12open jobs
5organisations hiring
0violent events in 3 months
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
With 28 ethnic groups and languages, Liberia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. For hundreds of years, the Mali and Songhai Empires claimed most of Liberia. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders began establishing outposts along the Liberian coast. Unlike its neighbors, however, Liberia did not fall under European colonial rule. In the early 19th century, the US began sending freed enslaved people and other people of color to Liberia to establish settlements. In 1847, these settlers declared independence from the US, writing their own constitution and establishing Africa’s first republic.
Early in Liberia’s history, tensions arose between the Americo-Liberian settlers and the indigenous population. In 1980, Samuel DOE, who was from the indigenous population, led a military coup and ushered in a decade of authoritarian rule. In 1989, Charles TAYLOR launched a rebellion that led to a prolonged civil war in which DOE was killed. A period of relative peace in 1997 permitted an election that brought TAYLOR to power. In 2000, fighting resumed. A 2003 peace agreement ended the war and prompted TAYLOR’s resignation. He was later convicted by the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague for his involvement in Sierra Leone's civil war.
In 2005, Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF became president after two years of transitional governments; she was the first female head of state in Africa. In 2011, JOHNSON SIRLEAF won reelection but struggled to rebuild Liberia's economy -- particularly after the 2014-15 Ebola epidemic -- and to reconcile a nation still recovering from 14 years of fighting. In 2017, former soccer star George WEAH won the presidential runoff election, marking the first successful transfer of power from one democratically elected government to another since the end of Liberia’s civil wars. Like his predecessor, WEAH struggled to improve the country’s economy. In 2023, former Vice President Joseph BOAKAI was elected president, edging out WEAH by a thin margin, the first time since 1927 that an incumbent was not re-elected after one term.
presidential republic
Liberia is generally stable politically, but protests and demonstrations do take place and, particularly small-scale protests, can begin with little or no warning. Avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and large crowds. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Kpelle 20.2%, Bassa 13.6%, Grebo 9.9%, Gio 7.9%, Mano 7.2%, Kru 5.5%, Lorma 4.8%, Krahn 4.5%, Kissi, 4.3%, Mandingo 4.2%, Vai 3.8%, Gola 3.8%, Gbandi 2.9%, Mende 1.7%, Sapo 1%, Belle 0.7%, Dey 0.3%, other Liberian ethnic group 0.4%, other African 3%, non-African 0.2% (2022 est.)
English 20% (official) and 27 indigenous languages, including Liberian English variants
Christian 84.9%, Muslim 12%, Traditional 0.5%, other 0.1%, none 2.6% (2022 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
low-income West African economy; food scarcity, especially in rural areas; high poverty and inflation; bad recession prior to COVID-19 due to Ebola crisis; growing government debt; longest continuously operated rubber plantation; large informal economy
5.7 MPopulation2025
56.1 %Urban population2025
$915GDP per capita2025
5 %GDP growth2025
8.3 %Inflation2025
33.6 %Extreme poverty (international line)2016
2.9 %Unemployment2025
59.4 %Adult literacy2010
32.2 %Internet users2024
34.9 %Access to electricity2024
1,172refugees hosted2025
725asylum seekers2025
8,842refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL): Army, Liberian Coast GuardMinistry of Justice: Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (2025)
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
No organised violence event recorded in the country over this period.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Liberia, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Terrorist groups in West Africa continue to mount attacks in the region. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:
Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Liberia is generally stable politically, but protests and demonstrations do take place and, particularly small-scale protests, can begin with little or no warning. Avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and large crowds. Follow the advice of local authorities.
The crime rate in Liberia is high. Liberians are the main victims of crime, but foreign nationals can also be targeted. Most crime is opportunistic theft, but there are organised criminal gangs. Thieves are often armed with knives or machetes, and occasionally carry firearms.
Foreign nationals have been mugged in the Mamba Point and Sinkor areas of Monrovia, where most international visitors stay. Criminals also operate in nightclubs and on beaches during the day.
Foreigners have reported assault and robbery happening in taxis.
You can take steps to reduce your personal risk by:
Liberia has a high rate of rape and sexual assault. There have been cases of rapes and attempted rapes of foreign women, although these are rare.
Carry photo ID with you at all times, such as your driving licence or a copy of the photo page of your passport. You may be asked to show it at any time by immigration officials or the police.
Drug trafficking and gold and diamond smuggling are illegal. If convicted, you will get a long prison sentence. Local prison conditions are harsh.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Liberia.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
The Ministry of Justice in Liberia can issue a decree of adoption if all legal requirements are met. However, adoption orders from Liberia are not recognised in the UK. If you’re returning to live in the UK, you’ll need to apply for entry clearance for the child as a Liberian child coming for adoption in the UK.
Liberia remains a predominantly cash-based society, especially with street vendors.
Credit and debit cards are not generally accepted in Liberia, except for a few of the major hotels and some larger supermarkets. They may be unable to process card payments when internet connections are poor. Not many places accept travellers cheques. Mobile money apps offer an alternative way to make payments, but not all vendors use these.
There are a few ATMs that accept Visa cards in Monrovia, including in the two main hotels used by international visitors. ATMs often run out of money or only have certain denominations.
Foreign exchange and banking facilities are limited. Western Union and MoneyGram can transfer money from the UK, although there are very few offices outside Monrovia.
Liberia’s banks can experience cash shortages of both US dollars and Liberian dollars. Banks and foreign exchange facilities may not be able to pay out transferred funds or fulfil ATM withdrawals. Bring sufficient funds, in US dollars, to cover all expenses.
Beaches in Liberia can have rip tides and other dangerous currents. Beaches and the sea in Monrovia city centre are dirty. Get local advice before going in the water.
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Avoid canoes and fishing boats offering passenger services. They are regularly overwhelmed by strong waves and currents.
The Samuel K Doe Stadium in Monrovia can become overcrowded during major football matches or events.
If you’re planning to drive in Liberia, see information on driving abroad.
Get security advice about travelling by road anywhere outside Monrovia.
Most foreign nationals travelling by road outside Monrovia will hire a car with a driver, and travel in convoy of at least 2 vehicles in case of breakdowns or possible security incidents.
The roads from Monrovia to 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. Roads outside Monrovia can be treacherous and most are unlit.
The road from Monrovia to Roberts International Airport is currently undergoing roadworks. It can be hazardous and prone to severe traffic.
Driving and road conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season from May to November, and many roads become impassable.
The standard of driving is generally poor, and many vehicles do not have lights. Drivers often swerve to avoid potholes and taxis can slow or stop unpredictably to pick up or drop off passengers. Motorcycle taxis (‘pein-peins’) are particularly dangerous.
If you’re involved in a traffic accident, be aware that local crowds can become hostile and may attempt to attack you.
The Liberian National Police and other security authorities operate checkpoints on roads throughout the country. You’re more vulnerable to being robbed at an illegal checkpoint at night.
Pull over to the side of the road immediately when instructed by security forces travelling with VIP convoys.
The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Liberia that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
This section has safety advice for regions of Liberia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
There are occasional clashes between armed groups from both sides of the Liberia-Côte d’Ivoire border in some of the more remote border areas of Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties. Use the main roads when travelling in these areas.
The Liberian authorities have limited ability to provide emergency help outside Monrovia. Check the security situation before travelling to any part of the country. Land disputes, illegal mining and occupation of rubber plantations can lead to violent incidents, particularly in rural areas.
There may be organised groups of former combatants in areas of the country where there is limited government security presence. Be especially wary in the Sinoe rubber plantation and Sapo National Park.
62.3yearsLife expectancy2024
86.4per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
628per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
172.3per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.18per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022
78.8 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
There is no reliable ambulance service in Liberia. If you need emergency medical treatment, you should make your own way to hospital. You can also get advice from your hotel or the local police.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Liberia, including:
There is also a risk of Lassa fever in Liberia, with several confirmed cases in 2026. Check TravelHealthPro’s information on Lassa fever. If you’re concerned that you might have been exposed to, or are showing symptoms of Lassa fever, get immediate medical advice.
The 2025 UNAIDS Spectrum data estimates that approximately 36,000 people are living with HIV in Liberia. This translates to a prevalence percentage of around 0.9% of the adult population. You should use normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Medication is usually sold over the counter in pharmacies, without a prescription. Supplies can be unreliable and medications available in the UK may not be available in Liberia. Make sure you have adequate supplies of prescription medication, bearing in mind the risk of delays due to flight cancellations.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Hospitals and medical facilities throughout Liberia are poorly equipped. Blood supplies are unreliable and unsafe, and quality medication is scarce.
There is no effective public or private accident and emergency or ambulance service anywhere in the country. Carry basic medical supplies with you.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation. Most health care providers only accept cash payments.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Liberia where staff will speak English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Liberia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Liberia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Liberian Embassy in the UK.
To enter Liberia, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You must have a visa to enter Liberia.
Apply for a visa to visit Liberia through the Liberian Embassy in the UK. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining when you make your application.
Once in Liberia, you can apply for an extension of your existing visa for a maximum of 60 days. To apply for an extension in Monrovia, you should visit the Immigration Office at Gbarngaye’s Town, 24th Street, Sinkor. You’ll need to take your passport and pay a fee of 25 US dollars.
If you’re staying outside Montserrado County, contact your local Immigration Office to get a visa extension authorised by the Immigration County Commander.
To stay longer you must apply for a Liberian residence permit.
As part of the visa application process, you need to provide a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
For more details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see TravelHealthPro’s Liberia guide.
On 25 May, the Liberia Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute issued a Travel Advisory note announcing heighted health screening measures for travellers arriving into Liberia, due to outbreaks of Ebola in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Liberia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more.
You cannot take more than 7,500 US dollars in cash out of the country.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
See jobs in LiberiaFunding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
There are occasional clashes between armed groups from both sides of the Liberia-Côte d’Ivoire border in some of the more remote border areas of Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties. Use the main roads when travelling in these areas.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
If you’re staying outside Montserrado County, contact your local Immigration Office to get a visa extension authorised by the Immigration County Commander.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
There are occasional clashes between armed groups from both sides of the Liberia-Côte d’Ivoire border in some of the more remote border areas of Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties. Use the main roads when travelling in these areas.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
There may be organised groups of former combatants in areas of the country where there is limited government security presence. Be especially wary in the Sinoe rubber plantation and Sapo National Park.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.