Liberia

No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.

The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.

The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Entry to Liberia

Roberts International Airport (RIA) is open for commercial flights. There are no direct flights from the UK. Air France, Brussels Airlines and Royal Air Maroc usually offer a connecting service via Paris, Brussels or Casablanca. However, services between the UK and Casablanca are not operating and there are now no direct flights between London and Paris. Flight availability could change at very short notice. Some regional airlines are operating with reduced flight schedules. If you wish to travel, you should contact your airline or travel agent for confirmation of flight schedules. In Roberts International Airport, you must stand in marked spaces within the terminal to allow for social distancing.

Before arrival, in Liberia, you must download the Lib Travel mobile app from Android Play or the Apple Store. If you have problems with the app, staff at Roberts International Airport can assist you.

• Android app
• Apple Store

You must complete a Health Screening Arrival Form before arrival, for monitoring and contact tracing. You must provide your passport details, contact details in Liberia, next of kin details, your travel details (including flight details, with seat number and any transit locations), any countries visited in the previous 14 days, and you must complete the symptom checker. You must select a payment option for your COVID-19 test (US$75 payment via app or payment on arrival). Each adult traveller must download the app and register individually. You can register children via a parent’s app. When you arrive in Liberia, you must be able to show proof that you have completed the symptom tracker form. If you experience problems using the app, staff will assists you at the airport on arrival. You must wear a mask during transit and upon arrival in Liberia.

Currently all land borders (with Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire) are closed to travellers. Ports remain open.

Testing / screening on arrival

All non-exempt travellers arriving in Liberia will be screened for the coronavirus. For exemptions, see Exemptions to PCR testing on arrival. Different rules apply for short-term missions and humanitarian workers, see below.

• On arrival at entry points, staff will check your temperature and you must wash your hands with soap and water. You must show your symptom checking screening form (mobile app) to public health staff.
• If you display symptoms of coronavirus, public health officials may take you to a government quarantine or medical facility. See Quarantine requirements.
• Passengers entering Liberia will be tested for COVID-19 by the National Public Health Reference Laboratory team (unless exempt from testing). Sample collection involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud, for PCR testing. Sample processing could take several days. You will receive a unique identification number to retrieve your test results online.
• You must present proof of US$75 payment for your PCR test before your sample is collected. There are two payment options available. You can pay in advance via the Lib Travel mobile app, or alternatively, you can pay at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) banking window (in US dollars cash or by card) on arrival.
• To check your PCR test results online, visit the Self Check Portal 2 to 3 days after your sample was collected. You must enter your unique identification number (provided when your sample was collected), and your year of birth.
• Government of Liberia strongly recommends that all travellers self-isolate for 7 days and self-monitor symptoms via the Lib Travel app for 14 days, beginning the day after arrival in Liberia.
• If your PCR test is positive, you will be subject to Liberia’s case management guidelines. This means NPHIL will consider on a case-by-case basis and you may be taken to a government COVID-19 Treatment Unit. Private health care facilities are not currently permitted to treat COVID-19 patients. Home-based care is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Travellers visiting on short missions of up to 5 days

If you are visiting Liberia for up to 5 days on a short mission (e.g. you were invited by government or an international NGO to provide technical assistance), you are exempt from testing on arrival, if you meet the following requirements:

• The organisation that has invited you should inform the chair or co-chair of the COVID-19 Incident Management System (IMS) in advance of your visit, of the purpose of your visit, the number of travellers, duration of visit, activity to be conducted, exact location you will stay, contact details while in Liberia, and address and contacts of references in Liberia.
• You must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result certificate from an accredited lab within 96 hours of testing (i.e. your test sample must have been collected a maximum of 4 days before arrival in Liberia);
• You must present evidence of short stay (i.e. flight ticket); you must provide details of stay including telephone number, contact person and address; you must observe preventative measures while in Liberia;
• You should provide your invitation documents.
• You must present a negative test result on departure if your airline requires this (see Testing on departure).
• If your mission is likely to be extended, your organisation must inform the IMS chair or co-chair 24-48 hours in advance.
• If your stay in Liberia is extended beyond 5 days, you must undergo PCR testing before leaving Liberia (see Testing on departure).

Humanitarian workers deploying to Liberia

If you are deploying to Liberia for a period of less than 15 days you should contact your organisation for advice on which rules to follow.

If you are deploying to Liberia for a period of 15-60 days, you should follow a different process:

• The organisation that is deploying you should inform the chair or co-chair of the COVID-19 Incident Management System (IMS) in advance of your proposed deployment, of the purpose of your deployment, the area of deployment, exact location you will stay, and contact details while in Liberia.
• You must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result certificate from an accredited lab within 96 hours of testing (i.e. your test sample must have been collected a maximum of 4 days before arrival in Liberia).
• You must self-isolate for 7 days, beginning the day after arrival in Liberia. You must remain in your hotel or place of lodging and inform your employer if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19.
• At the end of your 7-day self-isolation period, you must be tested for COVID-19 by the National Public Health Reference Laboratory team. Sample collection involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud, for PCR testing. Sample processing could take several days. See Testing on departure for information on test locations.
• If your PCR test result is negative, you can proceed with your deployment. If your PCR test is positive, you will be subject to Liberia’s case management guidelines. This means NPHIL will consider on a case-by-case basis and you may be taken to a government COVID-19 treatment unit. Private health care facilities are not currently permitted to treat COVID-19 patients. Home-based care is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Exemptions to PCR testing on arrival:

• Children under the age of 5 years old are exempt from COVID-19 testing and do not require a test result certificate.
• Cabin crew, captains, flight engineers and first officers with layovers less than 48 hours are exempt from testing if they complete pre-boarding testing as per their airline’s policy and comply with screening procedures while in Liberia. They must complete screening on arrival and proceed to their designated flight crew hotel. If layover is more than 48 hours, cabin crew, captains, flight engineers and first officers must undergo PCR testing before leaving Liberia (see Testing on departure)
• Diplomats and their families, honorary consuls, duly accredited international organisations’ staff and Liberian diplomats must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result certificate from an accredited lab within 96 hours of testing (i.e. your test sample must have been collected a maximum of 4 days before arrival in Liberia). Alternatively, voluntary testing at the airport is available free of charge. If you do not present a valid negative PCR COVID-19 test result certificate, NPHIL staff will seek to test you on arrival.

You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

You should be prepared for travel restrictions, and changes to screening and quarantine requirements with no advance notice.

Quarantine requirements

Depending on the length and reason for you visit, you may not have to isolate on arrival. However, for the majority of travellers Liberia recommends self-isolation for 7 days after arrival. Humanitarian works staying longer than 15 days will need to isolate on arrival for 7 days and then take a further PCR test. There is a risk for British nationals of being put into a government quarantine or medical facility, either on arrival or during your trip to Liberia. Liberian precautionary observation centre (POCs) are basic, and not guaranteed to meet Public Health England standards.

You are at risk of being put into quarantine or instructed to self-isolate even after completing your post-arrival self-isolation, if you develop symptoms (fever, cough or respiratory illness), or it is suspected you have been in contact with some who has tested positive for coronavirus. If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be transferred to a government quarantine facility or treatment centre. You are strongly advised to familiarise yourself with these risks before travelling.

If you are travelling on behalf of government, an international organisation/NGO or a company, you should check with your organisation whether they have pre-arranged a private POC, i.e. quarantine facility, authorised by NHPIL. The British Embassy cannot provide POC facilities. If you show symptoms, you may be transferred to a government POC or treatment centre

Visitors arriving on a laissez-passer (except UN or EU), may also be taken to quarantine for secondary screening. Any suspicion of illegal attempts to circumvent the process will result in removal to quarantine.

Testing on departure

Before departure from Liberia, you’ll need a negative COVID-19 test result, and a travel certificate issued by Liberia’s National Public Health Reference Laboratory. For exemptions, see Exemptions to PCR testing on departure.

• You must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, from a test conducted by Liberia’s National Public Health Reference Laboratory within 72 hours of departure.
• COVID-19 testing is available at the Union Center, located in Sophia, Congo Town, Monrovia from 9am to 4 pm 7 days per week. Sample processing could take several days. It is recommended you submit your sample as soon as possible within 72 hours of your departure to allow the greatest time for processing as results can take over 48 hours.
• NPHIL encourages all travellers to register at http://liberiacovidtravel.org before arrival at the Union Center. This website does not employ SSL technology and is not a secure website. To register, select “Request a Travel Certificate” and submit the required information. You will be asked to provide personal information (name, gender, date of birth, nationality, address in Liberia, county of residence (in Liberia), passport details, phone number(s) and email address) and travel details (destination, departure date, flight number). When you complete your registration you will receive a unique identification number to retrieve your test results.
• You must pay a US$75 COVID-19 charge for your test/certificate. There are two payment options available. If you have completed registration on the website, you can click “Proceed to Payment” to be redirected to a secure payment site which employs SSL technology. Alternatively, you can pay at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) window at the Union Center (in US dollars cash or by card).
• To check your PCR test results online, visit www.liberiacovidresult.org 2 to 3 days after sample collected you must enter your unique identification number (provided when your sample was collected), and your year of birth.
• If your test result is negative, you can apply for a travel certificate online by visiting http://liberiacovidtravel.org and clicking on “Print Travel Certificate”. You should print your certificate.
• If your test result is positive, the Ministry of Health or NPHIL will contact you and you will not be permitted to travel. You will be subject to Liberia’s case management guidelines. This means NPHIL will consider on a case-by-case basis and you may be taken to a government COVID-19 Treatment Unit. Private health care facilities are not currently permitted to treat COVID-19 patients. Home-based care is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Exemptions to PCR testing on departure:

• Children under the age of 5 years old are exempt from COVID-19 testing and do not require a test result certificate.
• Diplomats and their families, honorary consuls, duly accredited international organisations’ staff and Liberian diplomats are exempt from testing on departure. However, voluntary testing at the Union Center is available free of charge.
• Cabin crew, captains, flight engineers and first officers with layovers less than 48 hours (subject to airline policy).
• Travellers visiting Liberia for up to 5 days on a short mission (subject to airline policy).
• Although Government of Liberia does not require exempt travellers to do testing on departure, airlines may require proof of negative test result to allow boarding, regardless of exemption status.

Testing protocols could change at short notice. You should monitor this travel advice for updates, contact your airline before travel, and consult government sources for announcements (see Further information).

Before departing Liberia, you should check travel advice of the countries on your route (transit and final destination) for the latest entry requirements and any coronavirus restrictions. Your airline may refuse to allow you to board in Liberia if you do not meet all requirements. The Belgian Government currently lists Liberia as a “red” country for coronavirus risk. There may be additional requirements for transiting through Brussels. You should check travel advice before travelling

Visas

If you are unable to leave Liberia and your visa is due to expire, you must apply for an extension. The maximum extension period is 60 days. It is only possible to extend your visa once. To apply for an extension in Monrovia, you should visit the Immigration Office at Gbarngaye’s Town, 24th Street, Sinkor. The office is open 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. You should ask for the Registration Section.

You must bring your passport and pay a fee of US$25. If you are staying outside Montserrado County, you should contact your local Immigration Office to seek a visa extension authorised by the Immigration County Commander. If you have already extended your visa once and it is due to expire, you must apply for a residence permit. In this case, please contact the British Embassy for advice by emailing [email protected]

Regular entry requirements

Visas

British nationals need a visa to enter Liberia. You can get a visa from the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in London.

Passport validity

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

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) aren’t valid for entry into Liberia. However, ETDs are accepted for airside transit and exit from Liberia.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Registration of residents

If you’re intending to live in Liberia, you will need to register with the Liberian Immigration Service (LIS), Airfield New Road, Sinkor Monrovia. Visitors do not need to register with the LIS.

Political Situation

Liberia has become increasingly stable since the internal conflict ended in 2003. The Liberian government is working closely with the UN and the international community to provide increased stability and development.

Protests and demonstrations do take place in Monrovia on occasion. You should avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies, large gatherings and crowds and follow the advice of local authorities.

Liberia held Senatorial elections, Representative by-elections and a National Constitutional Referendum on 8 December 2020. Interim results have been announced gradually, but the announcement of finalised results has been delayed. Protests or violence are possible if results are disputed. You should remain vigilant, avoid any large public gatherings and demonstrations, monitor local media for up-to-date information, and follow the advice of local authorities. See Local Travel

Crime

Most visits to Liberia are incident free but there is a high level of crime in Monrovia, including armed robbery. Foreigners are occasionally targeted, although Liberians are the main victims of crime. 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. Avoid areas where there are few people, such as beaches.

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 or large sums of money 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. There have been cases of rapes and attempted rapes involving foreign women although these are rare.

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

Consider your security arrangements carefully before your arrival in Liberia. Stay only in reputable accommodation with adequate guarding and other security arrangements, and arrange for transport, including travel to and from the airport in advance. Roberts International Airport is around 30 miles from central Monrovia, much of the journey passing through rural areas.

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 ability of the national authorities 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. Organised groups of former combatants may be present in areas of the country where there is limited government security 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.

Road Travel

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. A temporary local licence may be obtained on production of a UK licence, but this may be time consuming and more expensive. From 28 March 2019, you will need to have a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP). 1949 IDPs previously issued by the UK may no longer be accepted for use in Liberia after this date.

From 1 February 2019, you can only get IDPs over the counter from 2,500 UK Post Offices. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you 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 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 air carriers certified only by 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. Some airlines have suspended international flights into/out of Liberia.

Keep up to date with real-time information from your airline, tour operator or accommodation provider on the impact on any existing travel plans.

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.