Liberia

Use Normal Level of Caution

Use High Level of Caution when visiting the following Counties: River Gee and GrandGedeh

Use High Level of Caution when visiting the following Districts: Greater Monrovia

The Republic of Liberia is located in western Africa with coastline on the North Atlantic Ocean and bordering the countries of Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Sierra Leone. The population is about 4 million people. The government is a presidential republic with a president as both chief of state and head of government.

In 1820, Liberia was colonized by freed slaves from the United States and modeled their government after that of the United States. Liberia was also a founding member of the United Nations. A military coup in 1980 brought about a long period of economic and political instability and civil war. A peace agreement led to democratic elections in 2005. The country remains among the poorest in the world and still struggles with the effects of war, government corruption, and unemployment.

Liberia has the potential to develop tourism given the country's rain forests, wildlife, and beaches.

Currency	LRD: Liberian dollar
Language	English
Capital	Monrovia
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	June 23, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Liberia (23 June Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Liberia. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Liberia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Liberia.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Liberia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in all areas of his country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers one year of age and older.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Liberia. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Cholera Cholera outbreaks occur in Liberia. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.
Chikungunya Fever Outbreaks of chikungunya fever may occur.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Malaria All areas of Liberia are at high risk for malaria.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Liberia. Travellers to Liberia are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in Liberia and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Zika Fever Zika fever may occur in this country.
Lassa Fever Sporadic cases of Lassa fever have been reported in this country.
Ebola Viral Disease A major outbreak occurred from 2014 to 2015. Sporadic cases leading to outbreaks may occur in rural areas. The risk of exposure for travellers is low.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Liberia.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in all areas of his country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers one year of age and older. The vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Liberia.

Anti-malarial Drugs Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Safety and Security in Liberia

Emergency Numbers

911

Emergency services are not adequate in Liberia, and calls to these numbers may go unanswered.

Personal Safety

Many basic services are not available in Liberia. Police services may be limited. Maintain awareness of your surroundings and personal security, and keep valuables out of sight. Thefts have occurred in taxis. Burglaries are reported, including theft from the accommodations of international workers.

Exercise caution when walking alone and keep to areas where there are foreigners. Do not walk alone at night.

Violent crime, including armed robbery and rape, does occur in Liberia, including the capital, Monrovia.

Facilities for travellers are limited in the capital, Monrovia. Tourist infrastructure outside Monrovia is almost nonexistent.

Avoid road travel outside of the capital at night. Roads can be in poor condition and drivers may not adhere to safe driving rules. Vehicles on the road may be poorly maintained and overloaded. Note that fuel shortages are common, prepare accordingly. Avoid using public transportation.

Do not take photos of government or military installations, airports, seaports or bridges.

Between May-November, Liberia experiences heavy rains. As a result, roads may become impassable due to flooding. Sand/dust storms, common between December-March, may also present a heath and safety risk to the traveller.

Same-sex relations and behaviours are prohibited. LGBTI travellers should reconsider their need to travel to Liberia. All travellers should avoid open displays of affection due to the conservative nature of the country. Dress modestly in respect for the country's customs.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid areas bordering Côte d'Ivoire as the area has seen many violent clashes on both sides. Avoid travel to River Gee and Grand Gedeh counties.

Use high level of caution when visiting Greater Monrovia due to a high level of crime, including armed robbery.

Political Unrest

Always avoid any large public gatherings or demonstrations as the situation can turn violent.

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Updated: June 23, 2021