Liberia Travel Guidelines
#1
Travel Visa
The Liberia Travel Guide – here are 7 guidelines & safety Tips. First, The Liberian government typically issues three kinds of Visa to foreign nationals:
- Liberian Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Diplomatic Visa
There are also single-entry visas for up to three months. Also, multiple-entry ones are issued for between one to three years. | Liberian Visa Application Link |
#2
Liberia Travel Guide – Airport
Roberts International Airport in Liberia runs commercial flights at present, but it is very limited. However, many countries do not have direct flights to Monrovia, requiring careful organization of transit flights.
#3
Transportation Inside Liberia
With traffic accidents a common occurrence in Liberia, the standard of driving is poor. Therefore, avoidance of public transport is advisable. Also, there are essentially no traffic laws. High-speed car envoys of the government require all other vehicles/persons to pull over.
Things to consider when Traveling outside Monrovia:
- Avoid borders, particularly those with Côte d’Ivoire, due to clashes with armed groups
- There are long detours due to poor road infrastructure
- Do not take any transport from canoes or fishing boats that offer passage because strong currents and riptide mean that these vessels are unsafe, with frequent accidents
#4
Crime Prevention Guideline
Overall, travel to Liberia is very safe. While most visits are without incident, Monrovia (in particular) has a high incidence rate of crime. Therefore, be mindful of the following:
- Armed robbery
- Travel at night alone
- Theft
- Organized Crime
International visitors are targets for crime due to their relative wealth. Therefore, take precautions. Also, while the police are mainly in Monrovia, some will stop foreign travelers and not release them in hopes of receiving bribery. Furthermore, always take a copy of your passport with you.
In addition, Liberia has one of the highest rape rates in the world. Therefore, for women, the general advice is to avoid traveling alone since a few incidents targeted foreign women. Also, there are some concerns about terrorism.
#5
Liberia Travel Health Guideline
There is currently a high risk of Malaria in Liberia; therefore, it is advisable to take antimalarial in conjunction with (Mosquito bite) avoidance precautions.
The government requires a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (also included inside the Yellow Book/Medical Passport) for all travelers. Here is a list of the recommended vaccinations included in the Yellow Book:
- Hepatitis A
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Typhoid
Furthermore, some travelers will also want to take these vaccines:
- Cholera
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
Additionally, there are risks from Dengue, insect and tick bites, and Schistosomiasis.
Today (2021), you must complete a Health Screening Form and pay $75 for a current Covid-19 test. You need to wear a mask in transit and on arrival. They will check your form and temperature on arrival in Liberia. Additional requirements:
- Hands washing
- If symptomatic,
- transportation to a medical facility
- isolation between 7-14 days
Liberia is still considered a high risk of Covid-19 exposures. Therefore, required are social distancing and mask over your nose and mouth.
#6
Drinking Water Guideline
Liberia’s local water supply is not the safest to drink. Therefore, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases. Hence, bottled water is highly recommended for drinking and treated water for washing raw fruits/vegetables. Also, for bathing or external(topical) use, it is suggested to use boiled water or add a few drops of Clorox or Dettol antiseptic in your water before using.
#7
Hotel Guideline
Here is a list of some of the safer hotels in Liberia:
- RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas
- The Crown Hotel – opposite the Paynesville City Hall
- The Mamba Point Hotel – near the American Embassy
- Palm Springs Hotel
- The Grand Royal Hotel
The costs of these hotels are more expensive but tend to be safer due to the added security.
Conclusion