Abstract on Liberia

Many friends have asked me to share my experience for others who are traveling to Liberia. Most importantly, I recommend that you visit the Embassy of Liberia. Other than that, here is some additional information.

Basic information
A passport, visa, and evidence of a yellow fever vaccination are required for entry into Liberia. The international time zone is GMT. The international dialing code is + 231. The electrical plugs are the same as in the United States, and as a country founded by freed U.S. slaves and the only former U.S. colony, the official language is English.

Airline information
SN Brussels, Ghana Airways, Belleview Airlines fly to Liberia. Two local airlines WEASUA Air Transport and SATGUR Airline have regular flights to Abidjan and Freetown. All international commercial air service to Monrovia arrives at Roberts International Airport (ROB or RIA), located 35 miles (approximately one hour by car) outside Monrovia. In addition, limited service exists to Freetown, Sierra Leone; Conakry, Guinea; Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire; and Accra, Ghana. However, there is no direct commercial air service between the U.S. and Liberia. Furthermore, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Liberia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards.

Health information
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. Travelers should be aware that advance payment for medical services may be required.

Currency information
The U.S. dollar is readily accepted in Liberia and the street rate of exchange from the U.S. dollar to the Liberian dollar is substantially different from the official rate, and it varies considerably. Recently, the rate has been 55 Liberian dollars to 1 U.S. dollar. The Central Bank of Liberia has recently issued new currency and all older Liberian currency such as the "Liberty" and the "JJ" is no longer legal tender. The use of traveler’s checks is subject to substantial fees and few commercial establishments accept them. ATMs are unavailable, and credit/debit cards are not accepted anywhere in Liberia. Wire transfers through Western Union and some banks are available but are subject to substantial fees.

Embassy information
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; telephone (231) 226-370, fax (231) 226-154. U.S. citizens who wish to write to the American Embassy may address letters to the American Embassy Monrovia, Consular Section, Washington, D.C. 20521-8800. Consular assistance in Liberia is limited to the greater Monrovia area.