Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• We advise against all but essential travel to areas of Liberia outside the capital, Monrovia. You should be aware that the ability of the national authorities and the UN to provide emergency assistance outside Monrovia is limited and it is recommended that you do not travel overnight outside Monrovia. You should not travel to Liberia unless you have made adequate security arrangements with a reliable organisation in advance of your arrival. You should also check the security situation before travelling to any part of the country.
  
  
• There will be a re-run of the Senate by-election on Tuesday 24 November in Montserrado County which includes Monrovia. All the main parties are organising protests, rallies and campaign marches through the streets, especially in the high density areas. Visitors are advised to avoid any large gatherings in case of potential clashes between supporters both before and after the election and to avoid areas where rallies are advertised in advance.
  
  
• Violent crime is prevalent in Monrovia, particularly after dark. We recommend that you do not walk anywhere in Monrovia at night.  See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is no British Embassy in Liberia. The British Government has limited ability to assist British nationals in Liberia. The British Ambassador to Liberia resides in Freetown, Sierra Leone. See the general (representation) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Demonstrations anywhere in the country can quickly become violent. The Liberian National Police supported by UN peacekeepers will respond to any public order incidents but the response time can be very slow. You should avoid large crowds. See the political situation section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The Government of Liberia has introduced a compulsory health entry form on arrival at the airport. Visitors from countries with a heavy or uncontrolled incidence of swine flu may find themselves refused entry.
  
  
• Most British visitors to Liberia are working for the UN or international NGOs. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Liberia in 2007 was for replacing lost or stolen passports.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the general (insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance.
  
  
• Visitors are warned that as a result of labour disputes at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation. There are regular large scale blockages of the Bo Waterside road leading to the border with Sierra Leone. Visitors should check the latest position with the police or UNMIL before attempting to drive along this route.