Welcome to Liberia

Emerging from a tumultuous past, Liberia today is a lush, friendly, welcoming country. You’ll find everything from the excellent Sapo National Park to renowned surfing at Robertsport, the intriguing National Museum in Monrovia to dramatic waterfalls in Gbarnga.

Start your sightseeing in Sapo, where the Upper Guinean Rainforest is home to pygmy hippopotami and white-crested Diana monkeys. Head to nearby Greenville, just outside the park border, and visit the villages along the Sinoe River for a look at authentic Ghanaian life. Unravel stories about Liberia’s civil wars and a gold rush that happened on this site.

In Gola National Forest, look for swinging chimpanzees at home in verdant canopies. Move on to Harper, in the south toward the Ivory Coast beaches, where you’ll see remnants of the country’s old slave settlers in arcaded, plantation-style homes. If time permits, venture to Sanniquelle, a small town with a bustling, colorful market and close to the East Nimba Nature Reserve.

Unique Facts

• Liberia was created in 1821 for freed slaves by the American Colonization Society. More than 10,000 freed African Americans traveled across the Atlantic from 1821 until Liberia declared independence in 1847.
• Africa’s cleanest cities are in Liberia. The country, on the whole, ranks 10^th out of 92 cities tracked for air quality by the World Health Organization.
• The flag of Liberia is similar to the United States, with 11 stripes representing the 11 signatories of the Liberian Declaration of Independence. The blue square is representative of the African continent.
• More than 20 indigenous languages are spoken, stemming from the different slaves that came together to form the country.
• There are 29 airports throughout Liberia, but only 2 with paved runways.

Language

Liberia’s official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Liberia is between November and April (the dry season). At this time, it’s possible to visit both the big city, as well as the national parks.

Airports

Roberts International Airport, Harbel

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for all travelers when visiting Liberia: Measles, routine vaccinations and Yellow Fever. Most travelers should receive Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A, B and F. Standard voltage: 120/220V. Frequency: 60/50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Liberian Dollar

Getting Around

The road and bridge system in Liberia has been damaged by war, neglect and heavy rainfall, so expect delays and detours.

Public transportation options include public taxis, through they are typically poorly maintained and overloaded.

Public buses are generally crowded and may be vulnerable to pickpocketing.

Avoid three-wheeled motorized rickshaws (“kekes”).

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Monrovia
502 Benson Street
Monrovia, Liberia
Telephone: +(231) 77-677-7000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(231) 77-677-7000
Fax: +(231) 77-677-7370
ACSMonrovia@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Visit Liberia Tourism website
Beach Road – Kende Town
Paynesville
Liberia
info@visitliberia.net
https://www.visitliberia.net/

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Liberia and the Liberia National Police have limited capacity to respond to crime. Crimes of opportunity are the most common, particularly at night.