Travel Guide
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.

Discover
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Covering over 180,000 hectares in south-central Liberia, Sapo is the second-largest area of primary tropical rainforest in West Africa and the country's only national park. The forest shelters forest elephants, western chimpanzees, Diana monkeys, and one of West Africa's largest populations of the endangered pygmy hippopotamus. Guided walks along river trails offer close encounters with this extraordinary biodiversity in a landscape that remains among the least disturbed in the region.
A small island at the mouth of the Mesurado River in central Monrovia, Providence Island is the site where 88 formerly enslaved and freeborn Black Americans landed in 1822, founding the settlement that would grow into the Republic of Liberia. The island is on Liberia's UNESCO tentative list and features a striking installation of artwork made from decommissioned weapons. Visiting gives a direct, tangible connection to the origin story of Africa's oldest republic.
Set within the rainforest of Bong County roughly three hours from Monrovia, Kpatawee is a two-tiered waterfall fed by the St. John River system, with the upper falls accessible by road and a lower cascade reached via an hour's hike through dense forest. Black boulders line the cool swimming pools at the base, and the surrounding ecolodge provides simple thatched accommodation for those who want to linger. The site is at its most rewarding in the dry season when trails are clear.
Health & Safety
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number There is no reliable ambulance service in Liberia. If you need emergency medical treatment, you should make your own way to hospital. You can also get advice from your hotel or the local police. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and
Full health advice (FCDO) →Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Guide
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Liberia page at Yoogo.
The official currency is the Liberian dollar (LRD), though US dollars are widely accepted and are often the preferred tender for hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses. Card payments are uncommon outside of a small number of establishments in Monrovia, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash.
Liberia is a country in ongoing recovery and many areas, including parts of Monrovia, require caution regarding petty theft and opportunistic crime. Road travel outside the capital can be challenging, particularly during the rainy season when routes become impassable. Checking your government's latest travel advisory before and during your trip is recommended.
Shared minibus taxis and bush taxis are the primary means of intercity travel, connecting Monrovia to towns such as Buchanan and Robertsport at low cost. Within Monrovia, private taxis are the most practical option for getting around, and hiring a car with a driver is advisable for longer journeys. Most roads outside the capital are unpaved, and many become impassable in the rainy season between May and October.
The dry season, running from November to April, is generally regarded as the best time to visit, offering more accessible roads, lower humidity, and reduced mosquito activity. November and the period from mid-February onwards are particularly pleasant, as the dusty harmattan winds that blow down from the Sahara typically ease. Wildlife viewing in Sapo National Park and surfing at Robertsport are best enjoyed during these drier months.
English is the official language of Liberia and is used in government, education, and commerce, making it accessible for Anglophone visitors. More than 20 indigenous languages are also spoken across the country, including Kpelle, Bassa, and Grebo, which are widely used in everyday life outside of formal settings. Learning a few greetings in the local language of the region you are visiting is appreciated.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Liberia, and health authorities also recommend vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and polio. Malaria is endemic throughout the country, so antimalarial medication, insect repellent, and long-sleeved clothing for the evenings are important precautions. Consulting a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure is advisable.
County capital and gateway to the Gola rainforest
Tipping is appreciated in Liberia and is becoming a customary practice in restaurants, hotels, and with tour guides. A tip of around 10 per cent is a reasonable gesture in restaurants and for drivers or guides who have provided good service. Service charges are not routinely included in bills, so tipping directly to the individual is standard practice.
Mobile coverage exists in Monrovia and along main corridors, though it can be unreliable in rural areas and national parks. International eSIM providers such as Airalo offer data plans for Liberia that can be activated before departure, providing a convenient way to stay connected on arrival. Local SIM cards from providers such as Lonestar Cell and Orange Liberia are also available in Monrovia for those who prefer a physical card.
Liberians are generally welcoming and value respectful, unhurried greetings, so taking a moment to acknowledge people before getting to business is important. Asking permission before photographing individuals or ceremonies is expected and appreciated. Religious observance, including both Christianity and Islam, plays a significant role in daily life, and modest dress is appropriate when visiting churches, mosques, and rural communities.