By Grace Q. Bryant
The Government of Liberia has officially launched the new Visa on Arrival and Re-entry Permit Issuing System in collaboration with the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) and the project contractor – consortium CETIS, one of the Europe’s leading companies in security printing and identity management, and ZIP SOLUTIONS, on 11 March 2025.
Following the successful launch of the modern digitalized Work Permit Issuing System in 2022, this new system marks another significant step forward in Liberia’s efforts to modernize and digitalize public administration.
This new system is designed to simplify the process for foreigners entering Liberia and enhance the effectiveness of border controls at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport – whether as tourists, business visitors, or investors. These initiatives are expected to result in increased tourism and business travel, which are crucial to the country’s economic growth.
The announcement was made by Col. Elijah F. Rufus, Acting Commissioner of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT).
Commissioner Rufus noted that while the initiative was initially introduced a month ago, technical challenges delayed its full implementation. These issues have now been resolved, allowing the government to proceed with the program.
The establishment of the Visa on Arrival system, is to ensure that visitors can legally and efficiently enter Liberia without the difficulties associated with securing visas in advance.
“The Government of Liberia launched this initiative to provide easier access to visas upon arrival, eliminating the need for travelers to navigate embassy-related challenges abroad,” Rufus stated.
Initially, the Visa on Arrival service will be available at Roberts International Airport (RIA), Liberia’s main international gateway. However, the government has plans to expand the service to strategic border points, including seaports and land crossings, in the near future.
Commissioner Rufus assured the public that the new system aligns with national security interests and adheres to international travel standards.
“This initiative serves the interests of the Liberian government, our security agencies, and our international partners,” he emphasized.
The Acting LIS Commissioner outlined several advantages of the newly introduced system; the Visa on Arrival system will enable authorities to track incoming travelers in real time, improve immigration control and prevent illegal entry.
While the program is expected to become a significant revenue source for the government, contributing to economic growth and the Liberia Immigration Service has historically relied on paper-based visa processing. The new digital system will increase efficiency, reduce fraud, and speed up travel clearance.
As the government moves forward with the program’s implementation, Commissioner Rufus has urged the public, media, and stakeholders to help raise awareness about the initiative.
He reassured travelers and business partners that the LIS is prepared to provide support and necessary clarifications to ensure a smooth transition.
“This project is designed to benefit Liberians, business partners, and visitors. We encourage everyone to support and cooperate as we enter a new era of immigration reform,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director at CETIS, the project contractor from Slovenia, EU, Roman Žnidaric, expressed his gratitude to the Acting Commissioner-General for the opportunity and trust to contribute to Liberia’s digitization efforts: “With over 200 years of experience and a reputation for meeting the most demanding international security and quality standards, CETIS has been a trusted partner to governments worldwide. For over a decade, we have closely followed Liberia’s development to gain a deep understanding of the challenges you face. Today, we are proud to launch this important long-term project, made possible by the trust of the Liberian government, strong cooperation with LIS, and valuable partnership with our local partners. We are proud to contribute by providing secure, efficient and transparent issuance of the new Visa on Arrival and Re-entry Permit. We have invested significantly in this project, employed local experts, and shared our know-how with the local team. Moving forward, we remain committed to continuously improving and updating the system.”
