Travel Advice for Liberia - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
/Advice/Liberia?20000802LRThursday, 20 October 2011, 09:05:44, +1100
2011 Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and TradeWhile every care has been taken in preparing this travel
information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its
agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff
abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in
respect of any statement contained therein.
Travel Advice Levels
| Liberia overall | Reconsider your need to travel |
The overall level of the advice has not changed.
The overall level of the advice has not changed.
Summary
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Liberia at this time because of the tense and unpredictable security environment and the risk of serious crime.
If you do decide to travel to Liberia, you should exercise extreme caution.
You should avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings as they may turn violent.
You should reconsider your need to travel to the areas bordering Cote d’Ivoire due to the presence of large numbers of displaced people. The large numbers of people in refugee camps may lead to increased risk of disease, greater strain on resources and an increased risk of crime.
Liberia is recovering from a devastating civil war which ended in August 2003 and left it with little or no infrastructure. Although there is a large deployment of UN peacekeepers and police advisers in Liberia, the security situation remains unpredictable. The potential for unrest and violence is high due to ongoing political and social tensions.
Because of the unpredictable security situation we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us so we can contact you in an emergency.
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Liberia. The Australian High Commission in Accra, Ghana provides consular assistance to Australians in Liberia.
Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Liberia for the most up to date information.
You must present your passport at a police station within 48 hours of arrival in Liberia.
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry into Liberia.
Liberia is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.
If you have visited Liberia in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Safety and security
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Civil unrest/Political tension
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Liberia at this time because of the tense and unpredictable security environment and risk of serious crime. Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you are comfortable travelling in Liberia knowing that you could be caught up in political violence or criminal activity. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Liberia, you should exercise extreme caution.
You should avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings as they may turn violent.
Liberia is recovering from a devastating civil war which ended in August 2003 and left the country with little or no infrastructure. Although there is a large deployment of UN peacekeepers and police advisers in Liberia, the security situation remains unpredictable. The potential for unrest and violence is high due to ongoing political and social tensions.
Tens of thousands of refugees and displaced persons are placing a strain on food supplies and housing in the capital Monrovia and other major cities. There are large numbers of displaced people in the areas bordering Cote d’Ivoire. The large numbers of people in refugee camps may lead to increased risk of disease, greater strain on resources and an increased risk of crime.
Crime
Violent crime occurs throughout Liberia and foreigners are a target for robbery. There is a high incidence of sexual assault, with an increasing number of expatriate victims. Crime levels are higher at night and travelling alone or after dark is not recommended. Police forces do not have the capacity to provide effective protection.
Due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
If you are in Liberia you should consult a reputable security company about your individual security requirements.
Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent and often originates in West African countries. Victims have been defrauded and those who travel to the originating country have had their lives endangered. Some victims have been killed. Criminals have been known to seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas in which to transfer large sums of money (as a donation or for a percentage of the amount involved). They may also provide fake cashier cheques for 'urgent' shipments of large quantities of goods, request sizeable fees for a fake government contract and extort money from individuals they have convinced to travel to Africa for a business opportunity. If you are a victim of a financial scam, we advise you to obtain legal advice and not to travel to Africa to seek restitution as there is a risk of physical assault from the perpetrators. Our information on International Financial Scams provides more detail on these types of scams.
Some Australian citizens have also been defrauded or had their lives endangered by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating from West African countries. These scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Once a virtual relationship develops, the Australian citizen is asked by their friend or prospective marriage partner to send money to enable travel to Australia. Once the money has been received, the relationship is usually terminated and any chance of recovering the funds is highly unlikely. In some instances, foreigners who have travelled to Africa to meet their friend or prospective marriage partner have been kidnapped and held to ransom.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas. Credit cards and not accepted in Liberia and few commercial establishments accept travellers' cheques. There are a limited number of ATMs in Monrovia. Consult with your bank to find out which the most appropriate currency to carry is and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Local travel
You will be required to show photographic identification at government security checkpoints.
Poor road conditions, poorly maintained vehicles and a lack of sufficient street lighting make driving in Liberia dangerous, especially after dark. For further advice on road safety, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Public transport options are limited.
Airline safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Laws
When you are in Liberia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
It is a requirement to carry photographic identification with you at all times.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include heavy fines and lengthy jail sentences.
Homosexual acts are illegal.
Photography around military installations, air and seaports and government buildings is prohibited.
While the United Nations lifted the ban on the importation of rough diamonds from Liberia, laws controlling the international trade in rough diamonds continue to operate. You should seek up-to-date legal advice before trading in diamonds. Penalties for illegally exporting diamonds from Liberia can include jail sentences.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money, laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Local customs
Liberia is a very conservative society and you should dress and behave so as not to offend. Women are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs, and a headscarf.
Information for dual nationals
Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.
Health
On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced it had moved to a post-pandemic period in response to pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The virus is expected to remain as a seasonal influenza virus and local outbreaks may occur. For more information see the WHO website.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while travelling overseas.
Medical facilities are poor in the capital Monrovia and non-existent elsewhere. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care. In the event of a serious accident or illness, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Medivac costs could exceed $A100,000.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Liberia is high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.
Malaria and other tropical diseases are common in West African countries, including Liberia. You are strongly encouraged to have vaccinations before travelling, take prophylaxis against malaria. It is also recommended you use an insect repellent at all times, wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and ensure your accommodation is mosquito proof.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, lassa fever, hepatitis, polio and tuberculosis) are common, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. It is advisable to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Seek medical advice if you have fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to get help
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Liberia. You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian High Commission which is in Accra, Ghana at:
Australian High Commission, Accra
2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments
Accra, Ghana
Telephone: (+233) 302 216 400
Facsimile: (+233) 302 216 410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website:
www.ghana.highcommission.gov.au
If you are travelling to Liberia, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend that you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
The rainy season is May to November when flooding may occur. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities in Liberia we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. The same standards and duty of care you expect in Australia may not be present.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.