On August 7, 2014 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning advising against non-essential travel to Liberia. After review of health conditions, the U.S. Department of State ordered the departure of family members residing with Embassy staff in Monrovia. The Embassy recommended this action out of an abundance of caution following the determination that there was a lack of options for routine health care services at major medical facilities due to the Ebola outbreak.
There have been major accomplishments in the fight against Ebola, and for the first time in several months we are seeing lower rates of new infections, reduced demand at Ebola treatment units, and other positive signs. Embassy Monrovia now has access to pre-Ebola level health care and most of the clinics and hospitals that were available and adequate for at least outpatient referral prior to the Ebola epidemic have re-opened, offering basic services, with improved infection control practices. The national response plan for infection control has continued to improve and move toward wider implementation, and is believed to be at pre-Ebola levels or better. Due to these changes, as of January 21, 2015 the U.S. Department of State has lifted the ordered departurePlease be advised that while most hospitals and clinics have reopened, only basic services are provided. If you arrive in Liberia and subsequently need routine or emergency medical care, you should expect limited options. Travelers are advised that air carriers chartered by medical evacuation insurance companies may not be able to provide timely services in Liberia or the region. Policy holders should confirm the availability of medical evacuation services prior to travel. While commercial flights are still available from Monrovia, some airlines have discontinued service and flights may be more difficult to obtain. Please review the Travel Alert issued December 2, 2014.
The Department of State urges those U.S. citizens who decide to travel to or remain in Liberia to provide their current contact information through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Liberia. For additional information, refer to the Traveler's Checklist on the State Department’s website.
Check U.S. Embassy Monrovia’s website for up-to-date messages to U.S. citizens. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
U.S. Embassy Monrovia is located at 502 Benson St, Mamba Point. Telephone: +231 (0)77-677-7000. Emergency after-hours telephone: +231 (0)77-677-7000.
