Liberia
Liberia visa guide: visa on arrival and residence permits
- 3 visa types
- checked 25 October 2026
How visas for Liberia work
The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), an agency of the Ministry of Justice, enforces the Alien and Nationality Law: it manages land, air and sea borders, issues visas on arrival where necessary and grants residence and other permits. Visitors normally obtain a visa from a Liberian embassy; travellers flying in from a country without a Liberian embassy can apply online for a Visa on Arrival approval, then collect the visa sticker at the airport.
The Visa on Arrival application costs USD 102.50, paid by Visa or Mastercard, and is non-refundable. Once approved, the confirmation with a QR code is valid for entry within three months. At the airport counter an immigration officer takes fingerprints and a facial image and places a visa sticker in the passport. Passports must be valid for at least six months.
Foreigners staying longer change their status to a residence permit with the LIS Department of Naturalization. Under the LIS Service Delivery Charter of 23 January 2025, the fee for a non-African is USD 750, for a non-African spouse USD 600, and renewals cost USD 350, with processing in seven working days. Residents who travel often can obtain a re-entry permit card, and anyone who works also needs a one-year work permit from the Ministry of Labour, which is only granted to holders of a residence permit.
Which visa do I need?
Short visit, flying in, no Liberian embassy in your country: Visa on Arrival approval online (USD 102.50).
Short visit from a country with a Liberian embassy: apply at the embassy.
Living in Liberia: residence permit by change of status (USD 750 for non-Africans).
Residents travelling in and out: re-entry permit card (USD 175 for six months, USD 250 for a year).
Working in Liberia: residence permit first, then a Ministry of Labour work permit valid for one year.
Visa types for Liberia
Work
- Work visa Work permit (Ministry of Labour)
All foreigners who intend to work in Liberia must hold a valid work permit from the Ministry of Labour before they start, and companies must make sure that the foreigners they engage hold one.
Validity: One year; extend before expiry if needed
Residence
- Residence permit Residence permit (change of status) and re-entry permit
Foreigners who live in Liberia obtain a residence permit by change of status at the LIS Department of Naturalization.
Processing time: Seven working days
Online travel permits
- Visa on arrival Visa on Arrival (online pre-approval)
Travellers flying to Liberia for tourism, business or transit from a country without a Liberian embassy apply online for a Visa on Arrival approval.
Maximum stay: 30 or 90 days, decided by the officer at the airport
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Liberia?
Yes, if you fly in and there is no Liberian embassy in your country. You apply online first, pay USD 102.50 and collect the sticker at the airport.
How long is the Visa on Arrival approval valid?
Entry must take place within three months of approval; otherwise you must apply again.
What passport validity is needed?
At least six months.
How much is a Liberian residence permit?
USD 750 for a non-African on change of status, USD 600 for a non-African spouse; renewal USD 350.
Do foreigners need a work permit in Liberia?
Yes. Every foreigner must hold a valid Ministry of Labour work permit before starting work, and a residence permit is required to apply.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 25 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.