Tentative Guidelines and Required Documents for African Diaspora Citizenship Application
1. Prior Visit Requirement
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:
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.