Liberia attracts investment in ports, the extractive sector and aid projects, but entry requires a visa obtained in advance. Since March 2025 a visa on arrival with online pre-authorisation has been available, but you still submit the application before departure.
Types of entry documents
Single-entry tourist visa
Allows one entry and a stay of up to 30 days. Travellers who wish to visit Monrovia, Sapo National Park and the Saint Paul River usually choose this option.
Multiple-entry business visa
Intended for contractors and employees of companies with branches in Liberia. Available in 3‑month and 1‑year versions; each stay may last a maximum of 30 days.
Mission and NGO visa
Requires an acceptance letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia. Extensions are obtained from the Immigration Department upon presentation of a field activity report.
How to apply
Application form – complete it online or by hand if you are sending it by post to the embassy in Berlin.
Passport – valid for at least six months, one blank page.
Photo – colour, white background, size 3.5 × 4.5 cm (JPG file for an e‑visa).
Travel plan – flight booking and first hotel or an invitation.
Proof of funds – bank statement printout or sponsor’s letter.
Consular fee – EUR 70 single entry, EUR 110 multiple entry; express service +50%.
Attach the payment confirmation to the application. The standard processing time in Berlin is one working week; express service takes two to three days. In the e‑system, the approval PDF usually appears after 72 hours.
Collecting the e‑visa and travelling
Print the PDF, take it with your passport and show it at airline check‑in. In Monrovia the officer affixes a visa sticker and stamps the date of exit. The visa on arrival is valid only at the airport in Monrovia. For land entry from Sierra Leone or Côte d’Ivoire you need a visa issued before travel.
Most frequently searched questions
Can I obtain a visa at the airport?
Yes, but only at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia and only after your online application has been approved. Without pre‑authorisation you will not receive a visa at the airport.
Which vaccinations are compulsory?
Yellow fever – show your WHO yellow vaccination booklet at boarding and at the border.
Is an emergency/temporary passport accepted?
Yes, if it is valid for 6 months from the date of entry and has a visa affixed.
How much cash do I need?
There is no formal minimum, but the authorities suggest USD 500 per month in small denominations.
How long are PCR test results valid?
Since 2024 Liberia has not required COVID‑19 tests or a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate.
Health requirements and insurance
Private hospitals require a payment guarantee or cash. Choose a policy that covers hospitalisation, medical evacuation to Abidjan or Accra, and assistance in the event of possible political evacuation.
Children’s documents
Minors must have their own passport and visa. Consent from the other parent (in English) is required if the child is travelling with only one guardian.
Safety tips
– Avoid walking after dark outside central Monrovia.
– Do not carry large sums of money in one place; ATMs are sometimes out of service.
– Traffic drives on the right, but signage is limited; plan journeys during daylight hours.
Visa on arrival with online pre‑authorisation
Since 11 March 2025, the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) has operated the portal visaonarrival.lis.gov.lr. You submit your application before departure and, once approved, you receive a confirmation with a QR code by email. At Roberts International Airport (ROB) in Monrovia you present it in print or on your phone, provide fingerprints and a facial photo, and the officer affixes the visa into your passport.
Restrictions you need to be aware of:
the visa is single entry, and the length of stay (30 or 90 days) is decided by the officer at the airport based on your travel plan,
you must use the pre‑authorisation within 3 months from approval; after that you must submit a new application,
for the time being, the procedure is available only at ROB airport.
Liberia visa through Notberg
With Notberg you can order pre‑authorisation for a Liberian visa on arrival. The authority needs around 7 days, and the system is new, so you should expect possible delays. The visa fee is non‑refundable. Service packages:
Standard: processing in around 4 days,
Premium: processing in 1 day.
We require an online application, a scan of the passport bio‑data page and a digital photo. Uploading the flight ticket scan to the portal is optional.
What to watch out for when applying
Timing. Submit your application at least 7 days before your flight and no earlier than 3 months before it.
Files. The scans of your passport, photo and ticket may each be a maximum of 2 MB. The photo must be in colour, on a neutral background, and comply with ICAO guidelines.
Payment. The portal accepts Visa and Mastercard. Without payment the authority will not start processing your application, and your bank may post it with a delay, so check your status on the portal.
Passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry, not from the date you submit the application.
Additional questions about the Liberia visa
Can I enter several times with one pre‑authorisation?
No. It is a visa for a single visit. If you travel frequently, you can apply for a Re‑entry Permit in Liberia after arrival.
Can I work on this visa?
No. The portal is for tourism, business and transit. Working in Liberia requires a separate work permit.
Does pre‑authorisation guarantee entry?
No. LIS may refuse the application, and the length of stay is decided by the officer at the airport in Monrovia.
Pre‑departure checklist
passport valid for at least 6 months
printed visa or e‑visa
return ticket
YFV certificate
hotel / invitation confirmation
medical insurance and cash
By following the above procedures, you will avoid delays at the border and focus on the purpose of your trip – from business meetings to exploring the unspoilt beaches of Cape Mesurado.
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