Sierra Leone
United States
United States visa for Sierra Leonean citizens
Entry requirement
Sierra Leonean citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at sl.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Sierra Leone
- Embassy of the United States in Freetown
New London Street, Freetown
The United States has 1 mission in Sierra Leone, with its embassy in Freetown.
US visas issued to citizens of Sierra Leone
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 1,895 | 1,056 |
| Student (F, M) | 242 | 64 |
| Exchange (J) | 88 | 52 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 8 | 17 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 6 | 2 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 800 | 375 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 248 | 189 |
| Other | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 3,287 | 1,756 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 69.4% | 70.6% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 1,756 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Sierra Leone, the 148th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 60%, diplomatic and official visas 21% and fiancé(e) visas 11%. That is 47% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (3,287).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Sierra Leone received 59, 93% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 70.6% for citizens of Sierra Leone in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 69.4%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Sierra Leone anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Sierra Leone.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Sierra Leone
United StatesSierra Leone Visa on arrival Sierra Leone visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Sierra Leone to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Sierra Leonean citizens can stay in the United States
How long Sierra Leonean citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Sierra Leonean citizens apply
In Sierra Leone, applications go to the US embassy in Freetown, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Sierra Leonean citizens
Canada, Mexico and Cuba require Sierra Leonean citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Sierra Leone
US citizens receive their visa for Sierra Leone at the border; it covers up to 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Sierra Leonean citizens need a visa for the United States?
Sierra Leonean citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Where is the US embassy in Sierra Leone?
The US embassy in Sierra Leone is in Freetown.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Sierra Leone?
US citizens receive their visa for Sierra Leone at the border; it covers up to 30 days.
Can Sierra Leonean citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Sierra Leonean citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.