Visa Services

Embassy Freetown has expanded its visa services in May, 2009 to include all visa types.  It currently offers the following visa services:

Nonimmigrant Visas: Visas for temporary travelers to the United States. The most common examples are visitors for business, pleasure, study, exchange, and official government business.  As of April 13, 2012, the cost of a nonimmigrant visa application is now $160 for non-petition based visas (e.g. B1/B2, F, J, etc.) and $190 for petition based visas (H,L,O,P,Q and R).  In addition, as of September 1, 2010, only DS-160 forms will be accepted for nonimmigrant visa applications.  The previous forms (DS-156 and DS-157) will no longer be accepted per U.S. Consular policy.

Sierra Leonean visitors traveling to the United States are required to be in possession of passports that are valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay in the U.S.

Immigrant Visas:  Visas for people who intend to live in the United States permanently.  Upon entry to the U.S., Immigrant Visa holders will receive Lawful Permanent Resident status, known as a "green card."  All Sierra Leonean immigrant visa cases held at this Embassy in May 1997 were sent to the National Visa Center in New Hampshire.  The Embassy no longer has files on these cases.  Please address all questions concerning them to the National Visa Center (nvcinquiry@state.gov).

Diversity Visas: Commonly known as the DV Lottery or green Card lottery, the Diversity Visa is a special type of Immigrant Visa where the right to an interview is determined by lottery instead of petition.

Do not wait until the last minute!  Inform yourself on visa application requirements and apply for your visa at least several weeks in advance of your planned travel dates.  Everyone applying for a visa, including applicants renewing a visa, is required to appear in person at the U.S. Embassy.

For more information on visas to the United States, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html