U.S. President Donald J. Trump has recently issued a new proclamation imposing a full suspension of entry for all nationals of Sierra Leone, effective January 1, 2026.

The ban, citing “woeful inadequacies” in vetting and a student visa overstay rate of 35.83%, places the West African nation on a list of seven new countries subject to the strictest level of travel restrictions.

However, a close reading of the 11,000-word legal proclamation reveals a series of narrow but critical exceptions that will allow certain categories of Sierra Leoneans to continue traveling to the United States after the ban takes full effect.

According to Section 4(e) of the proclamation, the entry into the United States of nationals of Sierra Leone “as immigrants and as nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.” The order specifically points to Sierra Leone’s high nonimmigrant visa overstay rates—16.48% for visitor visas and 35.83% for student and exchange visas—as a primary justification, alongside a historical failure to accept back citizens ordered removed from the U.S.

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This means, as of January 1, 2026, the U.S. will cease issuing new immigrant visas (for permanent residence) and nearly all categories of nonimmigrant visas (including tourist, business, student, and work visas) to Sierra Leonean passport holders in the country.

Who Is Exempt? The Narrow Gateways Remain Open

Despite the broad restrictions, the proclamation carves out mandatory exceptions and creates discretionary pathways for entry. The following groups of Sierra Leoneans will retain or may seek the ability to travel to America:

Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)

Any Sierra Leonean who is already a lawful permanent resident of the United States is explicitly exempt from the ban and may travel freely.

Dual Nationals Traveling on a Non-Banned Passport

A Sierra Leonean who also holds citizenship from a country not on the banned list may travel to the U.S. using that second country’s passport. This exception is likely to be used by those with citizenship in the U.K., other Commonwealth nations, or nearby ECOWAS countries not subject to restrictions.

Diplomats and International Organization Employees

Those traveling on valid diplomatic visas (A-1, A-2, G-1 through G-4, NATO classifications) are exempt. This includes Sierra Leonean diplomats assigned to the UN, World Bank, IMF, or the Sierra Leonean Embassy and Consulate in the U.S.

Certain Special Immigrants

The proclamation maintains an exception for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for individuals who have worked for the U.S. government, typically as interpreters or contractors, a category more common in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq.

Athletes and Support Staff for Major Events

Sierra Leonean athletes, coaches, and essential personnel traveling for events like the Olympics or World Cup may be admitted under a specific exception for “major sporting events.”

For Sierra Leoneans who do not fall into the categories above, entry is only possible via a “case-by-case waiver.” These are not automatic and require a finding by the Secretary of State or Secretary of Homeland Security that the travel is in the United States national interest.

The Proclamation specifically notes that the Attorney General may grant waivers for individuals required to participate in criminal proceedings as witnesses.

Case-by-Case “National Interest” Waivers

The proclamation authorizes the U.S. Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General to grant waivers on a case-by-case basis if they find an individual’s travel “would serve a United States national interest.”

State Department Waivers: These could cover critical business travel, academic research, medical emergencies, or family reunification under extraordinary circumstances.

Justice Department Waivers: Specifically mentioned for individuals who “must be present to participate in criminal proceedings as witnesses.”

Homeland Security Waivers: Could be used for law enforcement cooperation or other security-related travel.

For now, Sierra Leoneans hoping to travel to America after the New Year must fall into one of the exempt categories.