This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Liberia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Liberia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Liberian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Liberia, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to enter Liberia.
\n\nApply for a visa to visit Liberia through the Liberian Embassy in the UK. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining when you make your application.
\n\nOnce in Liberia, you can apply for an extension of your existing visa for a maximum of 60 days. To apply for an extension in Monrovia, you should visit the Immigration Office at Gbarngaye’s Town, 24th Street, Sinkor. You’ll need to take your passport and pay a fee of 25 US dollars.
\n\nIf you’re staying outside Montserrado County, contact your local Immigration Office to get a visa extension authorised by the Immigration County Commander.
\n\nTo stay longer you must apply for a Liberian residence permit.
\n\nAs part of the visa application process, you need to provide a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nFor more details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see TravelHealthPro’s Liberia guide.
\n\nOn 25 May, the Liberia Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute issued a Travel Advisory note announcing heighted health screening measures for travellers arriving into Liberia, due to outbreaks of Ebola in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
\n\nThe World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Liberia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more.
\n\nYou cannot take more than 7,500 US dollars in cash out of the country.
\n\n","safety_html":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there is no recent history of terrorism in Liberia, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nTerrorist groups in West Africa continue to mount attacks in the region. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nLiberia is generally stable politically, but protests and demonstrations do take place and, particularly small-scale protests, can begin with little or no warning. Avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and large crowds. Follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nThe crime rate in Liberia is high. Liberians are the main victims of crime, but foreign nationals can also be targeted. Most crime is opportunistic theft, but there are organised criminal gangs. Thieves are often armed with knives or machetes, and occasionally carry firearms.
\n\nForeign nationals have been mugged in the Mamba Point and Sinkor areas of Monrovia, where most international visitors stay. Criminals also operate in nightclubs and on beaches during the day.
\n\nForeigners have reported assault and robbery happening in taxis.
\n\nYou can take steps to reduce your personal risk by:
\n\nLiberia has a high rate of rape and sexual assault. There have been cases of rapes and attempted rapes of foreign women, although these are rare.
\n\nCarry photo ID with you at all times, such as your driving licence or a copy of the photo page of your passport. You may be asked to show it at any time by immigration officials or the police.
\n\nDrug trafficking and gold and diamond smuggling are illegal. If convicted, you will get a long prison sentence. Local prison conditions are harsh.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Liberia.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nThe Ministry of Justice in Liberia can issue a decree of adoption if all legal requirements are met. However, adoption orders from Liberia are not recognised in the UK. If you’re returning to live in the UK, you’ll need to apply for entry clearance for the child as a Liberian child coming for adoption in the UK.
\n\nLiberia remains a predominantly cash-based society, especially with street vendors.
\n\nCredit and debit cards are not generally accepted in Liberia, except for a few of the major hotels and some larger supermarkets. They may be unable to process card payments when internet connections are poor. Not many places accept travellers cheques. Mobile money apps offer an alternative way to make payments, but not all vendors use these.
\n\nThere are a few ATMs that accept Visa cards in Monrovia, including in the two main hotels used by international visitors. ATMs often run out of money or only have certain denominations.
\n\nForeign exchange and banking facilities are limited. Western Union and MoneyGram can transfer money from the UK, although there are very few offices outside Monrovia.
\n\nLiberia’s banks can experience cash shortages of both US dollars and Liberian dollars. Banks and foreign exchange facilities may not be able to pay out transferred funds or fulfil ATM withdrawals. Bring sufficient funds, in US dollars, to cover all expenses.
\n\nBeaches in Liberia can have rip tides and other dangerous currents. Beaches and the sea in Monrovia city centre are dirty. Get local advice before going in the water.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nAvoid canoes and fishing boats offering passenger services. They are regularly overwhelmed by strong waves and currents.
\n\nThe Samuel K Doe Stadium in Monrovia can become overcrowded during major football matches or events.
\n\nIf you’re planning to drive in Liberia, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nGet security advice about travelling by road anywhere outside Monrovia.
\n\nMost foreign nationals travelling by road outside Monrovia will hire a car with a driver, and travel in convoy of at least 2 vehicles in case of breakdowns or possible security incidents.
\n\nThe roads from Monrovia to the port town of Buchanan and to the border with Sierra Leone at Bo Waterside, and to the border with Guinea at Ganta, are mainly paved and in reasonable condition.
\n\nMost other roads outside Monrovia are unpaved. Roads outside Monrovia can be treacherous and most are unlit.
\n\nThe road from Monrovia to Roberts International Airport is currently undergoing roadworks. It can be hazardous and prone to severe traffic.
\n\nDriving and road conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season from May to November, and many roads become impassable.
\n\nThe standard of driving is generally poor, and many vehicles do not have lights. Drivers often swerve to avoid potholes and taxis can slow or stop unpredictably to pick up or drop off passengers. Motorcycle taxis (‘pein-peins’) are particularly dangerous.
\n\nIf you’re involved in a traffic accident, be aware that local crowds can become hostile and may attempt to attack you.
\n\nThe Liberian National Police and other security authorities operate checkpoints on roads throughout the country. You’re more vulnerable to being robbed at an illegal checkpoint at night.
\n\nPull over to the side of the road immediately when instructed by security forces travelling with VIP convoys.
\n\nThe UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Liberia that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
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