1. Check Safety Advisories: Before traveling, be sure to review safety notices from your country’s foreign ministry and its embassy or consulate in Liberia.
2. Get the Right Insurance: Choose travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and emergency repatriation coverage.
3. Prepare for Health Risks: Get recommended vaccinations, and pack preventive medications and mosquito repellent.
4. Cash Is King: Bring enough U.S. dollars and small-denomination Liberian dollars—credit cards are rarely accepted.
5. Drink Bottled or Treated Water: Only drink bottled water or water that has been filtered or boiled.
6. Travel During the Day: Schedule intercity travel during daylight hours and avoid going out at night.
7. Ask Before Taking Photos: Always get permission before photographing people or government buildings.
8. Stay Protected: Use sun protection, mosquito repellent, and stay hydrated—carry common medications with you.
9. Stay Connected: You can buy a local SIM card at the airport or in the city, but signal is weak in remote areas.
10. Emergency Contacts: Keep the contact numbers for your country’s embassy and local emergency services handy and seek help promptly when needed.

Pre-Trip Checklist

• Your passport has sufficient validity, and you have your visa and yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• Your travel insurance includes medical evacuation and emergency repatriation.
• You have both U.S. dollars and small-denomination Liberian dollars.
• You’ve packed mosquito repellent, water purification supplies, sunscreen, and essential medications.
• You’ve checked the latest advisories from your country’s foreign ministry and its embassy or consulate in Liberia.

Health and Emergencies

Liberians are warm and friendly, often starting interactions with a handshake and casual conversation. Respecting local customs and staying patient are key to a good experience. Local services often move slowly, so avoid overpacking your schedule. If you develop symptoms such as fever or diarrhea, seek medical care immediately and inform the provider of your travel history. Medical facilities in rural areas are limited, and serious conditions may require transfer to the capital or abroad. Keep your insurance assistance hotline and the embassy’s contact information at hand, and contact your insurer or the embassy as soon as possible in case of emergencies.