Bryan David Hunt, the United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, has announced the imposition of new travel restrictions on Sierra Leone by the U.S. government.
Speaking during an interview on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone programme, Ambassador Hunt cited alarming overstay rates among Sierra Leonean travelers as the primary reason for the decision.
“Sierra Leone is the 13th highest overstay rate country for B1, B2 Tourist and Business Visa travelers in the world, and the 8th highest for Student and Exchange Visas,” Hunt stated. He emphasized that such figures raised serious concerns within the U.S. immigration system, prompting a policy shift at the highest level.
According to Ambassador Hunt, President Donald J. Trump signed a new Executive Order restricting B1/B2 Tourist and Business Visas, as well as Student and Exchange Visitor Visas for Sierra Leonean nationals. “Because of this, the President of the United States did not feel he could continue in good faith to allow Sierra Leoneans to receive these categories of visas. Therefore, he decided to impose restrictions, not just on those categories, but also on a wide number of immigrant visas,” Hunt explained.
The move is part of the U.S. government’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, targeting countries with high levels of non-compliance with visa terms. Sierra Leone now faces partial travel restrictions that could impact students, professionals, and families seeking immigration opportunities.
Ambassador Hunt clarified that the restrictions are not a blanket ban but are intended to prompt greater cooperation from the Sierra Leonean government in addressing the visa overstay issue.
The U.S. Embassy in Freetown is expected to work closely with Sierra Leonean authorities to mitigate the impact and encourage compliance with international travel regulations.
Let the embassador get out. He is lobbing to trump to stay in power. Nigerians are the most overstated visa people in the world. Why not ban them.
Mmmmm. I am really paused about Mr. Hunt explanations. Where’s my sister, Ms. Silvia Byldon. APC strong lady. Do Sierra Leoneans really think these American leaders loved Africa or Africans. They pretend and get all our minerals resources. Why SLPP and APC can not join together to deal with Donald Trump and Mr. Hunt. It is a shame and very hurtful. You love them and accept them, but they don’t love you, except your minerals resources. Given opposition parties ammunitions to course chaos in Sierra Leone and fight the government. I mean it. This is my country and I loved my country. Useless when Mr. Hunt dictating American interest and Sierra Leoneans are not pushing back. Very shameful, sad and hurting. I don’t like it. God bless Sierra Leone.
Why the innocent suffer for the wicked?
My suggestions is either US jail those people then also deport them to sierra leone government for another jail…