Liberia

Last updated: 12 June 2012

Current at: 20 May 2013

Important information

Irish citizens in Liberia are advised to register their details with the Department of Foreign Affairs if they have not already done so by clicking here

As Ireland has no resident Embassy in Liberia, Irish citizens are also advised to register their details with one of the resident EU Missions in Monrovia.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Irish citizens are advised against all non-essential travel to Liberia. The security situation remains unpredictable and the risk of violence high, particularly outside the capital city of Monrovia. If you consider that your travel to Liberia is essential, you should be vigilant at all times and make sure that your next of kin knows your travel plans. You are advised to seek local advice before travelling and to ensure that your local host organisation has the capacity to ensure your safety.

Beaches present a particular hazard in Liberia as currents are strong and unpredictable. For security reasons, walking or jogging alone on beaches is strongly advised against.

Following violent unrest in early 2010, the area around Voinjama in Lofa County in the North of Liberia should be avoided.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you decide to travel to Liberia, the Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For entry requirements for Liberia, please contact the nearest Liberian Embassy or Consulate.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

CRIME

Crime rates – including violent and sexual-related crime – are high. You should avoid carrying valuables in public, walking or jogging alone on beaches or in sparsely populated areas and be vigilant at all times, especially at night.

Roberts International Airport is located about 40KM from Monrovia and travellers are strongly advised to arrange a transfer from the Airport prior to arrival. It is not advisable to travel to or from Roberts International Airport after midnight.

You are advised not to become involved with drugs of any kind. Local prison conditions are harsh.

ROAD SAFETY

Travel by road is hazardous. Even minor traffic accidents in Liberia have been known to escalate into riots. The use of local motorbikes, buses and taxis should be avoided as such vehicles are poorly maintained. Outside Monrovia, roads are often in very poor condition: almost all roads are unlit and the road surface is poor. Driving and road conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season (May to November). Travel after dark should be avoided.

HEALTH

In most parts of Liberia, medical facilities are very basic. You should ensure that you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance, which includes a provision for medical evacuation. You should check any exclusions on your policy and that it covers you for the activities you may wish to undertake.

Malaria, water-borne and other tropical diseases are prevalent; there have been outbreaks of yellow fever. There are seasonal and sporadic outbreaks of cholera, normally associated with poor sanitation and a lack of access to clean drinking water. We advise that you take particular care and recommend that you drink only bottled water.

You should consult your doctor well in advance of travel on the necessary inoculations and precautions and current travel health notices. You should also consult your doctor about anti-malarial measures prior to travel.