Launch of Liberia's NEW Visa on Arrival and Re-entry Permit Issuing System

(Monrovia, Liberia, 11 March 2025) The Government of Liberia has officially launched the new Visa on Arrival (visaonarrival.lis.gov.lr) and Re-entry Permit (reentryvisa.lis.gov.lr) 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.

“We firmly believe this initiative will play a significant role in Liberia’s ongoing modernization and digital transformation. To ensure the successful implementation of this ambitious project, led by the Liberian Immigration Service and project contractor - the consortium CETIS and ZIP SOLUTIONS - we have combined the expertise of our local professionals with the global experience. As part of the CETIS Group, one of Europe’s leading companies in security printing and identity management solutions, CETIS has been a trusted partner to governments worldwide, bringing valuable international expertise to this crucial initiative. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together with a shared vision. It also marks the next major step toward Liberia’s final goal – a complete Liberian central register. Beyond improving efficiency, this project also boosts government revenues that can be reinvested into Liberia’s development, while creating new job opportunities,” emphasized Hon. Elijah F. Rufus, Acting Commissioner-General of the Liberia Immigration Service.

Roman Žnidarič, Executive Director at CETIS, the project contractor from Slovenia, EU, 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.”

Benefits of the new system for travelers, companies and the government

The new Visa on Arrival and Re-entry Permit Issuing System enables many benefits for travelers to Liberia, Liberians abroad, companies and the government:

• Faster and simplified application process: Streamlines the visa application process, reducing waiting times and paperwork, enabling visa application from the comfort of your home.
• Increased effectiveness of border controls at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport.
• Cost reduction for Visa on Arrival: Lowers the cost of obtaining a Visa on Arrival, making it more accessible to travelers.
• Support for diaspora return initiative: Encourages Liberians abroad to return home by simplifying the visa process and fostering stronger ties with the country.
• Boost foreign investment and tourism: Facilitates easy and quick visa applications, which can attract more foreign investment and tourists, supporting economic growth.
• Enhanced security and transparency: Establishes a secure, reliable, and transparent database of foreigners in Liberia, improving national security and administrative oversight.
• Promotes regional cooperation: Enhances Liberia’s standing as a hub for regional travel by aligning with international standards for ease of movement.
• Strengthens economic growth: By enabling smoother travel, the system encourages trade, tourism, and business opportunities, which can spur job creation and revenue generation.