Keypoints:
- US embassy in Liberia updates visa policy
- Applicants must make social media public
- Liberia among 36 nations under scrutiny
LIBERIANS seeking visas to the United States must now make their social media profiles publicly accessible, under new screening measures introduced by the US embassy in Monrovia.
The embassy announced the directive on Tuesday as part of efforts to tighten immigration vetting, particularly for non-immigrant visa categories such as international student visas.
‘Applicants should ensure their social media profiles are fully accessible throughout the visa application process,’ the embassy said in a statement reported by local media outlets.
Officials say the measure will help confirm applicants’ identities and assess eligibility under US immigration law, while strengthening national security protocols.
Policy part of wider Trump-era measures
The new rule is linked to a broader framework introduced under the Trump administration, aimed at restricting US entry for individuals deemed security risks or lacking proper documentation.
Liberia is among 36 countries, mostly in Africa, that have been given a deadline to demonstrate improvements in travel documentation or risk future visa restrictions. The policy push is being driven by the US State Department, which has instructed embassies to review each country’s cooperation on passport security and illegal immigration enforcement.
Social media scrutiny becomes standard
The embassy’s instruction makes social media visibility a key part of the vetting process. While no official penalties for non-compliance were specified, immigration analysts caution that applicants who fail to meet the requirement may face delays or denials.
Visa applicants are now advised to ensure that their social media settings are public, and that all information provided aligns with their application details.
This marks a significant shift in how digital activity is being used to evaluate international travellers, as social media becomes an extension of background checks and identity verification.
Liberia urged to strengthen compliance
The State Department’s directive also asks governments in the 36 targeted countries to improve their handling of nationals who overstay visas or live in the US without legal status.
With Liberia’s inclusion on the list, both applicants and authorities are being urged to demonstrate full compliance to avoid potential travel bans or tougher restrictions in the future.
The embassy did not clarify how long the new policy would remain in force, but reaffirmed its goal of ‘enhancing the integrity of the US visa system.’
