Liberia launches e-visa scheme
The West African nation of Liberia has launched its new e-visa system for international visitors to the country
The system, implemented by the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), is expected to expedite and simplify the visa application process for visitors and boost tourism.
The system came into effect on 11 March, and features a new online visa application system that allows travellers to apply for a visa via Liberia’s official immigration portal prior to their departure. The application includes a US$102.50 visa fee.
Upon arrival at Monrovia Roberts International Airport, visitors must present their approval document for verification, and allow their biometric data to be collected before a formal visa is issued.
The approval document is valid for a single entry, and visas can be acquired online for periods of either 30 or 90 days.
Some countries are currently exempt from the e-visa scheme
Most international travellers are eligible to apply for a visa online – with the exception of 23 countries that require a traditional application via their respective Liberian embassies. These countries are: Belgium, Cameroon, China, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, the UK, and the US.
Citizens of countries that are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are not required to have a visa, due to existing free movement agreements.
Ghana and Morocco recently signed a visa waiver agreement as part of plans to strengthen diplomatic ties.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor for Voyageur Group, joining in 2021. He writes for both ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision and air medical transportation. He also serves as Title Editor of the Assistance & Repatriation Reviews. Oliver holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University, as well as a BA in English with Creative Writing from Falmouth University.