CC -There are consistent  acts against foreigners. There is medium corruption risk affecting all personnel. HSE risk is high as there is no regulation or HSE culture in country. The country scored 83/168 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -0.51 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

Genvisec advises that Business travel can continue to Liberia obeying security advice. Certain categories of traveller will need enhanced security depending on the destination in country. You should reconsider your need to travel to Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties due to the presence of armed groups in the areas bordering Côte d’Ivoire and the possibility of cross-border attacks. .

 

 

Local Travel

There are sometimes clashes between armed groups from both sides of the Liberian/Cote d’Ivoire border in some of the more remote border areas of Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties. To avoid straying into these areas, use the main roads when travelling in these counties.

The road from Monrovia to Sierra Leone has been closed at the Klay Junction to all except essential humanitarian and health workers and the security forces. 

The ability of the national authorities and the UN to provide emergency help outside Monrovia is limited. Check the security situation before travelling to any part of the country. Violent incidents, particularly in rural areas, are possible as a result of land disputes, illegal mining and occupation of rubber plantations. Illegal rubber tappers have been responsible for a number of attacks on security forces in the Firestone rubber plantation. Avoid travelling away from the major routes within the plantation. Organised groups of former combatants may be present in areas of the country where there is limited government and UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) presence, including Sinoe rubber plantation and Sapo National Park.

The Samuel K Doe Stadium in Monrovia can become overcrowded during major football matches or events. 

Crime

There is a high level of crime in Monrovia, including armed robbery. The Liberian National Police has very limited capability to prevent or detect crime, or to provide emergency response in any part of the country. Levels of crime are much higher after dark. Don’t walk anywhere in the city at night.

Take care when walking alone and only do so during daylight hours in areas frequented by foreigners. 

Most crime is opportunistic theft, but there are organised criminal gangs. Thieves are often armed with knives or machetes, but occasionally also carry firearms. While Liberians are the main victims of crime, the relative wealth of international visitors makes them an attractive target for criminals. Avoid carrying valuables in public and be vigilant at all times, especially at night. Mobile phones and laptops are common targets of theft.

Foreigners have been mugged in the Mamba Point and Sinkor areas of Monrovia (including Sinkor beach in broad daylight), where most international visitors stay. Be wary if you are approached by strangers. Criminals also operate in nightclubs and on beaches.

Accommodation occupied by international workers has occasionally been targeted by burglars. Thefts have occurred in taxis. You should avoid local public transport. There is a high incidence of rape in Liberia and there have been cases of rapes and attempted rapes involving foreign women.

Take extra care when driving in heavy traffic or off the main roads.

Consider your security arrangements carefully before your arrival in Liberia. Make sure you are supported by a reliable organisation with a comprehensive and adequate security plan. Stay only in reputable accommodation with adequate guarding and other security arrangements, and arrange for transport for the duration of your stay, including travel to and from the airport. Roberts International Airport is around 30 miles from central Monrovia, much of the journey passing through rural areas. 

Road Travel

The roads from Monrovia to Roberts International Airport, 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. Most other roads outside Monrovia are unpaved. Driving and road conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season (May to November), and many roads may become impassable.

Avoid travelling at night outside Monrovia, except to or from Roberts International Airport. Roads are treacherous and all roads are unlit. Vehicles often do not have lights. You are more vulnerable to being robbed at an illegal check point at night.

Make precautionary arrangements for dealing with breakdowns, including considering travel with more than one vehicle. Traffic accidents can quickly draw hostile crowds, who may attempt to take justice into their own hands. Use a local driver outside Monrovia rather than driving yourself.

The standard of driving is generally poor. Be particularly alert to dangers from other vehicles swerving to avoid potholes and from taxis slowing or stopping unpredictably to pick up or drop off passengers and motorcycle taxis ‘Pein-Peins’ (the main cause of road accidents). Motorcycle taxis are very dangerous.

Be prepared to stop at checkpoints operated by UNMIL, the Liberian National Police, or other Liberian security authorities, which are found on roads throughout the country. Pull over to the side of the road immediately when instructed by security forces accompanying VIP convoys. 

Air Travel

All airlines from Liberia have been refused permission to operate services to the EU because Liberia is unable to ensure that its airlines meet international safety standards. There are no commercial operators of domestic flights within Liberia.

River and Sea Travel

Liberia has many attractive beaches, but the Atlantic Ocean is subject to rip tides and other dangerous currents. Swimmers should take care and seek local advice before entering the water. Avoid canoes and fishing boats offering passenger services. They are regularly overwhelmed by strong waves and currents.

 

Political Situation

Liberia has become increasing stable since the internal conflict ended in 2003, but the security situation remains fragile and has deteriorated because of the Ebola outbreak. The Liberian government is working closely with the UN and the international community to provide increased stability and development. 

UNMIL peacekeepers are deployed to the main population centres around Liberia. But during the Ebola outbreak they are confined to their bases. There have been outbreaks of violence associated with the Ebola outbreak. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor is serving a long prison sentence in the UK following his conviction by the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Taylor’s supporters have warned that UK travellers in Liberia may be at risk of reprisal. You should be vigilant and avoid discussing political issues.

 

Local laws and customs

Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. 

Importing arms is prohibited by UN sanctions. 

If you commit a criminal offence, 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. 

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

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

 

Money

Credit cards are not accepted in Liberia and very few outlets will accept travellers’ cheques. Several cash machines/ATMs accepting only Visa cards now operate in Monrovia, including in the two main hotels frequented by international visitors, but foreign exchange and banking facilities remain limited. Western Union and Moneygram have a number of agents in Liberia who are able to transfer money from the UK, although there are very few outside Monrovia. Bring sufficient funds, in US Dollars cash, to cover all expenses.

 

Visas

 

Foreign nationals need a visa to enter Liberia. You can get a visa from the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in your home country.

 

Passport Validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. 

The Liberian authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Registration of residents

If you are intending to live in Liberia, you will need to register with the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN), Broad Street, Monrovia. Visitors do not need to register with the BIN.

 

Health

 

 

Malaria is a serious problem throughout Liberia, including in Monrovia. 

Hospitals and medical facilities throughout Liberia are poorly equipped. There are no emergency services. Blood supplies are unreliable and unsafe, and medication is scarce. There is no effective public or commercial accident and emergency or ambulance service anywhere in the country. You should carry basic medical supplies. Ensure you have adequate supplies of prescription medication, bearing in mind the risk of delays due to flight cancellations. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation.  

The 2012 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 18,000 adults aged 15 or over in Liberia were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.9% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.