Travel Vaccines and Advice for Liberia
With National Museums, lively ports and beach towns and National Parks, Liberia offers a variety-filled experience for travellers.
Featuring a long string of beach towns and ports along its southeastern coastline, there’s no shortage of tropical paradises.
Surfers and avid beach 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?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Liberia
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Liberia?
What Is the Climate Like in Liberia?
How Safe Is Liberia?
Trekking Through the Rain Forest in Liberia
What Should I Take to Liberia?
Canadian Embassy in Liberia
Do I Need Vaccines for Liberia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Liberia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Liberia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
While no cases have been reported since 2016, there is a risk of an outbreak. Single adult booster is recommended. - 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-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Liberia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | While no cases have been reported since 2016, there is a risk of an outbreak. Single adult booster is recommended. |
| 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-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Liberia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is transmitted via fecally contaminated food or water, causing severe symptoms. To prevent it, practice hand-washing, consume safe water and food, and consider vaccination, especially when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), is a contagious liver infection. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Preventive measures include vaccination, good hygiene, and avoiding raw shellfish. The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective, requiring two doses for long-term protection.
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever, a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, causes a range of symptoms, including jaundice and bleeding. Preventing it is crucial. The yellow fever vaccine is administered at least 10 days before travel to endemic areas, providing long-lasting immunity and playing a vital role in controlling the virus’s spread.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral infection, spreads through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. Timely vaccination is crucial to prevent the disease in humans. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk individuals, while post-exposure prophylaxis is essential after potential exposure.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B prevention relies on vaccination as the most effective measure, recommended for all travellers and critical for healthcare workers. Practicing safe sex and using sterile equipment for body modifications are also key in reducing transmission risks.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. To combat these threats, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is imperative. This two-dose vaccine not only shields individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Yellow Fever in Liberia
Yellow fever is present throughout Liberia. Travellers are advised to receive the vaccine at least 10 days before arrival in the country. As yellow fever is common in Liberia, proof of vaccination may be required when entering another country.
Malaria in Liberia
Antimalarials are recommended for travellers to all regions of Liberia. Chloroquine resistance is present in the country. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are suggested as antimalarials if travelling to the region. Consult with a travel health specialist on which antimalarial will best fit your needs.
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.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Liberia
Prevent Bug Bites in Liberia
Prevent bug bites by wearing long clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug-prone hours and secure your sleeping space with nets and screens. If bitten, clean the affected area, avoid scratching, and consider over-the-counter treatments, while promptly seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
Food and Water Safety in Liberia
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travellers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Infections To Be Aware of in Liberia
- Dengue – Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including high fever and pain. The PHAC emphasizes prevention through avoiding mosquito bites by using repellents and removing standing water. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and hydration, avoiding certain pain relievers that can worsen bleeding risks.
- Ebola – Ebola, a deadly virus, spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention involves hand hygiene and avoiding individuals that are infected.
- Lassa Fever – Lassa fever, an endemic viral hemorrhagic fever, is transmitted through rodents and human contact. Preventive measures include strict hygiene and healthcare worker precautions.
- Mpox – Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is endemic to Africa. It can be transmitted from animals to humans and occasionally between people. Effective prevention strategies include vaccination against smallpox, avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals, and rigorous personal hygiene to mitigate human-to-human transmission.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated water. Avoiding contact with infected water sources and using protective clothing can reduce the risk of infection. Seeking medical evaluation promptly if symptoms such as fever and fatigue manifest enables timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications and promoting recovery.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Liberia?
Canadian citizens must have a valid passport and Liberian visa to enter the country. You cannot enter the country without a visa. Proof of yellow fever immunization is required to get a Liberian visa.
Liberia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Liberia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Liberia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
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 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit while 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 30.
- Harper – Harper, located in southern Liberia, has a tropical climate. It’s warmest month is April, when reaches highs of 30, 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 25 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 make sure doors are locked, and keep bags at your feet.
Trekking Through the Rain Forest in Liberia
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
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 cell phone– SIM cards, which are relatively cheap, 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 sunglasses to protect you from strong sun rays.
- Cash – Liberia is a cash-only country, and there are currently few ATM machines. Businesses and banks do not accept traveller’s checks, or credit cards as a form of payment.
- Scarf– During the summer in Liberia, it is possible to experience wind-borne sand and dust.
Canadian Embassy in Liberia
There is no standing Canadian Embassy in Liberia, but there is a Canadian Embassy in the neighboring country of Cote d’Ivoire, or Ivory Coast. Consular services would need to be conducted at one of the other surrounding countries with consular facilities. According to the Canadian Government’s website, there is no centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.
Canadian Embassy Abidjan, Ivory Coast
23 Nogues Avenue, Plateau
Abidjan Trade Centre Building, 6th and 7th Floors
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Tel: (+ 225) 20 30 07 00
Fax: (+ 225) 20 30 07 20
If you have any questions about travelling to Liberia or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Liberia
“Very knowledgeable and thorough. I did not feel rushed and any and all questions about Liberia I had were answered. I would definitely recommend this clinic.”
“If only our regular health clinics were as friendly! The woman who helped me was very knowledgeable and asked me if I had any other questions about Liberia, and took her time explaining things to me. I could not have asked for better service.”
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