Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s country-specific page for Liberia for original OSAC reporting, consular alerts, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is serious risk from crime in Monrovia. There are no administratively imposed curfews or off-limit areas in Liberia for U.S. Embassy personnel. Foreigners are not often the direct targets for criminal activity.

Crime increased throughout the country in 2018, prompted in part by a weakening economy. Only a small part of the nation’s population is engaged in full-time employment, and more than 60 percent is under the age of 25. Gross domestic product growth in 2018 was lackluster. Most Liberians have very limited access to health care, education, or other government services.

In 2018, there was an increase in non-violent crimes from the previous year. Most non-violent crimes in Liberia are property crimes – namely “snatch and grabs” of electronics, purses, bags, and backpacks; vehicular vandalism; and vehicle theft. These types of petty crimes of opportunity are the most commonly reported crimes affecting foreigners, and are prevalent throughout Liberia — usually in densely populated areas. Young male assailants between the ages of 13 to 25 commit most of the snatch-and-grabs.

Criminals are often armed. They may carry knives or homemade guns, and occasionally work in small groups to target unsuspecting victims. In most cases, violence does not result if the victim is compliant. However, crimes resulting in the use of lethal force have increased greatly in Liberia. Crimes of this nature (e.g. robberies, burglaries, muggings, and assaults) tend to target local nationals, not foreigners.

Sexual assault and rape are the most commonly reported violent crimes. The overwhelming majority of sexual assault victims are Liberian, and many are minors. Sexual violence against expatriates in Liberia is uncommon, but has occurred at public beaches.

Carjacking is rare in Liberia. Vandalism and theft of vehicles is a concern. Vandalism crimes are usually committed by unsupervised youths who reside in the same neighborhood as the parked vehicle. Authorities rarely recover stolen vehicles. There are cases of international car thefts where the vehicles end up in Liberia. Crimes of this nature occur with impunity due to lack of an effective judicial process. 

There has been a significant increase in home invasions of local nationals in 2018 over the previous year, particularly in the Paynesville and Congo Town areas. Most home invasions occur overnight between 0100 and 0400, and usually involve multiple armed assailants using a combination of homemade firearms or semi-automatic weapons.

The frequency of extrajudicial punishment against suspected criminals increased in 2018. The Liberian National Police reported over 30 instances of vigilante justice in greater Monrovia. In most cases, vigilante justice targeted those engaged in property theft or domestic abuse. Residential burglaries occur throughout the year, but are more common during the rainy season. Lack of effective security measures make home invasions more inviting.

Drug-related Crimes

Illegal drugs are trafficked into Liberia from neighboring West African countries. The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency publicized several success stories in 2017 highlighting the agency’s drug interdiction achievements at the international airport in Monrovia and throughout the country.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnapping is uncommon in Liberia.

Economic Concerns

Corruption is endemic throughout Liberia’s institutions. Counterfeit documents and fraudulent licenses are easy to obtain. Conduct due diligence and robust vetting of the local business sector before entering into a business relationship. Find additional resources on doing business in Liberia on the U.S. Embassy’s Business webpage.

Cybersecurity and Fraud Issues

Liberia experienced an enormous distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack that crippled its internet infrastructure in 2016. The DDoS attack infected internet-connected devices such as computers, DVR players, and digital cameras. However, there have been no major cybersecurity incidents since 2016. Cybercrime remains a low to moderate threat in the country due to the lack of electricity and electronics ownership throughout the country. 

Being primarily a cash economy, credit card theft and fraud in Liberia is uncommon compared to other parts of Africa and to the United States. Credit card terminals do exist in major hotels and some supermarkets. Inform your credit card provider of any intended use in Liberia, check credit card statements shortly after transactions occur, and monitor credit card statements closely following use in Liberia. Most wire fraud connected to Liberia involves unsuspecting foreigners falling victim to monetary schemes. For more information, see OSAC’s Report The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.

Advance-fee fraud schemes are prevalent throughout Africa and pose a danger of serious financial loss to victims.  These scams, often known as ‘419’ scams after the section of Nigeria’s criminal code addressing financial crimes, typically begin with an unsolicited communication (usually e-mail, text message, dating site correspondence, or social media message) from an unknown entity who promises quick financial gain if victims make advance payment for fees or services. This initial payment may be for hospital bills, inheritance, mineral exploration rights, land or property development, legal documents, or taxes. These advance payments can be exorbitant, and the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the upfront payments as frequently and for as long as possible.

Areas of Concern in Liberia

Although the U.S. Embassy has not designated any areas "off-limits" for personnel, public beaches and certain areas in Monrovia are less safe due to sparse law enforcement and security presence. Use caution when visiting any public beach, the areas of greater Monrovia known as Red Light, Waterside, Congo Town, and ELWA Junction, as well as all market areas; petty crimes and armed robberies are common in those areas, especially after dark. Additionally, see OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don'ts for Photography.

Border areas with neighboring nations are more susceptible to a variety of criminality due to the lack of security presence and effective security enforcement at most border crossings.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s Report Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

In general, the main roads in and around Monrovia are in acceptable condition.  In rural areas, approximately 7% of the country’s roads are paved (this area is commonly referred to as “Upcountry”). A six-month rainy season contributes to rapid deterioration of unpaved and/or unmaintained roads. Many regions are inaccessible even with well-equipped 4x4 vehicles during this period. 

The most prevalent danger posed to U.S. citizens in Liberia is vehicle accidents, especially at night. Pedestrians, local drivers, motorcyclists, and taxi operators often demonstrate blatant disregard for rules of the road and the safety of other motorists. Accidents occur frequently for several reasons, including poor maintenance of vehicles, hazardous road conditions, aggressive drivers, and widespread disregard for traffic laws. Official personnel may not drive outside of Monrovia at night due to poor lighting and road infrastructure. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Reports on Driving Overseas: Best Practices and Road Safety in Africa.

Repeated occurrences of mob violence have taken place following traffic accidents, particularly those involving motorcycle (Pehn-Pehn or KeKe) operators.  Regardless of fault, exercise extreme caution in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident and immediately seek police intervention if a crowd begins to form and the situation does not defuse.

When driving through populated areas like markets, keep windows rolled up, and car doors locked.  While carjacking is not prevalent in Monrovia, snatch-and-grab robberies from vehicles with unlocked doors or rolled down windows do occur.

Public Transportation Conditions

U.S. government employees may not use commercial taxies, buses, or motorbike taxis due to elevated risk of crime, poor maintenance of vehicles, lack of driver training, and poor service reliability. The use of car services through a reputable company is allowable.  

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Roberts International Airport (ROB) is located approximately 35 miles east of Monrovia on a paved road. Travel time varies based on traffic, but the trip often takes 1 ½ to 2 hours.  Like other roads in Liberia, this road has no lighting, resulting in an increased risk of traffic accidents.  Drive with care during nighttime hours.  Arrival at the airport can be confusing and overwhelming for the average traveler; the terminal is crowded and poorly designed, resulting in long lines to clear immigration and frequent pushing and shoving in the baggage area as passengers try to retrieve luggage. Taxi service from the airport is unreliable; pre-arrange transportation to Monrovia.

Spriggs Payne Airport (MLW) is located approximately 3 miles east of downtown Monrovia on a paved road. SLW currently services general aviation as well as a small number of regional international flights.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is minimal risk from terrorism in Monrovia. There exists a real and growing threat of terrorism in West Africa due to the expanding activities of terrorist groups emanating from the Sahel region, namely al-Qai’da in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), the Macina Liberation Front (MLF), and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS). Liberia has not experienced terrorist attacks within its territory, but vulnerabilities exist given the country’s porous borders and the increase in transnational activities by regional terrorist groups.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

U.S. citizens are generally accepted and well liked in Liberia. Criminals do not target U.S. citizens specifically due to their citizenship, although other foreigners report targeting based on their race/ethnicity.   

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

There is moderate risk from political violence in Monrovia. Security services have demonstrated their capability to control and resolve instances of civil disorder.

Various social factors tend to increase public discontent and unrest. These include activity by politically motivated student organizations and organized professional unions – particularly those for commercial drivers and currency exchangers; popular discontent over lack of vital resources (e.g., electricity, water, fuel, and food); and activity by civil action groups protesting perceived injustices such as corruption and atrocities committed by former warlords. While most protests in are episodic, localized, and mainly peaceful, the size of protests and the introduction of hostile acts by protesters rose in 2018. Going forward, protests and demonstrations will likely increase in breadth, frequency, and intensity due to ongoing social issues and economic stagnation. High rates of unemployment and underemployment, systemic corruption, limited healthcare and educational options, and political tension are constant sources of dissatisfaction that could rapidly trigger public protests and demonstrations. As in previous years, 2018 ushered in numerous protests in various parts of the country including some that resulted in violence and civil disorder. Each time, the Liberia security services demonstrated their capability to control and resolve instances of civil disorder. Avoid large gatherings, as even peaceful demonstrations can become confrontational and escalate to violence.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Approximately 85% of Liberia’s population is Christian.  A moderate Muslim minority comprises 12% of the population. Instances of religious/ethnic violence in Liberia are rare.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

The six-month rainy season (May - November) makes Monrovia the wettest capital in the world.  Heavy rains can cause severe flooding and wash out most roads in the country. Deep mud and puddles require 4x4 vehicles when traveling outside Monrovia.

Critical Infrastructure

Liberia has limited critical infrastructure. Liberia depends on cellular phone networks for voice communications. Landline telephone service is virtually non-existent.

Liberia has a limited utility infrastructure. The vast majority of homes and businesses have no electricity, and those that do largely depend on home generators. In addition, most institutions depend on truck delivery for water. In 2016, the Liberia Electricity Corporation with the assistance of the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) re-opened the Mt. Coffee hydropower plant that now generates electricity for the city of Monrovia, though transmission and distribution challenges remain.    

Personal Identity Concerns

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Liberia, punishable by a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment or a maximum fine of $1,000 Liberian. The Liberia senate voted unanimously to criminalize same-sex marriages in 2012. LGBTI community members may be subject to discrimination and verbal/physical attacks.  LGBTI persons have reported forced evictions when landlords discovered their sexual orientation.

Police Response

The primary law enforcement agency in Liberia is the Liberia National Police (LNP). Following the pull out of UN security forces from Liberia in 2018, the LNP has continued to develop its law enforcement capabilities. Locals and visitors alike might experience inconsistency in the level of responsiveness and services provided.  Due to a lack of resources, the LNP is very limited in its ability to respond to criminal acts or provide full services to crime victims. Travelers should anticipate that authorities will not recover stolen property, or bring perpetrators to justice.  It is not uncommon for LNP officers to request bribes from travelers at major intersections or police checkpoints during hours of darkness. 

Treat police officers in the same manner you would when interacting with a U.S. law enforcement official. Ignoring reasonable lawful orders, becoming belligerent, or showing lack of respect will only exacerbate the situation and could result in arrest.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

Report incidents of police harassment, detention, or misconduct to the U.S. Embassy at   +231 (0)77 677 7000

Crime Victim Assistance

If you are a victim of a crime and need to contact the U.S. Embassy, the Consular Section for American Citizen Services at ConsularMonrovia@state.gov or +231 (0)77-677-7111

Police/Security Agencies

The primary law enforcement agency is the Liberia National Police (LNP), with nationwide law enforcement authority. Contact LNP Chief of Patrol at +231 (0)880-800-117.

Following the departure of the UN mission in 2018, Liberian security forces must now maintain nationwide security for the first time since 2003. The LNP has struggled to maintain the effective law enforcement and security functions once provided by the UN. However, the Liberian Immigration Service, the Liberian Revenue Authority, the Department of Customs, and the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency have improved their capabilities and effectiveness. Safeguarding the nation’s porous borders and providing effective security outside of Monrovia continue to be problematic. 

Medical Emergencies

Medical facilities are poorly equipped and staffed, and generally struggle to provide basic services. The Ebola outbreak in 2014-15 exacerbated the low level of medical services. Since then, medicines are scarce, and some are counterfeit and distributed beyond their expiration date. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report, Traveling with Medications.

Doctors, clinics, and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services and, in many cases, before rendering service. Local healthcare facilities typically employ healthcare professionals who have not received Western medical training.

Contact Information for Hospitals/Clinics

For medical assistance, refer to U.S. Embassy Monrovia’s Medical Assistance page.

Air Ambulance Services                                

International SOS Air Ambulance Service (ISOS)

Contact Person:  Dirk Loreth, ISOS Aviation Manager Europe, Middle East and Africa

Address:  From Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Accra or Dakar

Office Phone:  +49-6102-3588-453, +49-172-7666923, +33-1-5563-3155

Emergency Phone:  +49-6102-358-8100 (EUR) or +1-215-245-4707 (USA)

Alarm Center:  Frankfurt +49-6102-358-8100, Paris +33-155-633-155, Europe +44-20-8762-8008

Aspen Medical Liberia

Contact Person:  Country Manager, +231 (0)770 029-511

Address: Intersection of 16th Street and Russell Ave, Sinkor, Monrovia

Appointments/General Information:  +231 (0)770 029 511

Clinic Emergency Number:  +231 (0)770 911 911

Services Available:  Medical Emergency Assistance/Stabilization

Probable Response Time:  From four to 24 hours depending on the city of departure

Insurance Guidance

Serious emergency may require medical evacuation (medevac). Consider purchasing medevac insurance prior to travel.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

Malaria is endemic. Consult your physician for anti-malaria medication prior to travel. Water-borne illnesses are also a concern. For more information, refer to OSAC’s Report I’m Drinking What in My Water?

All travelers must have up-to-date immunizations and a yellow fever vaccination in their shot record.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Liberia.

OSAC Country Council Information

The OSAC Country Council in Monrovia meets about once per year. The Regional Security Office (RSO) is available to meet with security managers of U.S. private sector organizations. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Africa Team with any questions about the security environment in Liberia or for contact with the RSO.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

U.S. Embassy Monrovia, 502 Benson Street, Monrovia

Embassy Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday, 0800-1730, Friday 0800-1300

Consular Section Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 1400-1600

Embassy Contact Numbers

U.S. Embassy Switchboard: +231 77 677 7000

Consular Affairs / American Citizen Services: +231 77 677 7111, ConsularMonrovia@state.gov  

Duty Officer: +231 77 723 1673

Website: http://lr.usembassy.gov   

Embassy/Consulate Guidance

U.S. citizens should have valid visas prior to arrival in Liberia. Authorities do not issue visas at the airport except in extraordinary circumstances and by pre-arrangement.

U.S. citizens traveling to Liberia should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of State Country Information Sheet for Liberia

Liberia Travel Advisory