Sierra Leone Telegraph: 25 March 2025:
In a significant step towards modernizing its tourism sector, Liberia has unveiled its new electronic Visa on Arrival (e-Visa) system, effective March 11, 2025.
This digital initiative, spearheaded by the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), promises to simplify and expedite the visa application process for international travellers, boosting tourism and economic growth.
The Liberian government, in collaboration with the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), has introduced an online visa application system. This initiative aims to modernize immigration processes and facilitate seamless travel for eligible foreign nationals arriving by air.
How Liberia’s E-Visa on Arrival Works
With this new e-visa on-arrival system, international travellers can apply for a visa before departure through Liberia’s official immigration portal. Upon arrival at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport (ROB), visitors must present their approval document for verification.
Their biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition, will be collected before the visa is issued and stamped into their passport.
How to Apply for Liberia’s E-Visa on Arrival
The new e-VoA process eliminates the need for manual paperwork. Travellers must complete an online application before departure via the official Liberian immigration portal.
A Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a trip to Liberia? Here’s how to navigate the new e-Visa system:
Create an Account: Begin by registering an account on the official Liberia Immigration portal.
Upload Documents: Scan and upload your passport, passport-sized photo, and airline ticket.
Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
Pay the Visa Fee: Securely pay the US$102.5 visa fee online.
Receive Confirmation: Download and print the payment confirmation and approval document, which includes a QR code.
Important Note: The online confirmation is not the final visa. Upon arrival at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport (ROB), present your confirmation to immigration officials for authentication. Biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition, will be collected before your visa is affixed to your passport.
Visa Validity and Re-Entry Permits
The e-VoA is valid for single entry and allows stays of either 30 or 90 days.
Travellers requiring multiple entries can apply for a Re-Entry Permit online.
Who Is Eligible for Liberia’s E-Visa on Arrival?
Most international travellers can use Liberia’s E-Visa on Arrival system. However, citizens of 23 countries with Liberian embassies are not eligible for this online process. Instead, they must apply for a visa through their respective diplomatic missions.
Which Countries Are Not Eligible?
While the e-Visa system opens doors for many travellers, it’s important to note that travellers from countries with a Liberian embassy must apply through traditional channels.
23 Countries Requiring Embassy Visa Applications:
Belgium, Cameroon, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States
ECOWAS Member States Exempt
Nationals of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) enjoy visa-free entry under regional free movement agreements.
A Step Toward Digital Transformation
Liberia has issued only manual visas since the LIS was established in 1956. The introduction of e-VoA represents a significant leap toward modernizing immigration services.
Acting Commissioner General of LIS, Elijah F. Rufus, emphasized the system’s role in improving border security and boosting the economy. He stated:
“This initiative is crucial to Liberia’s digital transformation. By integrating local expertise with global standards, we have created a secure and efficient system that enhances border control and supports economic growth.”
Liberia’s e-Visa on Arrival simplifies the visa application process, making travel more convenient. However, travellers should check their eligibility before applying. With this modernization, Liberia aligns itself with global travel trends, ensuring a smoother entry experience for visitors
I have been on the official Liberian E visa website. Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS members are exempt from the requirement.
Could the Journalist acknowledge and rectify the error, please?
The same ECOWAS visa exemption rule applies to four other countries listed, namely, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal. What is going on? Indeed, whatever happened to the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment? That protocol was signed in 1979, allowing citizens of member states holding valid ECOWAS passports or National Identity Cards to travel freely within the region for up to 90 days without a visa. Or is the Librarian E-Visa some incomprehensible phenomenon with rules all its own – some strange beast that is a law unto itself? Unless I am mistaken, unlike breakaway Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, Liberia remains a member state of ECOWAS. Or has that country also left the regional body? And quietly so?
There is a contradiction in this article. It stated that Sierra Leone needs a visa, however, Sierra Leone is also a member of ECOWAS,which renders it eligible for exemption status for immigration to Liberia.