How To Get a Liberia Tourist Visa in Washington DC, USA [Tourist Visa for Liberia]
Liberia is located in West Africa. Its capital Monrovia is located on the Atlantic coast. Liberia is one of those unique countries due to its past. It was actually created by The American Colonization Society in 1821 for free African-Americans to migrate to. Because of that, it is considered one of the world’s youngest countries, but also Africa’s oldest republic.
Monrovia has palm-lined beaches because of its location. It is also home to the Liberia National Museum which exhibits the country’s culture and history. But not only that, if you like surfing, you’d definitely enjoy doing that in this country since they have breathtaking storms and strong waves for surfers to enjoy!
Unfortunately, if you’re a US citizen and you want to visit this African country, then you need to get a visa first, in this article, we listed down all the information that you might need when you decide to apply for a Liberia Tourist Visa.
Facts about Liberia
Language
English is the official language of Liberia. However, Liberians speak non-standard English. Liberia has its own version of English because many of them use colloquial English as a means of communication across the country.
Currency
Liberian Dollar
Religion
Christianity is the major religion in Liberia followed by Muslims.
Main requirements in applying for Liberia Tourist Visa
1. Passport (must have at least 6 months left before expiration)
2. Two (2) passport size photos (white background)
3. A signed and completed application form
5. For applicants who preferred to submit by mail: Self-addressed prepaid envelope for return of passport (USPS/FEDEX/UPS envelope with tracking number).Those applicants who are picking up in person are not required to submit an envelope.
6. Proof of a yellow fever vaccine certificate (You can check here for the yellow fever vaccination clinics near you.)
Requirements for Minors:
Application for minors must include a notarized letter from the parent/guardian.
By mail:
To apply BY MAIL, send the visa application(s) to the following address:
5201 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20011
Visa Fee for Liberia Tourist Visa:
Single-entry visa: $131 (up to 3 months)
One-year multiple-entry visa: $200
Two-year multiple-entry visa: $300
Three-year multiple-entry visa: $400
Note: An additional fee of $75 for the same-day and $50 for next day service.
Same day service must be done by walk-in only.
Mode of payment: Via money order, cashier’s check, or bank draft, all are made payable to the Embassy of Liberia.
*Cash or personal checks are NOT accepted. All fees are non-refundable.
Processing time: A waiting period of up to 10 working days for visa processing.
Important Notes
If you are a Liberian and have become a US citizen, you are still required to obtain a Liberian visa.
For ECOWAS country passport: No visa required
Please make sure to complete all the requirements because incomplete requirements will not be processed.
Embassy in the United States
Embassy of the Republic of Liberia
Address: 5201 16th Street N. W. Washington D. C. 20011
Contact number:
Tel: (202) 723-0437
Fax: (202)723-0436
They didn’t provide an email address, but to directly send them a message, click here.
Operating hours:
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Mon-Thu)
Drop off: Before 12:00 noon
Pick up: 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Embassy hours:
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mon-Thu)
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Fri)
Frequently Asked Questions on Applying for a Liberia Tourist Visa
1. When should I apply for a Liberian Tourist Visa?
The Embassy of Liberia advised applicants to apply within two weeks of their travel date.
2. Is it safe to travel to Liberia?
Upon traveling to Liberia, you must remember to always be careful anywhere you go. It is advised to not bring expensive gadgets while you’re on your trip due to threats of armed robbery. The US government provided a travel advisory if you’re planning to go on a trip to Liberia. Read them here.
3. Should I get travel insurance before heading to Liberia?
The US government advises its citizens to get travel insurance before going to Liberia.
4. How to get there?
Unfortunately, there is no direct flight from the US to Liberia. You need a connecting flight going to Roberts International Airport which is located in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital. Visit Skyscanner to check cheaper flights.
5. What transportation should I use to go around Liberia?
To go around Liberia, you can use their bush taxis and minibus taxis. They are the main public transportation in there. They go around the place connecting both towns and cities with Monrovia.
6. When is the best time to visit Liberia?
There are two seasons in Liberia; wet and dry. The wet season takes place from May to October, while the dry season is from December to February. So, it is recommended to travel to Liberia from December to May. Please also remember that the climate in Liberia is tropical, hot, and humid most of the year.
7. Will I have a hard time communicating with the locals?
Liberia’s official language is English, so you won’t really have a hard time communicating with the people, although they use non-standard English, you’ll still be able to understand each other.
8. Why should I visit Liberia?
Although Liberia is still considered not safe, there are places and destinations that you shouldn’t miss seeing here. Some of those are the Sapo National Park and Liberian National Museum. Also, Liberia has the cleanest cities in Africa, even ahead of Japan, the US, Spain, and the UK. Interesting, right?
Traveling here might be challenging, and that is one of the reasons why you should go here, the feeling of exploring a country that is seen as dangerous is one of the most fulfilling experiences for travelers. Of course, traveling includes being cautious all the time, you won’t encounter any bad experiences in Liberia for as long as you are prepared and you read a lot of information that you need to know upon going here. So, go and apply for a visa, book a flight, and prove to everyone that there are a lot of interesting places to explore in this unique country.
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