Liberia is a country located in West Africa and sharing its borders with Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
What’s interesting about Liberia is that it’s a country connected with the United States, as it was founded by freed black slaves during the pre-Civil War era in the 19th century.
In fact, it’s capital was named after James Monroe and it’s flag bears a resemblance to the U.S.A flag, reminiscent of the connections between Liberia and America back in the day.
Its biggest charm is its capital city, Monrovia, where, when you hit the town center, you can feel the real experience of a tropical capital, melting your clothes off.
And though it has its faults, Monrovia offers a few charming features of the real African capital.
It is lined with palm trees surrounding the city’s vibrant street vibe: you can spot street vendors selling second-hand clothes, charming collections of old DVD’s and even a few well-stocked supermarkets filled with Western Foods.
Warnings & Dangers in Liberia
OVERALL RISK : HIGH
Liberia, in general, isn’t the safest place to visit, as it has high rates of both petty and violent crime. There have been reports of many thefts and robberies so remain vigilant at all times.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
It is advised that you avoid public transport in Liberia due to high levels of crime and armed robberies in crowded places such as bus or train stations, and on public transport as well. Always opt for hiring a taxi from a reputable company instead of hailing one on the streets.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpockets are common in Liberia, and you aren't safe anywhere, which is why it is essential that you don’t flaunt your possessions in public. Leave all your valuables at home and carry just enough money to suffice for the day. Follow your common sense and remain vigilant at all times, especially in public transportation and at crowded stations and places.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
Liberia isn't a country of many threats when it comes to natural disasters. However, occasional floods, sea-erosion, storms, and fires hit the country.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
Muggings and robberies are common in Liberia. Make sure your windows are closed when you’re driving around, as thieves are known to reach into your car and take whatever they need. If you find yourself surrounded only by youths, or if you see there’s no one in places that are usually crowded, such as bus stations, quickly run away.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Liberia's recent history, but given the fact that there were attacks in Mali, Côte D’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, they can't be ruled out. Be vigilant at all times.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
As in most destinations, and African countries, there’s a great risk of getting scammed. Be wary of people trying to distract you or offering you unwanted help, check your change twice and always negotiate every service beforehand.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : HIGH
If you are a female traveling solo, you should be aware that Liberia is extremely dangerous for a woman to walk around unaccompanied. Women are often targeted when alone on the streets, which is why you should avoid remote streets as much as you can, both during day and night. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.
So... How Safe Is Liberia Really?
Liberia is a country of many dangers, from petty theft to violent crimes that can befall you whether you are walking or driving around.
Avoid walking around at night, but be aware that armed robberies can happen even during the day and the presence of people around you isn’t any kind of a guarantee.
When driving, make sure that your car doors are locked and your windows are up, as thieves may just reach into your car and grab the first thing they get their hands on.
Keep your windows up particularly in busy areas of Monrovia.
Rape and armed robbery are also common in Liberia.
Mamba Point and Sinkor in Monrovia are the places where thefts of more serious type occur as this is where foreigners tend to stay, and many of them have reported incidents of mugging, assault, and other crimes.
Foreign workers get attacked in their locals too, and hotels can become scenes of burglaries so make sure your doors and windows are locked shut.
West Point is one of the many slum areas in Monrovia but is definitely the most dangerous place in Liberia when it comes to diseases as well as crime.
As for diseases, tuberculosis, AIDS and other serious illnesses infect the vast number of residents living here, so be sure to avoid this place.
How Does Liberia Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Liberia | 45 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Netherlands | 75 |
| Chile | 79 |
| Mongolia | 71 |
| Qatar | 84 |
| United Arab Emirates | 79 |
Useful Information
- Visas - Most countries do not need a visa to enter Liberia. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the planned date of your return. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
- Currency - Liberian dollar is the official currency in Liberia. You can find ATMs in Monrovia, but elsewhere it is advised that you rely on cash.
- Weather - The climate in Liberia is tropical, characterized by humid heatwaves all year round, with a rainy season that lasts from May to October, due to the African monsoon. The rest of the year you can expect plenty of rainfall, except during the short dry season that lasts from December to February.
- Airports - Roberts International Airport also referred to as Roberts Field, is the main and busiest international airport in Liberia. It is located near the town of Harbel, about 56 km outside of Monrovia.
- Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Liberia, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Liberia Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 26 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 18 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 24 |
| Low °C | 18 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| High °F | 79 | 79 | 75 | 70 | 64 | 57 | 59 | 63 | 70 | 73 | 75 | 75 |
| Low °F | 64 | 63 | 57 | 52 | 45 | 39 | 39 | 48 | 55 | 59 | 61 | 63 |
Liberia is totally safe and a place to be.
My sister (American) traveled to Liberia by herself and loved it and felt very safe.
i died in liberia
lies
you liar
Liberia Is A Nice Place
Liberia Is A Nice Country When Your Talking About Africa
yooo…I’m a foreigner and i’ve traveled to Liberia and lived there for a couple of years…It’s not as bad as this article makes it sound…
safe
If you thinking about a securest place to be,think about Liberia
Got the full Liberian experience 10/10 would get pickpocketed again
I love Liberia it is Safe!
Liberia is more safer than Sierra Leone and Guinea. Even Nigeria. Yes be careful with your phones and flashy things outside, but that is on every vacation anywhere. But Liberia is my favorite place to visit in the world othet than St. Vincent.
Wow..sound so great
Liberia-is,safeTell about your experience or leave a tip for others
Liberia is beautiful and safe
USA isn’t safe either especially when you’re skin color isn’t white. Chances you’d face racism and discrimination are 1000%.
Um how is Liberia is safe?
It isn’t lol
Liberia is a beautiful place to live… Liberian are peace loving people in Africa,Liberian love foreigner then their own people
5 Stars
Liberia is a wonderful place. Best place in the world to vacation. Relaxing, slow-paced, beautiful beaches and great food. There is no more crime here than any other place in the world. You will enjoy it. I lived there 10 years.
The worse country ever am a Kenyan citizen come here recently for an invite stayed six month planing to go this month but I have a lot of bad experience here I wish I didn’t come …I had good job left everything..in Qatar this country have only few friendly people all bad behaviours violence drungs fight if you want come in this poor country can wait to go back to Kenya
This nonsense must stop!
Is this true and are you still living there ?
Tell about your experience or leave a tip for others
I’m Liberia u need to always in keep your money at your front pocket or else passenger 57 will dupe you before you get to know it. And there are other group called Galaxy Boys be warn of then
The real Liberia
Stop saying what you know nothing about Liberia. I’m sure you haven’t stay in Liberia for about a year. Lib is the best place on earth, friendly people, beautiful girls, nice food, et.. Your country is 10000 times dangerous than Liberia bc everyday there’s a dead body in the streets, highly educated people can’t get job and sleeping in the street. You don’t find that in Liberia. Take this down about Liberia now please and stop scaring people who want to visit a beautiful country. There’s no racism in Liberia, police don’t kill people like they do in your country.
Thank you. I’m considering going, but after my horrible experience in Kenya (1st time to Africa) I didn’t even want to try.
Charles Taylor era damaged Liberia
Well , last time I came in Liberia was 2003 and left in Jan-2006.
Some of the comments above are really really harsh about Liberia.
Majority is nice & friendly and one would love to interact with them.
I am from Pakistan, I love Liberia and the Liberian people and always prayed
for the betterment of this country. Look pre-war era, what happened to this
once a resouce rich country (and it still is).
The suffering of people was obviously the result of that. Now after the departure of Charles Taylor,Madam Elen Johnson improved a lot during her tenure. Gentleman Veah a prominent sport man from 2018 onward doing his best to raise standard of Liberian people.,
With more funding to Liberia, it will further impove its infrastructure. I wish it should
progress on more faster pace. I have lot of love & respect for Liberians. Comming
for three months and I will really enjoy every minute of my stay in Monrovia. YES.
All the best to Liberia & Liberians.
got beat up
lies
almost got kidnapped
Sure ya did
Learn the fact before put out misleading information
It’s a shame that whoever wrote this article didn’t do their homework. Why put out these outrageous, untrue information? This is ridiculous! Liberia may not be the best but it is not as bad as it is described.
Liberia is a place I will never visit again. All what the writer mentioned is all true. It’s very unsafe and and was scared my entire trip. I had to leave a week before my departure date. NEVER ME AGAIN!!!
U don’t know much about Liberia, in the whole of west Africa Liberia is the most safest place to travel to. Liberia only have pickpocket criminals but never heard of bus or train robbery.
Liberia is the best place to visit. Foreigners are well respected. More places for tourism. Probably, the best beaches you will ever find in West Africa is in Liberia. Like any place there are few crimes rate, but it is rare for foreigners to get harm. Liberian are the warmest people you will ever meet. I hate that this article give such a bad picture of Liberia.
This is ridiculous! Yes Liberia had it’s own share of wars and a lot of damage was done, but this article is beyond ridiculous. It’s one of the safest countries in Africa.!
Yes and No
Some of what is said is true. Monrovia is a big city (just under 1 million), crowded, and as such crime is to be expected. There is only one stop light in the whole area and most in Monrovia avoid it because it causes traffic jams. Be careful in traffic; stop signs are just suggestions. We went to West Point with our group and a guide – I wouldn’t do it on your own. Its crowded, very narrow streets, and a sea of blue tarps and metal roofs. Narrow walkways between “houses” get you where you need to go, but is a maze that would be easy to get lost in, and is not really a place for sightseeing. The average temperatures given are about 10 – 20 deg. F too low. Liberia is near the equator and temps rarely get near freezing – if ever. We were there in January and temps were mostly 74 – 90 deg. F. Get the book “Red Dust on Green Leaves” for a bit of history and what Liberia is like. Most roads outside of Monrovia are dirt/gravel. If you go in the rainy season expect lots of mud. Also, during the dry season there are ruts in the roads from the wet season, so be cautious. There are main paved highways between Monrovia, Ganta and bigger cities. People walk alongside the road – even the highways – within just a few feet of cars traveling 60 mph/100 kph, so be careful if you’re driving. Sometimes they carry a machete, but are not a threat, just headed to their garden somewhere in the bush. Rubber trees are owned by Firestone – a million+ acers. The smell of rubber refinery is everywhere. Liberians cook with charcoal fires – make and sell their own – so the smell is everywhere. There are few hospitals (2 in Monrovia and 1 in Ganta I’m aware of), and no ambulance services; so if you wreck your car don’t expect a wrecker, ambulance, or much medical attention. Almost every small town has a rope at the city limit, and the local police will likely ask for a “fee.” Usually $5 US. Nevertheless, we found the people very friendly and more than happy to talk with us. Do expect a request for money or assistance from people. It’s just their way. Also, bargain with anyone selling. You can often negotiate 50% off the asking price or combine items to get a better price. Although, we tried to pay a fair price as this is their only income. Hope that helps.
Looking forward to my visit.
I am looking forward to my visit to west liberia. Someone please tell me about Christmas there. I am a Christian and love Christmas. I know nothing of this country and is looking forward. What I know my future daughter in law is a beautiful, kind, intelligent and clean individual. And she is from there.
Liberia is a good place to visit
Liberia 🇱🇷 and Liberian are the most welcoming people in Africa, they have always had good hearts toward foreigners, they made what we called in penguin English Palava for foreign nationals with locals.
A second chance
Fast and pray b4 u visit Liberia. Because of sin, Liberia is not what she used to be. Too much innocent blood is in the ground. God is angry.Repent Liberia, Repent.The people are nice in Liberia but too many people are not serving the true God.
fair enough
Liberia is a beautiful country. You know every country has a dark side. Liberia is a little bit darker, if you are a foreigner in liberia, you got to be very very careful cus if something bad happen to you nobody will help you. Liberia is amazing place with God fearing people and lots of religion.
It’s better you state facts than stating your opinions. Liberia is a peaceful country with a low crime rate compared to its neighbors. The Liberian people are friendly toward foreigners, hospitable and very tolerant. There’s never been anything like a bus or train robbery as stated in the article. As a matter of fact, trains in Liberia transports raw materials only, not passengers. In short, there’s a lot of bias opinions held by the author of this article meant to portray a negative image of Liberia to the outside world.
I’ve been planning to travel to Liberia in 4 days time,,,May God be with me