COVID-19 Information | U.S. Embassy in Liberia

Last updated: August 24, 2020

Country-Specific Information:

• Liberia has confirmed COVID-19 within its borders. The Ministry of Health announced a “Revised COVID-19 Declaration of National Health Emergency” on July 22 that promulgates public health laws and protocols to curtail the spread of COVID-19, such as the wearing of face masks in public and at government institutions, practicing social distancing, and washing hands.  In addition, the declaration established capacity limits for banks, supermarkets, and public transportation.  Refer to the Ministry of Health announcement for full details.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes.
• The Department of State has issued a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” Health Advisory for Liberia due to COVID-19.
• The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism announced the following health measures and protocols for arriving passengers at Roberts International Airport:

1. All passengers will be required to have their temperature taken for symptoms of COVID-19 and register via phone numbers/USSD Mobile App.
2. All arriving passengers who have been tested at point of departure must present a valid negative result document on arrival at RIA.
3. All arriving passengers who have not been tested at point of departure will be required to take a rapid test and a PCR swab at airport.
   1. In the event of a positive rapid test result, the passenger will be taken to a government-designated Precautionary Observation Center (POC) pending the final PCR test result.
   2. Passengers having negative test results will be allowed to go home pending final PCR test. There will be continued symptom monitoring via USSD and Mobile App.

Departing passengers:

On August 8, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) published a COVID-19 testing requirement for all individuals departing Liberia by land, sea, or air at least 72 hours prior to departure but the information was removed on August 10.  Travelers should monitor NPHIL and the Ministry of Health on-line sites for changes to the departure policy and adhere to any testing requirements in place by airlines.

Travelers departing Liberia from Roberts International Airport should follow procedures below, as published June 27 by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism:

1. All passengers are to arrive four hours before check-in time.
2. All passengers must wear a face mask.
3. Only ticketed passengers will be allowed entry into the airport.
4. All passengers entering the airport gate will be subject to mandatory screening.
5. All passengers will be required to wash their hands.
6. Passengers will be required to stand in marked spaces within the terminal area.

• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
• Residents and tourists in Liberia should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for questions regarding visa extensions.

Movement Restrictions:

• Is a curfew in place? No
• Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No

Quarantine Information:

• Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
• All arriving passengers who have not been tested at point of departure will be required to take a rapid test and a PCR swab at the airport upon arrival in Liberia.  In the event of a positive rapid test result, the passenger will be taken to a government-designated Precautionary Observation Center (POC) pending the final PCR test result.

COVID-19 Testing:

• U.S. citizens may obtain a COVID-19 test through the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) at SKD Stadium. Call 4455 for details.

Transportation Options:

• Are commercial flights operating? Yes
• Is public transportation operating? Yes
• Refer to the “Revised COVID-19 Declaration of National Health Emergency” for requirements for using public transportation.

Entering the United States:

• For information about entry into the United States for U.S. citizens, please visit the S. Department of State website.  U.S. visa holders and lawful permanent residents should refer to the Department of Homeland Security for the latest travel restrictions that may apply to you, including  the March 11 Presidential Proclamation implementing restrictions for travelers present in the Schengen area (PP 9993) (which includes transiting via Brussels) within 14 days of attempted entry to the United States.  In addition, non-immigrant and immigrant visa holders should be aware of the April 22 Presidential Proclamation  and the new June 22 Presidential Proclamation also on the DHS website.
• While many visa classes are subject to restrictions for travelers present in the Schengen area (PP 9993), student travelers with a valid F-1 or M-1 visa who are applying for or have valid visas may travel to the United States even as PP 9993 remains in effect; please refer to the State Department’s website. Students must still meet all Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) requirements. 

Getting to Liberia:

• If you plan to transit Europe en route to Liberia, refer to state.gov for more information. 

Consular Operations:

• Routine services for U.S. citizens are suspended. Email emergency requests to ACSMonrovia@state.gov.
• Routine visa and DNA appointments are suspended.

Local Resources:

• Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism
• National Public Health Institute of Liberia
• Liberian Ministry of Health web page
• Executive Mansion website

Other links:

• COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
• CDC page on COVID-19
• Liberia Country Information and Travel Advisory page

Source