The US Department of State has issued a level-three travel advisory to American citizens, cautioning them to reconsider their travel plan to Liberia during the COVID-19 as well as electioneering periods.
In a Travel Advisory, released by the US Embassy near Monrovia on October 22, 2020, the US government, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), issued a Level-3 Travel Health Notice for Liberia, warning its citizens to reconsider their travel to Liberia due to COVID-19.
Also, the US Department of State has called on American citizens to exercise increased caution due to the up-coming elections and crime, requesting those who insist on traveling to read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel.
The US Department of State confirmed that Liberia has resumed airport operations, and that business operations have also resumed as have schools for grades six through twelve. Other improved conditions have been reported within Liberia, and elections are scheduled for December 8, 2020. During the election season, the US government said, frequent demonstrations and rallies, both planned and spontaneous, are likely, and there is a heightened risk of violence.
“Violent crime, such as armed robbery, is common, particularly in urban areas and on public beaches. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes.
“The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside greater Monrovia at night as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital or between counties after dark (with the exception of travel to and from Roberts International Airport),” the US Travel Advisory warned.
“If you decide to travel to Liberia: see the U.S. Embassy’s webpage regarding COVID-19; visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19; enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency; follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter; and review the Crime and Safety Report for Liberia. U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist,” the Department of State warned.