An inbound IP prefix list is the correct tool because the routers must decide which prefixes to accept from the service provider based only on prefix length. Prefix lists are designed to match network prefixes and mask- length ranges using operators such as le and ge. Applying the prefix list inbound to the BGP neighbors prevents routes with masks longer than /24 from entering the local BGP table, regardless of what the service provider advertises. This conserves memory and ensures the customer routing policy is enforced locally. An access list is a poor fit because it does not natively express prefix-length logic as cleanly as a prefix list.
Applying the policy outbound would filter routes the customer sends to the provider, which is the wrong direction; the requirement is about routes the customer learns. A route map could reference a prefix list, but the simplest and most exact answer is to use an IP prefix list inbound. Therefore, the design should apply an inbound prefix list to both BGP peers to block prefixes greater than /24. Reference topics: BGP route filtering, prefix lists, inbound policy, maximum accepted prefix length.