By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has formally initiated a diplomatic démarche to the United States, seeking clarification on recent reports suggesting that Liberian citizens may face visa restrictions. The move comes amid growing concerns over unverified claims that Liberia could be added to a U.S. “yellow list,” which would impose limitations on visa issuances to Liberian nationals.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti addressed the issue during a session with the Liberian Senate, expressing surprise at the reports and emphasizing that no official communication has been received from the U.S. Government regarding such measures.
“We have not received any formal notification from the United States Government about visa restrictions targeting Liberia,” Minister Nyanti stated. “Even the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia has confirmed that they have no official information on this matter.”
The démarche, a formal diplomatic request for clarification, outlines Liberia’s position and provides reasons why the country should not be included on any list imposing visa restrictions. Minister Nyanti highlighted Liberia’s strong bilateral ties with the United States and its commitment to upholding international standards in governance, security, and immigration cooperation.
The potential inclusion of Liberia on a U.S. “yellow list” has scintillated concern among citizens, particularly those who rely on travel to the United States for education, business, and medical purposes. The Liberian government has assured the public that it is taking all necessary steps to address the issue diplomatically and protect the interests of its citizens.
The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia has yet to issue an official statement regarding the reports, further fueling speculation.
“Draft proposal circulating within the Trump administration”
Over the weekend, the New York Times reported that a draft proposal circulating within the Trump administration outlines a three-tiered system of travel restrictions targeting citizens from up to 43 countries, including Liberia. The proposed measures would significantly expand the scope of the travel bans implemented during President Trump’s first term.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the draft list categorizes countries into three tiers based on the severity of restrictions: Red Tier: Citizens from 11 countries would face a complete ban on travel to the United States. Orange Tier: Visa approvals for citizens of certain countries would be sharply restricted. Yellow Tier: Countries would be given 60 days to address concerns before potential restrictions are imposed.
The “red” list, which imposes the most stringent restrictions, includes Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. These nations would see their citizens barred entirely from entering the U.S.
The “orange” tier, which involves significant visa restrictions, includes Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan.
Meanwhile, the “yellow” tier includes countries such as Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe. These nations would have 60 days to address U.S. concerns before any restrictions are finalized.
Officials emphasized that the draft is still under review and subject to change before any final order is issued. If implemented, the new travel ban would mark a significant expansion of the administration’s earlier restrictions, which primarily targeted majority-Muslim nations and sparked widespread controversy.
