The Government of Sierra Leone has opted for a more diplomatic approach in response to the recent travel restrictions imposed by the United States
Speaking recently to the BBC, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, acknowledged the visa restrictions placed on Sierra Leone by the US. He explained that the decision was largely due to the high rate of visa overstays by Sierra Leoneans holding visitor and student visas.
“The Government of Sierra Leone recognises the overstay rate of our citizens in the United States,” Minister Bah stated. “We are committed to continuing our engagement with the US authorities to find a resolution to this issue.”
Minister Bah reaffirmed that Sierra Leone, as a law-abiding nation, respects the US Government’s right to set and enforce its own immigration policies in line with its national interests.
He further noted that the government is ready to collaborate with the US to address the concerns. This includes strengthening the visa interview process and conducting outreach efforts to educate Sierra Leoneans about the challenges and consequences of overstaying their visas in the United States.
“The Government of President Julius Maada Bio is open to working with the US Government to put measures in place that will address the overstay rates,” Minister Bah added. “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.”
Echoing these sentiments, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy Kabba, stressed that Sierra Leone will continue to engage with the United States through diplomatic channels.
Minister Kabba is scheduled to meet today, June 9, 2025, with the US Ambassador to Sierra Leone to discuss the implications of the restrictions and explore ways to resolve the situation.
It will be recalled that on June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, including Sierra Leone. The White House cited concerns about security and a high rate of visa overstays as reasons for the decision.
According to official US data, Sierra Leone’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate stands at 15.43 percent, while the overstay rate for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, J categories) is 35.83 percent. The proclamation stated that Sierra Leone has “historically failed to accept back its removable nationals,” leading to a suspension of entry for Sierra Leoneans on certain visas and a reduction in the validity of other non-immigrant visas.
The African Union Commission has since appealed to the US Government to reconsider the ban, warning that it could negatively impact educational exchanges, trade, and diplomatic ties across the continent.
In contrast to Sierra Leone’s diplomatic approach, Chad has taken retaliatory action. On June 5, 2025, President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno of Chad announced a suspension of visa issuance to US citizens, citing the principle of reciprocity. “Chad has its dignity and pride,” he stated, underscoring his country’s resolve to defend its sovereignty.
While Chad has made its position clear, Sierra Leone is prioritising constructive dialogue to seek a resolution that will ensure continued cooperation and understanding between the two nations.
