Health

Before you travel check that: 

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

There is no reliable ambulance service in Liberia. If you need emergency medical treatment, you should make your own way to hospital. You can also get advice from your hotel or the local police. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Check TravelHealthPro’s current advice on Liberia to find out how to reduce the health risks you’ll face there. 

TravelHealthPro also lists the recommended vaccines that could apply to you. At least 8 weeks before you travel, check how to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Other health risks 

There is a risk of Lassa fever in Liberia, with several confirmed cases in 2023. Check TravelHealthPro’s information on Lassa fever. If you’re concerned that you might have been exposed to, or are showing symptoms of Lassa fever, get immediate medical advice.

The 2012 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 18,000 adults aged 15 or over in Liberia were living with HIV. The prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.9% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should use normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. 

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Medication is usually sold over the counter in pharmacies, without a prescription. Supplies can be unreliable and medications available in the UK may not be available in Liberia. Make sure you have adequate supplies of prescription medication, bearing in mind the risk of delays due to flight cancellations.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad

Healthcare facilities in Liberia 

Hospitals and medical facilities throughout Liberia are poorly equipped. Blood supplies are unreliable and unsafe, and medication is scarce.

There is no effective public or private accident and emergency or ambulance service anywhere in the country. Carry basic medical supplies.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, medical evacuation and repatriation. Most health care providers only accept cash payments. 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Liberia where some staff will speak English. 

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro