The US Embassy in Monrovia has issued a directive requiring all Liberian visa applicants to ensure their social media accounts are public throughout the application process.
The move is part of broader vetting measures under the Trump administration aimed at tightening entry requirements for individuals perceived as potential threats to the US. The requirement applies to those seeking international student and other non-immigrant visas.
In a statement released Tuesday, the embassy said the new guidelines are intended to help verify applicants’ identities and assess their eligibility under US immigration law, according to local Liberian media reports.
Liberia is one of 36 countries (most of them in Africa) recently given deadlines to commit to improved travel documentation procedures and enhanced vetting standards or risk travel restrictions for their citizens.
As part of this initiative, U.S. embassies and consulates were directed by the State Department to assess each country’s willingness to cooperate in addressing gaps in documentation and resolving the status of citizens illegally residing in the U.S.
The embassy also urged Liberian applicants to ensure their social media profiles are fully accessible throughout the visa review process.