Liberia
About
| Liberia is Africa's oldest republic but also one of its poorest nations Travellers are currently advised against all but essential travel to Liberia. But if this nation recovers enough to open up to tourists, intrepid travellers will have the opportunity to explore the sprawling city of Monrovia, relax on the beach or venture into the pristine wilderness of Sapo National Park. Go swimming and boating at Liberia’s many sandy beaches. These include Bernard’s Beach, Caesar’s Beach, Cedar Beach, Cooper’s Beach, Elwa Beach, Kendaje Beach, Kenema Beach and Sugar Beach, all of which charge a small entrance fee. The skindiving season is from December to May, when the sea is at its clearest. There is good fishing in the Mesurado and Saint Paul rivers, along the coast and at Lake Piso, where there are traditional fishing villages. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts should visit the Sapo National Park: located in Sinoe County Go fishing in Lake Piso, around 80km (50 miles) from the capital. Conducted tours of the Firestone Rubber Plantation, one of the largest in the world, make an interesting day's excursion, 50km (30 miles) from Monrovia. |
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| Capital: | Monrovia (ROB/MLW) |
| Currency: | Liberian Dollar (LRD) |
| Language: | English. 29 African languages are spoken, the main being Bassa, Dan (Gio), Kpelleh, Kru, Lorma and Mano |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 231 |
| Time Zones: | No UTC/GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | November to April |
| Plugs: | 120 volts AC, 60Hz. Flat and round two-pin plugs (with or without grounding pin) are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | In the Muslim areas (mainly in the north) dress should be conservative: men should wear long pants, and women should keep their arms and legs covered. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Photographing military and government buildings should not be done without permission. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | There are few ATM’s and they may not accept international cards. Credit cards are generally not accepted. Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. Avoid political gatherings. Travel outside of the main capital is not recommended. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Liberia without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250g tobacco. • 1L of spirits and 1L of wine. • 100ml of perfume and 1L of eau de toilette. • Goods to the value of US$125. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Restricted imports include flowers and plants, which must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the Republic of Liberia
734 Park Street, Clydesdale, Arcadia
Tel: 012 342 2733
E-mail: libempret@yahoo.com
Web: liberiaembassypretoria.co.za
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Feb 11; Mar 12, 15; Apr 11; May 14; Jul 26; Aug 24-25; Nov 6, 29; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Feb 11; Mar 11, 15-16; Apr 10; May 14; Aug 24; Nov 5, 29-30; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: All applicants will be subject to an interview and may be required to appear in person. Only applicants residing outside of South Africa will be considered for telephone/video interview
- A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
- Copy of passport
- Two completed visa application forms
- Two passport-size photographs
- A letter of invitation, or proof of sponsorship, or a recent bank statement to show evidence of financial status
- Letter from employer
- An international certificate of Yellow Fever and other vaccinations is required
- Medical Insurance coverage for the duration of stay in Liberia
- Hotel booking (if applicable)
- Travel Itinerary - Applicants should ensure that travel arrangements are made only after the visa has been granted.
Visa Processing Time
5-7 working days
Visa Cost
Single entry (30 days): ZAR 750
Multiple entry (3 months): ZAR 1500
Multiple entry (6 months): ZAR 3000
Multiple entry (12 months): ZAR 6000
Note: Visa fees are non-refundable.
Payment can be made at the Embassy through our POS machine or in the Embassy’s account.
Banking Details:
Account Holder: Embassy of the Republic of Liberia
Bank Name: NEDBANK, Pretoria
Account Number: 1015513433
Branch Code: 15264500
Branch Name: NREB Pretoria
SA Representative
South African Embassy
House No 5, Old Sophie Road Congo Town.
Tel: + 231 88 088 5544
Email: motseped@dirco.gov.za
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
