Liberia

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. 

• Dial 911 for police. 
• Dial 5888 for ambulance. 
• Dial 116 for toll-free domestic violence hotline. 

Terrorism 

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. 

Terrorists may target: 

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants 
• Places of worship 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation (buses, trains, and commercial flights) 

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.   

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. While infrequent, the police may use tear gas. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

Crime 

• Liberia's police force has limited resources. The Liberia National Police are active in Monrovia, but less present outside of the capital city.  
• Police can help you, but they can also cause problems. Police officers may stop you and ask for bribes. Always carry a photocopy of your passport to prove who you are and to show proof of identity and citizenship. If police detain or arrest you, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately. 

Safety tips 

• Stay aware of your surroundings and use caution when moving around, especially at night.  
• Do not travel outside of Monrovia after dark. Roads are in poor condition and there are few public streetlights. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital or between counties after dark in their personal vehicles. 
• Crimes happen in both urban and rural areas, including public beaches. 

Emergency services 

• Dial 911 for The Liberia National Police. However, emergency services are unreliable.   
• Liberia has no landline phones, and cell phone service sometimes stops working. A 911 call may not be answered, so have other ways to get help in an emergency.

Scams 

• Internet romance and financial scams occur in Liberia. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a “romantic” relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams are often initiated through internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. 
• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help. 

Victims of crime 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.  

You may report crimes to the local police in person or by dialing 911. You may contact the U.S. embassy at + 231-77-677-7000 for assistance if you have been a victim of crime and need assistance as noted below. 

Corruption is common. Poorly paid government officials and private company employees may ask for “fees” for doing their job. Officials may ask you to pay bribes. If this happens, ask for an official signed receipt of any “fines.” This often stops the bribe request.   

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. The embassy does not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence  

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.  

Technology use abroad 

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 

Drones 

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when operating drones in Liberia.   

• Drones are legal. However, restricted airspace is not uniformly defined.   
• Software that detects restricted airspace in the United States does not work in Liberia.  
• U.S. citizens have been arrested for flying drones in restricted airspace and had their equipment confiscated without return.

Tourism safety 

• No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. 
• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. 
• Emergency response and medical treatment are not readily available. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel 

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel. 

Local laws and customs 

Criminal penalties 

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. 
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. 
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Liberia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 
• Before you start a business or a profession in Liberia seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or must surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers 

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel 
• Volunteering Abroad 
• Human Rights Report 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers 

• Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Liberia.  
• Voluntary sodomy is a first-degree misdemeanor with penalties ranging up to 1 year in prison. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. 

Travelers with accessibility needs 

The law in Liberia prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law is enforced to the extent possible. 

• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, information, and general infrastructure. 
•  People with disabilities are generally accepted in public, like the United States. This is because many people in Liberia have visible injuries from civil wars or polio. 
• People may be able to purchase second-hand equipment from street markets. Durable medical equipment stores do not exist in Liberia. Therefore, anyone who needs equipment or devices should bring them to Liberia. 
• Liberia does not provide hearing aids or repair of hearing aids. Services such as sign language are very limited and only available in Monrovia. 
• Liberia does not have an agency that trains or staffs personal assistants for people with disabilities. People needing a personal care assistant would need to hire and train them. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students 

• Review our information on Studying Abroad. 

Women travelers 

Rape is a crime in Liberia punishable by up to life in prison. However, the Liberian government does not effectively enforce the law. Rape is a serious and common problem. 

• Domestic violence is a serious problem despite being punishable with up to 6 months in prison. 
• Although female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) was banned by a proclamation of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders in 2023, it is not specifically against the law in Liberia. 
• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C). 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

Human rights 

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Health 

Health resources 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Liberia Traveler Information Page provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 

• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization 
• Medicine and Health 
• Travel Insurance 

Common diseases 

The following diseases and medical dangers are common in Liberia: 

• Malaria 
• Typhoid 
• Hepatitis A, B, and C 
• Rabies 
• Diarrheal Illnesses 
• Tuberculosis 
• Schistosomiasis 
• Onchocerciasis 
• Lassa Fever 
• Rickettsial Infections 
• Snake Bites 
• Sexually Transmitted Infections 

Emergency numbers 

• Dial 5888 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services 

• Ambulance services are not present or reliable. 
• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics.  
• They often have little or no medical or advanced equipment. 

Medical payments and insurance 

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad, as most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. 
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations 

The government of Liberia requires a yellow fever vaccine (proof of vaccination in “Yellow Card”) for entry if arriving from certain Yellow Fever endemic countries. 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

• CDC Travelers’ Health 
• World Health Organization Travel Advice  

Healthcare facilities  

Hospitals and medical facilities in Liberia are poorly equipped and are unable to provide many services. 

• Emergency services comparable to those in the United States or Europe are non-existent. The blood supply is unreliable and unsafe for transfusion. 
• For serious medical problems, you should consider traveling to the United States, Europe, or South Africa for treatment. 
• Hospitals and doctors will require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals. 
• The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Prescription medications 

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 
• If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Liberia to ensure the medication is legal in Liberia. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy 

If you are considering traveling to Liberia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.  

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Liberia with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Liberian courts. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Liberia via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.  
• People who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences. 

Water quality and food safety 

• In Liberia, tap water is not safe to drink. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact. 
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick. 
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. 
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery. 
• Do not eat amberjack, bonito, mackerel, mahi-mahi, or tuna because they can cause scombroid poisoning. 
• Do not eat reef fish like barracuda, grouper, or snapper because they can cause ciguatera poisoning. Cooking these fish does not remove the poison. 

Air quality 

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Liberia. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page. 

Transportation  

Road conditions and safety 

Expect long detours around bridges and roads damaged by war, lack of repair, or heavy rains that occur between May and November. 

• Traffic accidents are frequent and often result in injury or loss of life. 
• Approach intersections with extreme caution. 
• Potholes and poor road surfaces are common. 
• Vehicles are often overloaded with people and goods and make frequent stops without signaling. 
• Drivers overtake on the right and left lanes. 
• Many vehicles operate with threadbare tires, and blowouts are frequent. 

Traffic laws 

Drivers in Liberia are expected to hold either a Liberian or an international driver’s permit. A driver’s license from your home country will not be enough. 

• Traffic laws are either nonexistent or not enforced. 
• You are required to pull off the road to make way for high-speed car convoys carrying government officials. 
• Be aware that mob violence is common if you are involved in a traffic accident. If you are involved in an accident, unless it is physically unsafe to remain in your vehicle, stay in your locked car and call for help immediately. 

Taxis and ride-shares 

• Public taxis are poorly maintained and usually overloaded. 
• Taxis have been occasionally targeted for robbery. 
• Traditional ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft are not widely available in Liberia.

Public and commercial transportation 

If you must travel as a passenger, it is best to ask a trusted friend to drive you in their personal vehicle. Travel with all doors locked and all windows rolled up. 

• Public buses are crowded and may make you vulnerable to pickpockets or robbers. 
• Avoid three-wheeled “kekes” (motorized rickshaws). They are extremely dangerous. 
• Visit the website of Liberia’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Liberia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 
• The Embassy has information indicating that airport safety, security, maintenance, training, and emergency response-capabilities in Liberia fall below international standards. 

Maritime travel 

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Liberia should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories  
• U.S. Maritime Alerts  
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons  

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Heavy rains and floods 

• Liberia is prone to heavy rains and floods during the rainy season from May to October.  The rainy season brings intense precipitation, particularly peaking between June and September.

• Urban flooding is common in Monrovia and other cities due to poor drainage infrastructure. Rural areas can experience river flooding and landslides.

Dusty winds

• Dry, dusty winds from the Sahara can affect Liberia, typically between December and February. These winds reduce visibility and air quality.

U.S citizens living abroad 

Living abroad resources 

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits. 

Embassies and consulates