Call 911.
Call 911.
If you call 911, authorities may not answer. Plan for other ways to get help in an emergency.
Call 911 or go to a local police station. If you call 911, authorities may not answer.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Liberia overall due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of violent crime.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local-contacts
Liberia is generally stable politically, but protests and demonstrations do occasionally happen.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can be unpredictable and may turn violent. Police may use acts of force during demonstrations. Avoid protests or demonstrations. Maintain your security awareness and follow the advice of local authorities.
There are ongoing security issues near the border with Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), due to local tensions and the presence of armed militias. Cross border attacks have previously occurred and could happen again, especially in Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties.
To stay safe:
More information:
Land disputes, illegal mining and occupation of rubber plantations can lead to violent incidents, particularly in rural areas.
There may be organised groups of former combatants in areas of the country where there is limited government security presence, this includes the Sinoe rubber plantation and Sapo National Park.
The crime rate in Liberia is high. Most crime is opportunistic theft, including mugging, purse snatching and pickpocketing.
Violent crime may also be directed at foreigners, including in urban areas and on beaches. This includes home invasions, aggravated sexual assault and armed robbery. If you're a victim of violent crime, especially sexual assault or rape, get immediate medical attention.
Most crimes are opportunistic, but there are organised criminal gangs. Thieves are often armed with knives or machetes but occasionally also carry firearms.
To stay safe:
Crime significantly increases at night due to the lack of electricity in many parts of the capital. Avoid areas where there are few people, such as beaches.
The Liberian National Police has very limited capability to prevent or detect crime or provide emergency response in any part of the country. Emergency services are not consistently available. Calls to emergency services may not be answered.
There is no landline telephone service in Liberia, and cellular phone communication may experience disruptions in service.
Consider your security arrangements carefully before you arrive in Liberia. Plan ahead and book only reputable accommodation with adequate guarding and security arrangements. Arrange for transport, including travel to and from the airport, in advance.
Corruption occurs. 'Fees' are often requested by government officials and private company employees for doing their job. Requesting official signed receipts for the payment of any unexpected 'fines' or 'fees' can sometimes deter such improper behaviour.
Internet scams come in many forms. They may start as romance, friendship, business or job opportunities.
These scams often originate in West African countries, including Liberia.
If you travel to Liberia as a scam victim, you're at risk of:
Common fraud schemes fall into two main categories - commercial and relationship scams.
In commercial scams, criminals ask for details of safe bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. They may:
In relationship scams, criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites or chat rooms. Once they have formed a connection, they may:
Once you transfer money, the relationship often ends.
To protect yourself from scams:
If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.
Don't travel to Liberia to get your money back or to get revenge. If you travel to Africa to meet the criminals, you could be in danger.
More information:
Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. If you feel any symptoms, tell your friends immediately. Ask someone you trust and know well to take you to a safe place. If a friend shows any of these symptoms, don't leave them alone. You may need to seek medical care.
Locals and foreigners, including Australians, have died or become seriously ill from poisoned drinks overseas. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol distillation and production. Protect yourself by making smart drink choices. Choose branded beers, ciders, wines and premixed cocktails in sealed bottles and cans. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been poisoned.
More information:
Kidnapping can happen anywhere, even in places that seem safe.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to public Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. An attack could happen anywhere and at any time. This includes places visited by foreigners.
Possible targets include:
To stay safe:
If there’s a terrorist attack:
Very strong coastal currents are common, and there are no lifeguards posted on beaches.
Do not swim alone or after dark. Get local advice before you swim.
There's a risk from poisonous jellyfish, including the highly venomous Portuguese man-of-war. Risks from coral, stonefish and sea urchins also exist.
In some areas, the water may be contaminated with sewage. Avoid any exposure (rafting, swimming, or wading) in water known to be infected with schistosomiasis (bilharzia).
Avoid canoes and fishing boats offering passenger services. They are regularly overwhelmed by strong waves and currents.
Flooding may happen in the rainy season from May to November. Road conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season and many areas become inaccessible, even with a four-wheel drive vehicle.
If a natural disaster or severe weather happens, follow the advice of local authorities.
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Carry basic medical supplies.
Hospitals and medical facilities are poorly equipped.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
If you use medical equipment or devices, such as hearing aids, you should bring them with you. Accessibility services, such as sign language interpreters, are limited or non-existent in Liberia.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Liberia. In Liberia, medicines are scarce, often beyond expiration dates, may be counterfeit, and are generally unavailable in most areas. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa, including Liberia.
Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials.
Symptoms include:
Seek professional medical advice on Mpox vaccines.
Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has Mpox.
See a doctor if you feel unwell and isolate from others if you develop any Mpox symptoms.
More information:
The rate of HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) infection is high.
Take precautions to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
Yellow fever (Department of Health, Disability and Aging) is widespread in Liberia. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Liberia.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health, Disability and Aging).
More information:
Countries with a risk of yellow fever (World Health Organization)
Lassa fever may be a risk. Monitor local media and the World Health Organization for updates.
Lassa fever is spread through contact with rodents or body fluids of infected people. To protect yourself:
Get immediate medical help if you develop any symptoms of Lassa fever, including a fever, weakness in your body or unexplained pain.
Malaria (World Health Organization) and other insect-borne illnesses are common.
To protect yourself from disease:
Common waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases including:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To stay safe:
Get medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Medical facilities are poor in Monrovia and are extremely limited outside the capital. Many medical procedures are not available. Blood supplies are unreliable and unsafe.
There's no effective public or private accident and emergency or ambulance service anywhere in the country. If you are injured or seriously ill, take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest hospital rather than waiting for an ambulance.
Medicines are scarce, often beyond expiration dates, may be counterfeit, and are generally unavailable in most areas. Carry basic medical supplies.
Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease. Mandatory quarantine facilities are poor and have very limited health care.
You may need to pay cash up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.
If you are seriously ill or injured, you will need evacuation to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
More information:
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
It's a serious offence to have, use or traffic illegal drugs. Penalties can include large fines and long jail terms. Don't bring drugs into Liberia.
More information:
Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties up to one year in prison.
More information:
It's illegal to:
Penalties can be severe. Local prison conditions are harsh.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Dual nationality is legally recognized in Liberia. Always travel on your Australian passport.
If you enter Liberia on a Liberian passport, local authorities will treat you as a citizen. This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
More information:
Liberia is a conservative society, especially in areas outside Monrovia.
Take care not to offend.
Think about your clothing choices. Local women wear loose-fitting clothes that cover the upper arms and legs.
You need a visa to travel to Liberia. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Liberia for details about visas, currency and customs.
You need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate when you arrive (see 'Health risks').
Measures are frequently reviewed and may change at short notice. Land borders (with Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire) and ports may close with little notice. Expect strict enforcement of border controls.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The Liberian dollar is the official currency, however, the US dollar is accepted as legal tender.
Liberia’s banking sector may experience cash shortages (of both US and Liberian dollars). Bring sufficient cash, in US dollars, to cover all expenses.
Banks and foreign exchange facilities may be unable to pay out transferred funds or fulfil ATM withdrawals. ATMs are limited in Monrovia, and only allow cash withdrawals using a Visa card.
Credit and debit cards are not generally accepted in Liberia, and only a few businesses accept traveller's cheques. There have been reports of financial information being compromised, even at hotels where credit cards are accepted. Always keep your credit card in sight.
Wire transfers may be limited and subject to fees if you do not have a Liberian bank account.
Money transfer services, including Western Union and Moneygram, have agents in Monrovia.
Always carry photo ID, and a copy of your passport as proof of identity and citizenship. Government security checkpoints will ask to see it.
Outside Monrovia, there are few tourist facilities and infrastructure is poor.
Land borders (with Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire) and ports are open but may close with little notice.
Checkpoints may be set up on roads throughout the country. You’re more vulnerable to being robbed at an illegal checkpoint at night.
Police, or others posing as local authorities, may ask for money, particularly when you are crossing borders or at the airport. If this occurs, ask for an official, signed receipt for any payments.
You can drive in Liberia for up to 12 months with an International Driving Permit (IDP). You will also need to carry a police cover note in addition to your IDP.
You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.
After 12 months, you need a Liberian licence to drive.
Driving in Liberia is dangerous, especially after dark. Serious traffic accidents are common. Get security advice about travelling by road anywhere outside Monrovia.
Road conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season (May to November). Many roads may become impassable even with a four-wheel drive.
Most foreign nationals travelling by road outside Monrovia hire a car with a driver and travel in convoy of at least two vehicles in case of breakdowns or possible attacks. Use major roads when travelling outside Monrovia, especially near the airport or the Cote d'Ivoire border. Only use the main roads when travelling in remote border areas of Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties.
Other hazards include:
Exercise extreme caution in the event of an accident. Crowds may form quickly around accidents and may become violent.
Pull over to the side of the road immediately when instructed by security forces travelling with VIP convoys. Turn off your headlights and wait a few minutes after the convoy passes before continuing on.
To stay safe on the road:
More information:
Public transport options are limited, and vehicles are often overloaded and poorly maintained. Foreigners have reported assaults and robberies happening in taxis. Three-wheeled 'kekes' (motorised rickshaws) are extremely dangerous and should be avoided.
While ride-sharing services are available in Liberia, they are local services in their infancy and as such should be treated with caution. There are no major internationally recognised ride-sharing services currently available.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Liberia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
For all emergencies call 911.
Emergency services are unreliable in Liberia and may not always be responsive to phone calls. If you call 911 or other emergencies numbers, authorities may not answer. Plan for other ways to get help in an emergency.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 911
Call 911
Call 911 or go to a local police station. Alternatively, you can contact the police directly at: +231 770 800 911.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Liberia.
You can get consular help from the Australian High Commission in Accra, Ghana.
The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa, except in Ghana.
2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments
Accra, Ghana
Phone: +233 302 216 400
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
X: @AusAmbGHA
Check the High Commission website for details of opening hours.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
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