Get citizenship

In 2021, the Sierra Leone Government has created a path to Sierra Leonean citizenship for Africans in the diaspora who have traced their DNA Heritage to Sierra Leone. What follows is the guideline as shared by the Monuments and Relics Sierra Leone. As a certified Tour Operator in Sierra Leone, we can assist with the process in addition to providing a life-changing experience through one of our tours tailored especially for you.
Tentative Guidelines and Required Documents for African Diaspora Citizenship Application
All applicants must go through a certified local tour operator in Sierra Leone. VSL Travel is one of the certified operators. A full list of certified tour operators is available at: ? https://ntb.gov.sl/tour-operators

Applicants must have visited Sierra Leone at least once before submitting a citizenship request letter. Proof of visitation must be attached to the application letter. (This applies to participants making their second visit.)

2. Citizenship Request Letter

A formal request letter must be addressed to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Monuments and Relics Commission. The letter should include:

Full name (as indicated on passport)
Current street address
Phone number
Email address

3. Proof of Sierra Leonean Ancestry
Applicants must provide maternal or paternal lineage proof using one of the following approved DNA testing companies:

Ancestry
African Ancestry
23andMe
CRI Genetics
Applicants must submit a copy of their DNA test report and a certificate of ancestry.

 

4. Birth Certificate & Name Changes
Submit a live birth certificate.
If there was a legal name change, provide proof of the change.

5. Passport Bio Page
A copy of the bio-data page of your current passport is required.

 

6. References
Each applicant must provide at least two notarized reference letters from reputable individuals in their country of residence, such as:

Personal lawyer
Primary care physician
Banker
Employer
Educational institution

7. Background Checks
A certified state and federal police report must be submitted.
The Government of Sierra Leone will conduct a background check on all applicants through the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington, D.C.

8. Verification of Documents

The government will verify the authenticity of all DNA certificates and other submitted documents.

9. Mandatory In-Country Presence
Applicants must be in Sierra Leone ahead of the conferment date for:

Fingerprinting
Immigration interviews
Other administrative procedures
They must also attend a mandatory 2-day Heritage/Civic Education and Business/Investment Workshop organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the Monuments and Relics Commission.

 

10. Fees
Each applicant must pay a $600 fee (or the equivalent in Leones) to cover:

The Heritage/Civic Education & Business Investment Workshop
Passport processing
National Identity Cards
Administrative costs
Tour operators are required to include this fee in their package charges.

11. Contribution from Skilled Professionals
Participants with professional or technical skills may be invited to share their expertise or present at the workshop. Interested applicants should submit their names and areas of expertise through their tour operators at least one month before the program.

12. Conferment Date Notification
The conferment ceremony date will be announced at least three months before the event.

13. Oath of Allegiance
During the conferment ceremony, applicants will take an Oath of Allegiance before the Chief Immigration Officer.