By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
The United States Embassy in Freetown has dismissed reports that it is set to close, assuring the public that operations continue as normal despite a broader Trump administration plan to reduce the number of US missions in Africa authorized to process visas.
In an official statement, the Embassy said no decision has been made to close the Freetown mission or any US consulate, contrary to reports circulating on social media and other platforms. “No embassy or consulate closures have been announced, and operations continue as normal,” the statement read. The Embassy added that the US Department of State routinely evaluates overseas operations to ensure diplomatic missions effectively advance US foreign policy priorities and serve the public efficiently.
The clarification comes after an Associated Press report on Monday, citing three US officials and an internal memo, said Washington plans to cut visa-processing missions on the continent from 50 to 20 in the coming weeks. Reuters reported the move aligns with President Donald Trump’s immigration and border policy agenda. During his first term, Trump drew criticism for alleged remarks describing several African and Caribbean nations in derogatory terms.
Under the proposed reduction, citizens from many African countries could lose local access to US consular services and be required to apply at embassies in other states. For Sierra Leone, this raises questions about the future of visa services in Freetown, which currently handles all US visa interviews and applications locally. Officials have not said whether the Freetown embassy will retain that authority.
Consular experts warn the restructuring could mean longer wait periods for appointments, higher travel and accommodation costs, and added logistical burdens for students, business travelers, and families with ties to the United States.
The US Department of State said it continues to review overseas operations. “We have nothing further to announce at this time,” a statement read. The US Embassy in Freetown also reassured applicants that any future changes to visa applications, interview procedures, or consular services would be communicated through official channels. “In case of updates to the visa application or interview process, we share details on our website and directly inform any affected applicants,” the Embassy stated.
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