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump.
In an interview with the BBC, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, addressed the visa restrictions affecting Sierra Leone, acknowledging the high rate of visa overstays among its citizens in the United States.
“The Government of Sierra Leone recognizes the overstay rate of our citizens in the United States,” Minister Bah stated. He emphasized the government’s commitment to engaging with U.S. authorities to address this pressing issue, asserting Sierra Leone’s status as a law-abiding nation that respects U.S. immigration policies.
Minister Bah expressed readiness to collaborate with the U.S. to enhance the visa interview process and implement outreach initiatives aimed at educating Sierra Leoneans about the challenges and consequences of overstaying their visas. “Our hope is that these steps will see Sierra Leone removed from the visa restrictions list during the upcoming review process expected within the next 90 days,” he added.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy Kabba, reiterated the importance of continuous diplomatic engagement with the United States. He is scheduled to meet today, June 9, 2025, with the U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone to discuss the implications of the visa restrictions and explore potential solutions.
This diplomatic response follows President Trump’s proclamation on June 4, 2025, which imposed a travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, including Sierra Leone. The White House cited security concerns and a high rate of visa overstays as the primary reasons for this decision. Official U.S. data indicates that Sierra Leone’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate is 15.43 percent, with the overstay rate for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, J categories) at a significantly higher 35.83 percent.
The proclamation also noted Sierra Leone’s historical failure to accept back its removable nationals, leading to a suspension of entry for certain visa types and a reduction in the validity of other non-immigrant visas.
The African Union Commission has urged the U.S. Government to reconsider the ban, warning that it could adversely affect educational exchanges, trade, and diplomatic relations across the continent.
In contrast to Sierra Leone’s diplomatic approach, Chad has opted for retaliatory measures, with President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno announcing a suspension of visa issuance to U.S. citizens on June 5, 2025, citing the principle of reciprocity.
According to the presidential proclamation, the U.S. Embassy has suspended the issuance of tourist, business, student, and exchange visitor nonimmigrant visas (categories B, F, M, and J) to nationals of Sierra Leone. However, immigrant visas for immediate family members of U.S. citizens will still be processed.
This proclamation does not revoke existing visas. Travelers with valid visas are encouraged to use them as intended to avoid penalties or deportation for overstays.
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