March 22, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Liberia is a western African country that is suffering from continuing instability and conflict. After months of civil war culminating in the departure of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, a national government of transition came into power in October 2003. The transitional government's authority is mainly limited to those areas patrolled by United Nations military contingents, e.g. the capital city of Monrovia and its surrounding areas. Much progress remains to be made toward the following goals: resettlement of refugees and displaced persons, reintegration of former combatants, reconstruction of the country's infrastructure, respect for human rights and the rule of law, a stable environment for economic development, and the elimination of corruption. By most measures, it is one of the poorest countries in the world. Tourism facilities are poor or, in many cases, nonexistent. The capital is Monrovia. The official language is English.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required, as is evidence of a yellow fever vaccination. Immigration officials at the airport may authorize permits for a 48-hour stay only. Those wishing to stay longer must go to the Central Bureau of Immigration on Broad Street between Center and Gurley Streets in downtown Monrovia. The Central Bureau issues permits for stays up to three months; there is a $25 fee. There is a $40 airport tax on departing passengers. For the latest information on entry requirements, visa fees and airport tax for Liberia, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia, 5201 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011, tel. (202) 723-0437, website: http://www.liberian-connection.com/embassy.htm. Overseas, inquiries should be made to the nearest Liberian embassy or consulate.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Liberian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Liberian citizens. For additional information, please see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Department of State continues to urge U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Liberia. Americans who remain in or travel to Liberia despite this advice should avoid travel to the interior of the country. The ability of Liberia 's security forces to maintain law and order in the countryside is open to question. Armed rebel groups continue to exert authority throughout much of Liberia. Actions of the local security forces (and former members of the security forces) also at times threaten travelers. Members of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) provide limited security in Monrovia and the immediate surrounding areas. UNMIL plans to depart Liberia after the elections in 2005. Given the conflict in Liberia and in nearby Cote d’Ivoire, American citizens should consider carefully the importance of their travel to Liberia and weigh their personal safety. Americans who must travel to Liberia should check with the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section before undertaking travel. Travelers should avoid travel to the rural areas of Liberia due to security incidents and armed dissident activity.

U. S. citizens still in Liberia should be aware of their surroundings at all times and use caution when traveling. Travel anywhere after dark is strongly discouraged. Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. In addition, due to recent animosities among security forces, U.S. citizens should avoid any gathering of such forces.

CRIME: Monrovia 's crime rate is rated as critical. This is exacerbated by the high rate of unemployment in the country. Theft, assault, and murder are major problems, and they occur more frequently after dark. Foreigners, including U.S. citizens, have been targets of street crime and robbery. Residential armed break-ins are common. The police are ill equipped and largely incapable of providing effective protection.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find the best available local medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

BUSINESS FRAUD: Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. While such fraud schemes in the past have been largely associated with Nigeria, they are now prevalent throughout western Africa, including Liberia. The scams pose a danger of both financial loss and physical harm. Recently, an increasing number of American citizens have been the targets of such scams.

Typically, these scam operations begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country. A series of "advance fees" must then be paid in order to conclude the transaction: for example, fees to open a bank account, or to pay certain taxes. In fact, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees. A common variation is a request for an American to pretend to be the next-of-kin to a recently deceased Liberian who left a fortune unclaimed in a Liberian bank. This variation generally includes requests for lawyers' fees and money to pay taxes to withdraw the money. Another common variation of this scheme involves individuals claiming to be refugees or other victims of various western African conflicts (notably Sierra Leone and Liberia) who contact U.S. citizens to request their help in transferring large sums of money out of Liberia. Another typical ploy has persons claiming to be related to present or former political leaders who need assistance to transfer large sums of cash. Other variations include what appears to be a legitimate business deals requiring advance payments on contracts.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud is common sense - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Any unsolicited business proposal originating from Liberia should be carefully checked out before any funds are committed, any goods or services are provided, or any travel is undertaken. For additional information, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Advance Fee Business Scams, available at the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Hospitals and medical facilities are very poorly equipped and are incapable of providing basic services. Emergency services comparable to those in the global north are non-existent, and the blood supply is unreliable and not safe for transfusion. Medicines are scarce, often beyond expiration dates and generally unavailable in most areas.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of 50,000 dollars (US). Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/iht.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Chloroquine resistant P. falciparum malaria is a severe form of the disease that is found in many parts of western Africa, including Liberia. Because travelers to Liberia are at high risk for contracting malaria they should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarials, please see the CDC Travelers' Health website at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Liberia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Road travel can be hazardous. Cars, trucks, and taxis are frequently overloaded with people and goods and make frequent stops without signaling. Many vehicles operate with threadbare tires, and blowouts are common. There are no operating traffic lights in the country; therefore, intersections should be approached with caution. There are also no public streetlights; pedestrians in Monrovia's streets and those walking on country roads are difficult to see at night. Pedestrians often walk in the streets and cross busy roadways with little or no warning. Drivers and pedestrians are cautioned that high-speed car convoys carrying government officials require all other vehicles to pull off the road until they have passed. All drivers should also remain in their vehicles at the roadside with headlights turned off until any such convoy passes. It would be advisable to wait at least ten minutes after the convoy passes since convoy stragglers often drive at high speed in order to catch up with the group.

Despite successful peace talks and deployment of peacekeeping forces, low-intensity fighting between rebel and government forces continues to flare up in the countryside. Principal roads to the neighboring countries of Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and guinea are often closed due to the fighting. Travel over many roads has become prohibitively dangerous. Travelers should expect frequent delays at armed government security checkpoints, as well as time-consuming detours around the many bridges and roads damaged by war or neglect or by the heavy annual rains which occur from May to November. Travelers can expect strict enforcement of border controls by Liberian, Ivorian, and Guinean authorities. At times border crossings to neighboring countries are closed by war.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.

AIR TRAVEL: As there is no direct commercial air service by local air carriers at present or economic authority to operate such service between the U.S. and Liberia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Liberia 's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.

At this time, three international carriers operate flights to and from Liberia. All international commercial air service to Monrovia arrives at Roberts International Airport (RIA), located 35 miles (approximately one hour by car) outside Monrovia. Very limited daytime air service exists to Freetown, Sierra Leone; Conakry, Guinea; Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; and Accra, Ghana. Departing flights from Liberia are typically overbooked. Local carriers do not always follow published routings or schedules. At this time, an armed paramilitary security force provides airport security. Conditions at the airport upon arrival and departure are crowded and chaotic. As public transportation to Monrovia is not always available, travelers should attempt to arrange for an expediter and chauffeur through their hotel, employer, or business associates.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Liberian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Liberia are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

CONSULAR ACCESS: The U.S. Embassy does not always receive timely notification of the arrest of U.S. citizens by Liberian authorities. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passport with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. If arrested, U.S. citizens should always ask to be allowed to contact the U.S. Embassy (please see Registration/Embassy Location section below).

CURRENCY REGULATIONS: The U.S. dollar is readily accepted in Liberia. The U.S. dollar and the Liberian dollar are exchanged freely. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be transported into and out of Liberia, but regulations issued in November 2001 prescribe how such transfers can take place. Sums in excess of $10,000 (US) must be reported at the port of entry and no more than $7,500 (US) in foreign currency banknotes can be moved out of the country at one time. Larger sums must be transferred via bank drafts, travelers checks or similar financial instruments. Individuals without a Liberian bank account are limited to no more than two outgoing $5,000 (US) over-the-counter (cash) wire transfers per month. The use of travelers checks is subject to substantial fees, and few commercial establishments accept travelers checks. ATMs are unavailable, and credit/debit cards are not accepted anywhere in Liberia. Wire transfers through Western Union and some banks are available, but they are subject to substantial fees.

PHOTOGRAPHY RESTRICTIONS: Taking photographs of military installations, air and seaports, and important government buildings is restricted. Visitors should refrain from taking pictures of any sites or activities, including official motorcades or security personnel, that might be considered sensitive. Police and military officers are liable to confiscate any camera. Travelers would be well advised not to take photographs, movies or videos in any public place.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Lodging, fuel, transportation, and telephone services are unevenly available in Liberia. They are nonexistent or severely limited in rural areas. Neither water nor electricity is commercially available in Monrovia. Most hotels have utilities available, but not on a 24-hour basis. Few facilities and homes have telephones, and disruption of telephone service is common. Public mail delivery is very unreliable, but commercial air courier service is available through DHL and Federal Express.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues or telephone (202) 736-7000.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Liberia at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at 111 United Nations Drive, Mamba Point, Monrovia, Liberia, tel. (231) 226-370, fax (231) 226-148. U.S. citizens who wish to write to the U.S. Embassy may address letters to the Consular Section, 8800 Monrovia Place, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20521-8800. The U.S. Embassy web site in Monrovia is http://monrovia.usembassy.gov/.

Due to the security situation, the ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide direct Consular assistance to U.S. citizens outside of the Monrovia area is severely limited. The lack of a working nationwide telephone system or reliable means of communication complicates efforts to establish or maintain contact in the capital city or communicate at all with anyone in the rural areas. Moreover, the U.S. Embassy in Liberia may temporarily close for general business from time to time to review its security posture.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 22, 2003, to update the sections on Country Description, Entry Requirements, Safety and Security, Other Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Registration/Embassy Location.

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