Freetown, May 11, 2026 — The British High Commission in Freetown has dismissed claims published in the Global Times alleging comments attributed to UK diplomats, stressing that the newspaper never sought clarification from the mission before publication.
In a statement, the High Commission underscored the importance of travel between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom as a cornerstone of bilateral partnership. It highlighted the recent launch of UK e‑Visas, designed to streamline applications for Sierra Leonean travellers.
“All applications are assessed on their individual merits, in line with our immigration rules,” the statement noted, adding that the UK visa system aims to facilitate legitimate travel while safeguarding border integrity.
The mission reaffirmed its commitment to a fair, consistent, and professional process, welcoming applications from Sierra Leoneans and emphasizing that the UK remains dedicated to strengthening ties between the two nations.