Sub Saharan Africa

Liberia
Still current at: 25 November 2009 Updated: 19 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and the Political section (Avoid large gatherings during re-run of by-election on Tuesday 24 November). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer) .

Travel advice for this country

Local laws and customs

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. The import of arms is prohibited by UN sanctions. If you commit criminal offences, including drug trafficking and diamond smuggling you can expect to be subjected to local law. There are heavy penalties for those convicted. Local prison conditions are harsh.

Homosexuality is illegal in Liberia.

You should carry photographic identification with you at all times, and may be asked to produce it at any time by immigration officials or the police.

For more general information see your trip.

Adoption

The government office responsible for adoptions in Liberia is the Ministry of Justice. All petitions for adoption are filed in the Probate Court, which issues a decree of adoption if all legal requirements are met.

Adoption orders from Liberia are not recognised in the UK. Liberian nationals require visas to enter the UK. If you are returning to live in the UK, you will need to apply for entry clearance for the child as a child coming for adoption in the UK.

A UN report published in March 2007 expressed concern about shortcomings in Liberian national regulation and central oversight of adoption, as well as the lack of implementation of international standards. The government ordered a recent enquiry into inter country adoptions and has tightened regulations on this.