The U.S. Embassy in Liberia has issued an updated travel advisory for Liberia, maintaining its Level 2 status and urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime, unrest, and health risks. The update adds a specific "health" risk indicator and revises the advisory summary.
The embassy states: "Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to crime, unrest, and health." Violent crimes such as armed robbery are reported to be common in urban areas, crowded markets, and public beaches. The advisory notes that local police may not have sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious incidents.
Travelers are advised to complete trips outside Monrovia during daylight hours because of safety concerns after dark. Demonstrations occur regularly in Liberia and sometimes lead to violence or the use of tear gas by authorities. These events can disrupt transportation and essential services with little notice.
Health infrastructure is described as inadequate by the embassy. According to the advisory: "Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care." Pharmacies lack strong regulation, making some locally available medications potentially unsafe. Medical facilities are limited outside major cities, and public clinics often lack basic supplies.
U.S. government employees face restrictions on travel outside Monrovia or between counties after dark except when traveling to or from Roberts International Airport. U.S. citizens are encouraged to take similar precautions.
The embassy provides several recommendations for travelers:
- Review information on crime abroad.
- Carry copies of passport and visa while keeping originals secure.
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth.
- Do not physically resist robbery attempts.
- Monitor local media for news updates.
- Keep travel documents accessible.
- Ensure insurance covers medical evacuation.
- Consult a doctor about vaccines required for high-risk exposure diseases like malaria and yellow fever before visiting Liberia.
- Bring sufficient medication for the trip duration.
Travelers are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates from the U.S. embassy during their stay in Liberia.
For more details on travel health recommendations related to Liberia, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/liberia.