Traveling to the US is becoming more expensive for Liberians and other Africans, as they have to pay more than US$500 to obtain a visa for non-immigration applicants, according to the new immigration law passed by the Liberian administration.
The US embassy in Monrovia confirmed an astronomical hike on Wednesday, showing a significant increase in travel costs to the United States due to the introduction of a new $250 “visa integrity fee” that applies to most non-immigrant visa applicants, including Liberians.
The fees enacted as part of one big beautiful bill law of 2025 were passed by the US Congress and signed into law on July 4, 2025. It is expected to be effective later this year and will apply in addition to existing visa-related fees, including application fees, prevention amounts and mutual criticism fees.
The policy, which has already attracted widespread criticism from immigration advocates and travel stakeholders, is seen as a major barrier for African students, business travelers, tourists, and professionals seeking entry to the United States.
In response to inquiries from the news outlet, Raymond Stevens, spokesman for the US Embassy in Monrovia, confirmed via email that fees are currently lawful and will be implemented accordingly.
“President Trump is committed to protecting the United States and its citizens by supporting the highest standards of national security and public safety through the visa process,” Stevens said.
“The US Congress has enacted visa integrity fees to support strengthening immigration enforcement, deterring visa extensions, and prioritizing funding for border security.”
“The Department of Homeland Security is in charge of implementing this fee. Fee updates will be posted on the Visa Information page. travel.state.gov. ”
According to US immigration law service provider Envoy Global, the $250 visa integrity fee applies to non-immigrant visa applicants in Africa, including those seeking F-1 (students), J-1 (exchange visitors), H-1B (temporary workers), and B1/B2 (business/tourism) visas.
This fee is unbearable, non-refundable and is not subject to reductions.
This means that Liberians applying for a US visa will have to pay more than $500, considering all the visa fees they require, without including travel, documents and courier costs.
Despite confirmation from the US embassy, the Liberian government, particularly the Foreign Office, has not yet responded publicly to development in terms of how it will affect bilateral relations between the two countries, and how it will affect development in terms of what leverage will exist to address the impact on Liberian travellers affected by new US laws.
This silence raises concern among civil society organisations and travel agents who say the government is obliged to provide information, engage and possibly negotiate on behalf of its citizens.
“We need clarity from the Liberian government,” said a Monrovia-based immigration consultant.
“Are they involved in the US in this issue? What protection or support mechanisms are being considered for students and families currently being priced from opportunities?”
Visa fees apply widely to countries not included in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but the major impact is skewed for Africa, which does not have qualifying countries under the VWP. In contrast, in most cases, 42 countries in Europe, North America, Asia and parts of the Gulf are exempt from this new requirement when traveling to the US in less than 90 days.
“This policy perpetuates the inequality of global mobility,” said Accra travel equity advocates.
“It sends the wrong message: African travelers must pay more to be welcome.”
Critics also argue that there is no clear justification for fees beyond political rhetoric, and that their commitment to using revenue from the US to improve visa processing, reduce wait times and increase consular access has not been around for years.
Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the American Travel Association, denounced the new policy, calling it counterproductive and damaging international goodwill.
“This is a self-harm scar,” Freeman said in an official statement.
“These rates discourage visiting at a time when foreign travelers are already worried about the welcoming experience and are worried about the high prices.”
The US is preparing to host major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and experts say higher travel costs could lead to lower attendance from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin American countries.
As frustration grows, we are being asked to request explanations and, in some cases, mutual policies and negotiations from African governments, local blocs such as the African Union and ECOWAS.
“This isn't just about fees, it's about respect, access and equal opportunities,” said a student leader at the University of Liberia.
“We urge the government to take this diplomatically and defend the interests of the Liberians.”
Meanwhile, the Liberians are still waiting for a response from the government. And I hope that the rising opportunity will not become another locked gate.
