Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone) — Preferred

One tablet daily starting 1–2 days before entry, throughout stay, and 7 days after leaving. First-line choice for most travelers. Well-tolerated with few side effects. Requires a prescription.

Doxycycline

100mg daily starting 1–2 days before entry and continuing 28 days after. Cost-effective for longer stays. Causes photosensitivity — use sunscreen diligently. Not for pregnant women or children under 8.

Mefloquine (Lariam)

Weekly dosing — must start 2–3 weeks before travel. Not first-line due to neuropsychiatric side effects in some individuals. Discuss with your physician. May be considered after ruling out contraindications.

In Monrovia

Monrovia has a small number of NGO-supported clinics and one or two private facilities used by expatriates. The John F. Kennedy Medical Center is the main public hospital — severely under-resourced. English is spoken throughout. Even private facilities are very limited by international standards. Seek care here only for stabilization prior to evacuation.

Outside Monrovia

Healthcare outside the capital is essentially non-existent by international standards. Mission hospitals and NGO clinics provide basic care in some areas but with very limited resources. Any serious condition outside Monrovia requires immediate evacuation to the capital, then abroad. Plan accordingly before any upcountry travel.

Medical Evacuation

The primary evacuation destinations from Liberia are Accra, Ghana (approximately 1 hour by air) or Dakar, Senegal. For critical cases, direct evacuation to Europe or the US may be required. International SOS and Global Rescue maintain regional capacity. Confirm your provider covers Liberia before travel and carry their 24-hour emergency number at all times.

US Embassy Monrovia

502 Benson Street, Monrovia
Phone: +231 77-677-7000
After-hours emergencies: +231 77-677-7000
lr.usembassy.gov

US State Dept 24/7 Hotline

From US/Canada: +1-888-407-4747
From abroad: +1-202-501-4444
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

STEP Enrollment

Register at step.state.gov before departure. Critical given Liberia's healthcare situation and potential for civil unrest and disease outbreak.

Extreme Heat & Humidity

Liberia is equatorial — hot and intensely humid year-round. Temperatures average 27–32°C (80–90°F) with humidity often above 90%. Dehydration and heat exhaustion develop rapidly. Drink 3–4 liters of purified water daily, avoid outdoor exertion during peak heat (11am–3pm), and wear loose, breathable clothing.

Heavy Rainfall & Flooding

Liberia has one of the highest annual rainfalls in West Africa — Monrovia receives over 5,000mm per year. The rainy season (May–October) causes severe flooding, road closures, and infrastructure failure. Roads become impassable. Flooding also intensifies malaria mosquito breeding. Plan travel during the dry season (November–April) when possible.

Atlantic Coastal Hazards

Liberia's Atlantic coastline has powerful surf, dangerous rip currents, and strong undertows. Drowning deaths occur regularly. Most beaches are unguarded. Never swim alone or in rough conditions. Ask local advice before entering the ocean at any beach in Liberia.

Road Safety

Road conditions in Liberia are very poor — most roads outside Monrovia are unpaved and become severely degraded during the rainy season. Road accidents are a major cause of death. Avoid travel after dark. Use 4WD vehicles for upcountry travel. Never drive on flooded roads. Use experienced local drivers familiar with conditions.

Armed Robbery & Carjacking

Armed robbery of individuals and vehicles occurs in Monrovia — particularly at night and in poorly lit areas. Do not travel after dark if possible. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up. Do not resist robbery attempts. Use hotel-recommended or embassy-vetted drivers and vehicles.

Civil Unrest

Political demonstrations occur and can become violent. Election periods are particularly sensitive. Avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings. Monitor local news and STEP alerts. Have a shelter-in-place plan and know your exit route to the airport.

Personal Safety

Stay in established, secured accommodation. Do not walk after dark. Maintain a low profile and do not display wealth. Carry only essential documents and limited cash when outside your accommodation. Establish daily check-ins with contacts and inform the US Embassy of your presence and plans.

Photography & Sensitivity

Photography of government buildings, police, military personnel, the Executive Mansion, and ports is prohibited. Ask permission before photographing individuals. Be discreet with camera equipment in public — it can attract unwanted attention. During civil disturbances, photography can be extremely dangerous.

Ebola Virus Disease

Liberia was the epicenter of the catastrophic 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic (4,800+ deaths in Liberia alone). Sporadic outbreaks continue across the region. Monitor CDC and WHO alerts before and during travel. Avoid contact with bats, primates, bush meat, sick individuals, and funeral practices. Any hemorrhagic fever after return requires immediate medical evaluation.

Dengue Fever

Dengue is present and causes outbreaks in Liberia. Transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. Use DEET repellent throughout the day — the same repellent protects against dengue during the day and aids malaria prevention at dusk. No vaccine widely available for travelers.

Schistosomiasis

Present in Liberia's freshwater rivers and streams. Do not swim, wade, or bathe in freshwater bodies. The Atlantic Ocean and properly chlorinated swimming pools are safe. Schistosomiasis is treatable if diagnosed promptly but can cause serious long-term complications if untreated.

Cholera & Enteric Disease

Cholera outbreaks occur in Liberia, particularly in Monrovia's informal settlements during the rainy season. Typhoid is endemic. Use only bottled or purified water. Eat only thoroughly cooked food. Carry oral rehydration salts — seek medical care for severe diarrheal illness.