Travel Vaccines and Advice for Liberia
With National Museums, lively ports and seaside towns and National Parks, Liberia offers a variety-filled experience for travellers.
Featuring a long string of seaside towns and ports along its southeastern coastline, there’s no shortage of tropical paradises.
Surfers and avid seaside goers may find themselves at homes at the country’s capital, Monrovia, home to booming Waterside Market, where travellers may find handmade goods.
For those interested in the history and culture of Liberia, the National Museum, features ongoing photo and art exhibitions, as wells as symbolic objects that represent Liberia’s various tribal cultures.
Travellers looking for a change in scenery, culture or cuisine need look no further than Liberia.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Liberia?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Liberia?
What is the Climate Like in Liberia?
How Safe is Liberia?
Trekking Through the Rainforest in Liberia
What Should I Take to Liberia?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Liberia
Do I Need Vaccines for Liberia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Liberia. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Liberia: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Recommended for most travellers. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Recommended for some travellers to the region. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Liberia |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Recommended for most travellers. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Polio | Food & Water | Recommended for some travellers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. |
There is a risk of contracting malaria in Liberia. A travel health specialist will be able to help you determine an antimalarial regime that is right for you.
The medical care in most Liberian cities is comparable to America. Hospitals are located in Monrovia. But, for those staying in rural areas, there may be a need to travel at least a day to get to the nearest physician.
Travellers should avoid contact with animals like dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds and bats as contact with these animals could lead to infections like avian influenza and rabies. Ebola has also been linked to contact with bats.
For vaccination information, see our vaccinations page. Book your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Liberia?
A visa is required for all travel to Liberia. Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country. If you do not have proof of vaccination, you may be vaccinated on site, quarantined or returned to your previous location.
Liberia Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Liberia? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Liberia and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Liberia?
Liberia has a tropical climate, there’s hardly ever a shortage of rain and the heat and humidity are not lacking. Along the coast, temperatures range anywhere from 21 to 32 degrees whilst the inland tends to fare a tad warmer.
The monsoon season lasts from May to October. During the winter months, November through March, dust-laden winds blow inland. This sometimes causes respiratory problems for residents.
- Monrovia – As the capital experiences a rainy season from late spring to early autumn, with continuing rains the rest of the year. The warmest times are from February to April reaching a high of up to 32 degrees.
- Harper – Harper, located in southern Liberia, has a tropical climate. It’s warmest month is April, when reaches highs of 26, and its coldest month is August.
- Buchanan – As a port town in southern Liberia, Buchanan has a tropical monsoon climate with wet and humid summers, and warm winters. The temperature has very little variance in temperature with an average of 26 throughout the year. A dry season during August brings a temporary decrease in rain.
How Safe Is Liberia?
As in most major cities, criminal activity increases after dark. The majority of the crimes that do take place in Liberia tend to be opportunity based. Most happen in tourist frequented destinations like Mamba Point and Sinkor in Monrovia.
Be vigilant and smart in hotel rooms, and do not leave valuables exposed. Do not open the door to strangers, and confirm with reception if someone knocking at the door claims is, in fact, hotel staff.
Do not hail taxis from the street, and have a hotel or reliable contact arrange a driver in advance. Sit in the back seat of taxis and ensure doors are locked, and keep bags at your feet.
Trekking Through the Rainforest in Liberia
Sapo National Park is a biodiversity hot-spot. It is regarded as having the highest diversity of mammal species in any region of the world.
Located in the southwestern of Liberia, Sapo has a wide range of species of fauna, flora and the largest population of Pygmy Hippopotamus. Hikers and trekkers may be lucky enough to spot one of these pygmy hippos. But, keep a safe distance.
Allot at least a full day’s travel to get from Monrovia to Sapo. Travel in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle that can handle tumultuous terrain.
What Should I Take To Liberia?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Liberia:
- Rain resistant clothing– Whether you’re touring the local markets or spending a night out in Monrovia, the clothing you bring to Liberia should be able to accommodate possible rain.
- Unlocked mobile phone– SIM cards allow you to take advantage of the low cost of airtime. This costs much less than making calls from a hotel or resort.
- Water Purification Tablets– If you have plans on camping or visiting remote areas, the cleanliness of water may be compromised. Bring purification tablets and use bottled water to drink, and brush teeth.
- Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination – A vaccination book known as the ‘Yellow Vaccine Book’ will contain proof of this vaccination, which is good for up to 10 years. Proof of vaccination is required for entry.
- Sun protective clothing – The sun in Liberia tends to be pretty strong during the summer. Bring a hat and sunnies to protect you from strong sun rays.
- Cash – Liberia is a cash-only country, and there are currently few hole-in-the-wall machines. Businesses and banks do not accept traveller’s cheques, or credit cards as a form of payment.
- Scarf– During the summer in Liberia, it is possible to experience wind-borne sand and dust.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Liberia
If you are in Liberia and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Monrovia
Leone Compound, 12th Street Beach-side,
Sinkor,
Monrovia
Monrovia
Liberia
Telephone: +231 (0) 777530320
Emergency Phone: +44 (0)1908 516 666
Email: Monrovia.GeneralEnquiries@fco.gov.uk
If you have any questions about travelling to Liberia or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.