Travel Summary
- We advise against all but essential travel to areas of Liberia outside the capital, Monrovia. You should be aware that the ability of the national authorities and the UN to provide emergency assistance outside Monrovia is limited and it is recommended that you do not travel overnight outside Monrovia. You should not travel to Liberia unless you have made adequate security arrangements with a reliable organisation in advance of your arrival. You should also check the security situation before travelling to any part of the country.
- Violent crime is prevalent in Monrovia, particularly after dark. We recommend that you do not walk anywhere in Monrovia at night. See the Crime section of this Travel Advice.
- There is no British Embassy in Liberia. The British Government has limited ability to assist British nationals in Liberia. The British Ambassador to Liberia resides in Freetown, Sierra Leone. See the general (representation) section of this Travel Advice.
- Demonstrations anywhere in the country can quickly become violent. The Liberian National Police supported by UN peacekeepers will respond to any public order incidents but the response time can be very slow. You should avoid large crowds. See the political situation section of this Travel Advice.
- Most British visitors to Liberia are working for the UN or international NGOs. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Liberia in 2007 was for replacing lost or stolen passports.
- There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the general (insurance) section of this Travel Advice.
- Visitors are warned that as a result of labour disputes at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation. There are regular large scale blockages of the Bo Waterside road leading to the border with Sierra Leone. Visitors should check the latest position with the police or UNMIL before attempting to drive along this route.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see our terrorism abroad page.
Crime
There is a significant level of crime in Monrovia - including violent crime. The Liberian National Police has very limited capability to prevent or detect crime, or to provide emergency response in any part of the country. Levels of crime are much higher after dark, and we recommend that you do not walk anywhere in the city at night. You should avoid walking alone at any time.
Most crime is opportunistic theft, although there are some more organised criminal gangs. Thieves are often armed with knives or machetes, but occasionally also carry firearms. While Liberians are the main victims of crime, the relative wealth of international visitors makes them an attractive target for criminals when the opportunity arises. You should avoid carrying valuables in public and be vigilant at all times, especially at night.
There have been incidents of muggings of foreigners in the Mamba Point and Sinkor areas of Monrovia, where most international visitors stay. Criminals also operate in other areas frequented by foreigners, such as nightclubs and beaches. Accommodation occupied by international workers has occasionally been targeted by burglars. Thefts have occurred in taxis, and you are advised not to use local public transport. There is a high incidence of rape in Liberia and there have been a number of rapes and attempted rapes involving expatriate women. For more information see our rape and sexual assault abroad page.
Breakouts from prisons around Liberia are a regular occurrence and the escapees rarely caught. Visitors should be aware that such people will be desperate to avoid capture and are likely to be armed; take extra care when approached by strangers and when driving through high density areas or off the main roads.
You are advised to consider your security arrangements carefully before your arrival in Liberia. You should ensure that you are supported by a reliable organisation with a comprehensive and adequate security plan. You should stay only in reputable accommodation with adequate guarding and other security arrangements, and arrange for transport for the duration of your stay, including travel to and from the airport.
For more general information see our victims of crime abroad page.
Political Situation
Liberia country profile
The overall security situation in Liberia has improved following the end of conflict in 2003. A democratically-elected Liberian government is working closely with the UN and the international community to provide increased stability and development.
UN Peacekeepers from the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) are deployed to the main population centres around Liberia, and patrol the principal roads. They have the ability to deploy in any part of the country in response to any public order incidents or other threat to security. However, some more remote areas of the country may be patrolled only irregularly under normal conditions. The security situation remains volatile. Localised protests over political developments, salaries or working conditions can quickly turn into violent demonstrations. You should avoid all crowds. The local security authorities, supported by UNMIL, respond to outbreaks of public disorder. In recent instances, demonstrations have dispersed with only low level violence.
The security situation in Liberia is assessed to have deteriorated slightly following a major disturbance in Harper in June and recent unrest by Guthrie Rubber Plantation workers, the Guinean community, market traders and dismissed Inter-con guards. The controversial Population Threshold Bill and TRC Report remained key political issues and the demolition campaign in Monrovia remains a point of concern for the local population. The poorest people in the city are most affected by the destruction of their homes, being left homeless during the rainy season.
Following the end of the conflict, a large number of weapons were collected through a voluntary disarmament programme, and the carrying of firearms other than hunting weapons is now banned.
On 10 June 2009, approximately 200 people gathered at JJ Dossen Hospital, Harper, following a reported case of murder earlier that morning. After failure to deliver a determination of whether the victim was a result of ritual killing on 11 June, a large mob formed – estimated to be above 2,000. The mob grew in size and violence and caused destruction at the hospital, the LNP station, and the County Superintendent’s house. Harper Prison was destroyed, and 34 prisoners released. The medical official concerned has since disappeared, and LNP is pursuing both the prisoners and those who violently participated in the mob. The county imposed a night time curfew, and UNMIL has ordered reinforcement of troops to Harper.
Violent incidents, particularly in rural areas, are also possible as a result of land disputes, illegal mining and occupation of rubber plantations. Illegal rubber tappers have been responsible for a number of attacks on security forces in the Firestone rubber plantation, and you are advised to avoid travelling away from the major routes within the plantation. Organised groups of former combatants may be present in some inaccessible areas of the country with limited government and UNMIL presence, including Sinoe rubber plantation and Sapo National Park.
On 17 November 2007 a dispute with local communities over the expansion of the LAC rubber plantation in Grand Bassa county led to the fatal shooting of the plantation manager, a Belgian national. The murder is under investigation, and a number of arrests have been made, but tensions remain high. UNMIL has increased its patrols in the area of the plantation, but there is a possibility of further disturbances and we recommend that you avoid the area.
The political and security situation in some neighbouring countries is volatile. We advise against all but essential travel to areas of Liberia outside the capital, Monrovia. However, should you decide to travel outside Monrovia you should exercise particular caution if travelling in areas bordering Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Check our Travel Advice for Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and any countries that you will be transiting on your way to/from Liberia.
Local Travel
We advise against all but essential travel to areas of Liberia outside the capital, Monrovia, and in particular against spending the night outside Monrovia. UNMIL and the local security services are less able to offer assistance outside the capital. The availability of secure accommodation in most towns and in rural areas is very limited. Medical facilities are even more basic than in Monrovia, and in many areas non-existent.
Many organisations, including the UN and the US Embassy, impose restrictions on staff travel outside Monrovia. If you decide to travel outside Monrovia, you should avoid travelling alone, particularly at night and to secluded places.
You should not travel to Liberia unless you have made adequate security arrangements with a reliable organisation in advance of your arrival. You should also check the security situation before travelling to any part of the country, for example on UNMIL radio 91.5 FM.
You should be prepared to stop at checkpoints operated by UNMIL, the Liberian National Police, or other Liberian security authorities, which are found on roads throughout the country. You should also immediately pull over to the side of the road when instructed by security forces accompanying VIP convoys.
You should be aware that the Samuel K Doe Stadium in Monrovia can become overcrowded during major football matches or events.
The rainy season (May to November) makes travel to outlying areas particularly difficult and hazardous.
Roberts International Airport is around 30 miles from central Monrovia. There is no reliable public transport between the airport and the city centre. You should arrange for private transport in advance of arrival.
Public transport (including taxis) may be neither reliable nor safe; you are advised not to use local public transport.
Road Travel
Road conditions are generally poor. Apart from a small number of major roads in central Monrovia, all roads are unlit. The roads from Monrovia to Roberts International Airport, to the border with Sierra Leone at Bo Waterside, and to the border with Guinea at Ganta are paved and in reasonable condition. Most other roads outside Monrovia are unpaved. Driving and road conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season (May to November), and many roads may become impassable. You should make precautionary arrangements for dealing with breakdowns with the general security situation in mind, including considering travel with more than one vehicle. Traffic accidents can quickly draw hostile crowds, who may attempt to take justice into their own hands. We advise that you use a local driver outside Monrovia and in the high density areas rather than driving oneself.
The standard of driving is generally poor. If driving yourself, you should be particularly alert to dangers from other vehicles swerving to avoid potholes and from taxis slowing or stopping unpredictably to pick up or drop off passengers.
For more general information see our driving abroad page.
Air Travel
The European Commission has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - air. We advise that the list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union is taken into consideration when planning any regional travel in West Africa.
Any airline from outside the EU or European Economic area, which wishes to pick up or put down passengers or cargo in the UK, requires a permit from the Secretary of State. It is a condition of the permit that the airline should be operated in accordance with international safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. No airline registered in Liberia currently has a permit to land in the UK. There are currently no commercial operators of domestic flights within Liberia.
For more general information see airline security.
River and Sea Travel
Liberia has many attractive beaches, but the Atlantic Ocean can be unpredictable and subject to rip tides and other dangerous currents. Swimmers should take care and consult local advice before entering the water. Canoes and fishing boats plying the coast and offering passenger services are regularly overwhelmed by strong waves and currents and are best avoided. In June a boat carrying some 40 passengers went down with only eight survivors.
For more general information see river and sea safety.
Local laws and customs
You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. The import of arms is prohibited by UN sanctions. If you commit criminal offences, including drug trafficking and diamond smuggling you can expect to be subjected to local law. There are heavy penalties for those convicted. Local prison conditions are harsh. Homosexuality is illegal in Liberia. You should carry photographic identification with you at all times, and may be asked to produce it at any time by immigration officials or the police.
For more general information see your trip.
Adoption
The government office responsible for adoptions in Liberia is the Ministry of Justice. All petitions for adoption are filed in the Probate Court, which issues a decree of adoption if all legal requirements are met. Adoption orders from Liberia are not recognised in the UK. Liberian nationals require visas to enter the UK. If you are returning to live in the UK, you will need to apply for entry clearance for the child as a child coming for adoption in the UK. A UN report published in March 2007 expressed concern about shortcomings in Liberian national regulation and central oversight of adoption, as well as the lack of implementation of international standards. The government ordered a recent enquiry into inter country adoptions and has tightened regulations on this.
Entry requirements
Visas
All British nationals require a visa to enter Liberia. Visas must be obtained before arrival and can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in London.
Passports
You should ensure that your passport is valid for the full duration of your stay in Liberia.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certifications
You need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate when entering Liberia.
Registration of Residents
If you are intending to reside in Liberia, you are required to register after your arrival with the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) (Broad Street, Monrovia). Short term visitors are not required to register with the BIN.
Exit Tax
A departure tax of US$40 is payable in cash at the airport. Exact change is required.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country. For further information on what exactly will be required at immigration, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in London.
Health
Hospitals and medical facilities throughout Liberia are poorly equipped. There are no emergency services. Blood supplies are unreliable and unsafe, and medication is scarce. There is no effective public or commercial Accident and Emergency or Ambulance service anywhere in the country. You should carry basic medical supplies.
Water-borne diseases, malaria and other tropical diseases are common in Liberia; there have been outbreaks of yellow fever. There are seasonal and sporadic outbreaks of cholera, normally associated with poor sanitation and a lack of access to clean drinking water.
You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Liberia you should seek immediate medical attention.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 32,000 adults aged 15 or over in Liberia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 1.7% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Liberia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see our travel health and Swine Flu pages and the UK Department of Health website. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.
General
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. You should also ensure that your insurance covers you for medical treatment and evacuation (medical facilities in Liberia are poor), accidents, cancelled flights and stolen cash, credit cards, passport and luggage.
For more general information see our travel insurance page.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
Representation
There is no British Embassy in Liberia. The British Government has limited ability to assist British nationals in Liberia. The British Ambassador to Liberia resides in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
You should be aware that we are unable to provide you with formal consular assistance. Only very limited consular assistance can be provided from the British High Commission in Freetown with whom you should register and stay in contact.
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