Liberia

πŸ‡±πŸ‡·

Phone Code

+231

Capital

Monrovia

Population

5.2 Million

Native Name

Liberia

Region

Africa

Western Africa

Timezone

Greenwich Mean Time

UTCΒ±00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Liberia is a West African country founded in 1847 by freed American slaves, making it Africa's first republic and one of only two African countries never colonized (with Ethiopia). Monrovia, the capital, is named after US President James Monroe. Liberia uses symbols of the United States (flag similar to US flag with one star, English as official language, US Dollar as legal tender alongside Liberian Dollar). Liberia experienced devastating civil wars (1989-2003) but has been rebuilding democracy and infrastructure. Visitors (mostly aid workers, business travelers, diaspora) are drawn to Monrovia's Ducor Hotel ruins, Providence Island historical landing site of freed slaves, Sapo National Park rainforest (elephants, pygmy hippopotamus), Robertsport surfing beaches, Firestone rubber plantation (world's largest), traditional culture, unique American-African heritage, and West African nature. Tourism infrastructure is limited, and Liberia remains one of Africa's least-visited countries despite English-speaking accessibility.

Visa Requirements for Liberia

Liberia requires visas for most international visitors except ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) citizens. E-visas are available online through the government portal (evisa.lra.gov.lr) for most nationalities, with processing typically 3-7 business days and costs around $50-100 USD depending on type and duration. Visa on arrival is also available at Roberts International Airport for many nationalities for $100-150 USD. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is MANDATORY for all travelers regardless of origin - strictly enforced at port of entry. ECOWAS citizens (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, etc.) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for 6 months. Liberia's visa system has improved with e-visa implementation but processing can be unpredictable. Infrastructure challenges and limited tourism mean visa policies are less developed than other West African countries.

Common Visa Types

E-Visa (Tourist/Business)

30-90 days depending on application; costs $50-100 USD; apply at evisa.lra.gov.lr; processing 3-7 days (can be longer); requires passport scan, photo, yellow fever certificate, hotel booking, return ticket, invitation letter (for business); print e-visa approval.

For tourism or business for most nationalities, applied for online before travel.

Visa on Arrival

30 days typically; costs $100-150 USD cash (US Dollars); available at Monrovia airport; requires valid passport (6 months), yellow fever certificate (mandatory), return ticket, hotel booking; processing 1-2 hours; bring exact USD cash.

For eligible nationalities who haven't obtained e-visa, available at Roberts International Airport.

ECOWAS Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days; no visa required; passport must be valid; yellow fever certificate required; freedom of movement within ECOWAS; can work with proper permits; part of West African regional integration.

For citizens of ECOWAS states (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ivory Coast, etc.) for any purpose.

Embassy Visa

30-90 days; requires application form, passport, photos, yellow fever certificate, invitation letter (for business), hotel booking; available at few Liberian embassies worldwide; processing varies; costs $50-150 USD.

Traditional visa obtained through Liberian embassy or consulate before travel.

Important Travel Information

Yellow fever MANDATORY: Certificate required for ALL travelers regardless of origin country. Strictly enforced at airport and borders. Entry denied without certificate. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. Bring physical certificate.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with blank pages for stamps.

US Dollar widely used: While Liberian Dollar (LRD) is official currency, US Dollar is legal tender and preferred. Most businesses quote prices in USD. Bring USD cash in small denominations (larger bills often refused). Limited ATMs. Credit cards rarely accepted.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Monrovia
States & Regions in Liberia

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Liberia

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Germany in Liberia
United Kingdom in Liberia
United States in Liberia

Planning your Liberia visit?

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