πŸ•˜ Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00AM – 5:00PMπŸ“‹ Consular Hours: 10:00AM – 3:00PMπŸ“ž +1 (202) 939-9261
Embassy of Sierra Leone
Embassy of the Republic of
Sierra Leone
WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Embassy

The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C.

H.E. Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa

Ambassador's Message

H.E. Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Washington, D.C.
Letters of Credence presented: July 24, 2025

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and on my own behalf, I extend a warm welcome to all visitors to the official website of the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. It is a privilege and an honour to serve as Sierra Leone's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America and to the nine other countries to which our Embassy is accredited.

The Embassy of Sierra Leone was established in Washington, D.C. on April 27, 1961 β€” the very day Sierra Leone gained independence β€” reflecting the importance that the Government of Sierra Leone has always placed on its relationship with the United States. For more than six decades, our two nations have cultivated a strong partnership built on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and a commitment to the well-being of our peoples.

My mission is to strengthen and deepen this relationship in all its dimensions β€” diplomatic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people. I am committed to delivering the highest quality consular services to Sierra Leoneans in our region of accreditation, to promoting Sierra Leone as a prime destination for trade, tourism, and investment, and to advocating for the interests of Sierra Leone and its citizens on the world stage. I invite you to explore this website and to reach out to us for any assistance you may require.

Contact the Embassy

Mission Statement

β€œThe Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. is committed to advancing the national interests of Sierra Leone through the promotion of diplomatic relations, the provision of high-quality consular services to Sierra Leonean nationals and foreign nationals, the facilitation of trade, investment, and development partnerships, and the strengthening of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Sierra Leone and the United States of America.”

About the Embassy

The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. is the principal diplomatic mission of Sierra Leone to the United States. Established on April 27, 1961, the Embassy serves as the official channel of communication between the governments of Sierra Leone and the United States, and between Sierra Leone and the nine other countries to which it is accredited in the Americas.

The Embassy provides a wide range of services to Sierra Leonean nationals residing in the region, including passport and travel document services, civil registration, notarial services, and emergency assistance. The Embassy also serves the interests of Sierra Leone through diplomatic engagement, trade and investment promotion, and cultural outreach.

Countries of Accreditation

In addition to the United States, the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. is accredited to the following nine countries:

  • β†’Canada
  • β†’Brazil
  • β†’Mexico
  • β†’Jamaica
  • β†’Trinidad & Tobago
  • β†’The Bahamas
  • β†’Barbados
  • β†’Guyana
  • β†’Suriname

Departments & Extensions

All calls to the Embassy should be made to +1 (202) 939-9261. Request the extension listed below.

Department / SectionDirect LineExtensionEmail
Office of the Ambassador(202) 939-9265Ext. 112he@embassyofsierraleone.net
Consular Section(202) 939-9261/62/63Ext. 110consular@embassyofsierraleone.net
Chancery Administrationβ€”Ext. 2222admin@embassyofsierraleone.net
Trade & Investment Sectionβ€”Ext. 2223trade@embassyofsierraleone.net
Press & Public Affairsβ€”Ext. 2224press@embassyofsierraleone.net
General Enquiriesβ€”Ext. 2225info@embassyofsierraleone.net

Embassy Closure Days

The Embassy of Sierra Leone observes official Sierra Leonean public holidays as well as designated U.S. federal holidays. On these days, the Embassy is closed to the public. Consular services are not available on Embassy closure days.

DateHoliday
January 1New Year's Day
3rd Monday, JanuaryMartin Luther King Jr. Day (U.S.)U.S.
February 18Armed Forces Day (Sierra Leone)
3rd Monday, FebruaryPresidents' Day (U.S.)U.S.
March 8International Women's Day (Sierra Leone)
Variable (March/April)Good Friday
Variable (March/April)Easter Monday
April 27Independence Day β€” National Day of Sierra Leone
May 1Labour Day (Sierra Leone)
Last Monday, MayMemorial Day (U.S.)U.S.
Variable (Islamic calendar)Eid ul-Fitr
July 4Independence Day (U.S.)U.S.
Variable (Islamic calendar)Eid ul-Adha
1st Monday, SeptemberLabor Day (U.S.)U.S.
November 11Veterans Day (U.S.)U.S.
Variable (Islamic calendar)Maulid al-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday)
4th Thursday, NovemberThanksgiving Day (U.S.)U.S.
December 25Christmas Day
December 26Boxing Day (Sierra Leone)

Former Ambassadors

Sierra Leone has been represented in Washington, D.C. by distinguished diplomats since independence in 1961.

Ambassador Gershon B.O. Collier
Ambassador Gershon B.O. Collier
1961 – 1967
First Ambassador to the United States
Ambassador George Carew
Ambassador George Carew
1967 – 1971
Ambassador Philip Palmer
Ambassador Philip Palmer
1971 – 1975
Ambassador Bockari K. Stevens
Ambassador Bockari K. Stevens
1975 – 1985
Ambassador Thomas Kargbo
Ambassador Thomas Kargbo
1985 – 1995
Ambassador Dauda Kamara
Ambassador Dauda Kamara
1995 – 2005
Ambassador Ibrahim M. Kamara
Ambassador Ibrahim M. Kamara
2005 – 2010
Ambassador John Ernest Leigh
Ambassador John Ernest Leigh
2014 – 2018
Ambassador Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai
Ambassador Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai
2018 – 2024

Job Openings

πŸ“‹

No Current Vacancies

There are no open positions at the Embassy at this time. When vacancies arise, they will be advertised on this page. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

For general enquiries, please contact admin@embassyofsierraleone.net