Last Updated:
October 29, 2007 13:28
EDT
Still Valid:
November 15, 2007 23:36
EST
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1. RECENT UPDATES
The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.
A link has been updated in Section 4.
See our Current Issues page for more information on flooding in Liberia.
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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Liberia(IDW10)
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel
Liberia is still recovering from a devastating civil war, which began in 1999 and ended in August 2003, when a comprehensive peace agreement was signed. A transitional power-sharing government has been in place until the actual president was elected in November 2005. No major security problems were reported during the 2005 elections, and the general tensions that surrounded the event have now largely subsided. The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has now completed its disarmament program. Social and economic infrastructure reconstruction is ongoing and progress has been made in resettling refugees and displaced persons from neighbouring countries, reintegrating former combatants, respecting human rights and the rule of law, creating a stable environment and paving the way for economic development and fighting corruption.
However, the security situation in Liberia remains unpredictable. Mass movement of people aggravates the already poor economic conditions, especially in Monrovia and in other cities, where the presence of refugees is putting a strain on food and shelter resources. Looting and robbery, often at gunpoint, is being reported throughout the country. Fighting and demonstrations can occur anywhere at any time.
Avoid unnecessary travel to the areas bordering Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast, where the presence of rebels and refugees contributes to instabilities.
Canadians who remain in Liberia despite this warning must evaluate their personal security situation very carefully, exercise caution, and contact the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (see section 5 below), for the latest developments.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense.
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.
Security problems persist in all areas including Monrovia, particularly in isolated locations. Local authorities are going through a restructuring process and can be overextended at times, particularly during times of demonstrations and other crowd movements. However, UNMIL provides the authorities with support and guarantees of limited security on major roads as well as around Monrovia and the main population centers. Many outlying regions are not yet controlled. All travel outside Monrovia after dark is inadvisable. Tourist facilities are extremely limited in Monrovia and may be non-existent outside the capital.
You should carry personal photographic identification with you at all times, preferably a certified true copy of your passport’s identification page.
Telecommunications are poor in Monrovia and non-existent elsewhere. Water is not commercially available in Monrovia and there is no functioning sewage system. There is still no reliable supply of electricity in Monrovia. Lodging, fuel, and transportation services are severely limited or non-existent in rural areas. You should keep sufficient supplies of food, water and other essentials.
Despite the return to peace, arms trafficking and illegal logging operations continue. Corruption is still present at all levels. Crime is high in the capital and throughout the country. Thefts and assaults are prevalent, particularly at night. Residential armed break-ins are common. Police forces cannot provide protection. Do not leave valuables unattended in vehicles. Avoid displays of affluence. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure valuables, passports, and other travel documents are secure.
If you intend to conduct business in Liberia or with Liberians, you should be aware of the high rate of commercial fraud. Further details are available in Section 12 of this report.
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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Liberian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 28, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. Liberia does not have accredited representation in Canada.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Liberia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Tourist Visa: Required
Ordinary Visa: Required
Diplomatic Visa: Required
Official Visa: Required
Travellers are required to carry evidence of yellow fever and cholera vaccinations.
Immigration officials at the airport may authorize permits for a 48-hour stay only. Travellers wishing to stay longer must present their passport to the Central Bureau of Immigration on Broad Street in downtown Monrovia. The Central Bureau issues permits for stays up to three months for a US$100 fee. There is a US$25 departure tax to be paid in cash at the airport.
A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
There is no resident Canadian government office in Liberia. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - ABIDJAN, Embassy of Canada
Address: Immeuble Trade Centre, 23 avenue Nogues, Le Plateau, Abidjan
Postal Address: P.O. Box 4104, Abidjan, 01
Tel.: 225 20.30.07.00
Fax: 225 20.30.07.20
E-Mail: abdjn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.abidjan.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and follow the instructions. You may also call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.
Homosexual activity is illegal.
Possession of pornographic materials is illegal.
Avoid photography of military installations, air and seaports, bridges and important government buildings.
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7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY
It is advised to use a four-wheel drive vehicle for overland travel, since roads and bridges are rarely paved and poorly maintained, and moreover their conditions deteriorate significantly during the rainy season (see section 8 below). Overloaded vehicles frequently stop without signalling and pedestrians routinely dodge traffic. Many vehicles are equipped with worn-out tires and blowouts are frequent. There are no operating traffic lights; exercise caution when approaching intersections. It may be difficult to see pedestrians at night due to a lack of streetlights. Travel after dark is particularly dangerous and is not recommended.
Drivers may be required to pull off the road with headlights turned off when high-speed car convoys carrying government officials announce their presence. It is advisable to wait a few minutes after the convoy passes before returning on the road.
Delays should be expected at UNMIL security checkpoints.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Roberts International Airport (RIA) is located 56 km outside Monrovia. Daytime air service is very limited. With the supervision of UNMIL, the airport is accessible, but travelers should expect frequently crowded and disorganized conditions. Since public transportation to Monrovia is not reliable, you should make previous arrangements in order to leave the airport accompanied by a driver.
None of the railways in Liberia are in operation.
The currency is the Liberian dollar (LRD). The economy is cash-based. U.S. dollars are widely accepted and easily converted into local currency. Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted and are subject to a substantial fee. ATMs are unavailable. Credit and debit cards are not accepted anywhere in Liberia.
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8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The rainy season extends from May to November. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
From December to March, dust-laden Harmattan winds blow from the Sahara.
If visiting the beach, swimmers should be aware of dangerous currents.
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9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities and emergency services are poor in Monrovia and non-existent elsewhere. Medicines are scarcely available.
As HIV/AIDS infection rate is high in Liberia, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.
Because of the poor level of sanitation throughout the country, the spread of infectious diseases may pose a serious threat to travelers. You should only drink boiled or bottled water and take measures to reduce the risk of insect bites.
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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Returning to Canada
Traveller's Checklist
Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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12. ANNEX
TIPS FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS TO LIBERIA
Recognizing a Business Scam
The Embassy of Canada in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (located at 23 Noguès Avenue, Le Plateau, Abidjan), along with many other embassies, frequently handles "scam" cases. Business people, many of them experienced in overseas transactions, have lost thousands of dollars to scams. Occasionally, persons who have gone to Liberia to "finalize" deals have been threatened or assaulted. Local police and other officials have not provided assistance to those caught up in scams.
Caution should be exercised when contemplating any business transaction involving Liberia. The scams range from attempts to engage business people in fictitious money transfer schemes to fraudulent solicitations to supply goods in fulfillment of non-existent Liberian government contracts. The scams are very sophisticated and may take victims to staged meetings, often held in borrowed offices at Liberian government ministries or at overseas locations. The persons involved do their research and can often provide plausible, but non-existent, orders written on seemingly genuine government stationery, replete with official stamps and seals.
Liberian business scams are not always easy to recognize, and any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully scrutinized. There are, nevertheless, some indicators that are warnings of a probable scam. Look out for:
Any offer of a substantial percentage of a large sum of money to be transferred into your account in return for your "discretion" or "confidentiality";
Any deal that seems too good to be true;
Requests for signed and stamped blank letterhead or invoices, or for bank account information;
Requests for urgent air shipment, accompanied by an instrument of payment whose genuineness cannot immediately be established;
Solicitation letters or e-mails claiming that the soliciting party has personal ties to senior Liberian officials;
Requests for advance payment in U.S. dollars, in advance of transfer taxes or incorporation fees;
Statements that your name was provided to the soliciting party either by someone you do not know or by a "reliable contact";
Promises of advance payment for services to be provided to the Liberian government;
Claims that a Liberian visa is not necessary or that arrival in Liberia should be overland from a neighbouring country;
Resistance by Liberian partners to your checking in with the local Canadian government office;
Any offer to supply oil; and
Any offer of a charitable donation.
These indicators are some of the most common hallmarks of Liberian scam operations. The list is not all-inclusive, as scam operators are constantly weaving new elements into their schemes. The best rule is to carefully check any unsolicited business proposal originating from Liberia or involving Liberians before any funds are committed, before any goods or services are provided, or before any travel is undertaken.
How Do the Scams Work?
Liberian business scams are confidence schemes, designed to exploit the trust you develop in your Liberian partner and defraud you of goods, services, or money. The scams are flexible, and operators adapt them to take the greatest advantage of the target.
Solicitation letters or e-mails received in Canada may sometimes originate in countries neighbouring Liberia (i.e. Sierra Leone or Côte d'Ivoire), in Europe, or in North America; however, you may be requested to visit Liberia to finalize the deal.
Here is a brief description of some of the most common schemes:
Money Transfer: The operator claims to have a large sum of money, usually millions of dollars, that needs to be transferred to a "safe" bank account abroad. You, as the bank account owner, are promised a percentage of the huge sum, just for allowing the use of your account. You may be asked to provide blank, signed invoices, letterhead, and bank account information, or to send money for transfer taxes. Some businesses have found their accounts looted by the persons to whom they sent account information.
Fraudulent Order: The operator usually places a small order, paying with a genuine cashier's cheque drawn on a foreign bank. The operator then places another, somewhat larger order, again paying with a genuine instrument. Then you receive an order by courier. Your Liberian partner urgently needs a large quantity of your product air-shipped. Confident in your partner, you ship, but this time the cashier's cheque (which looks the same) is a forgery.
Experienced business people usually require full payment in advance of shipment or an irrevocable letter of credit confirmed by a reputable international bank.
Charitable Donation: The operator offers to make a donation to your organization, asking for bank account information (see Money Transfer, above). Then the operator loots the account or asks for advance payment of a fee to ensure conversion of Liberian dollars into U.S. dollars.
Contract: The operator claims to have a Liberian government contract and needs your company's expertise to carry out the job. The operator scams you by collecting thousands of dollars in "fees" before you can do business.
Business Opportunity: The operator convinces you to explore a business opportunity by visiting Liberia. Once you arrive, the operator takes charge of your life, trying to keep you from contacting friends, family, or the Canadian government office in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. By various means, sometimes including violence or threats of violence, the operator extracts money from you. This type of scam becomes particularly dangerous for a victim who has entered Liberia without a valid Liberian visa, issued by a Liberian embassy or consulate.
All travellers MUST have a visa prior to arrival in Liberia and must pass through immigration formalities upon entry into the country. Letters addressed to immigration officials have no validity.
CONTACT INFORMATION
International Trade Canada
Africa and Middle East Trade Division
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2 Ask for the Commercial Officer responsible for Liberia at (613) 944-4000. If you already have a contact name, you can also fax your request at (613) 996-9709.
Embassy of the Republic of Liberia
5201 - 16th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20011
U.S.A.
Tel.: 202-723-0437
Fax: 202-723-0436
Web site: http://www.embassyofliberia.org/
E-mail: info@embassyofliberia.org
Commercial Crime Branch
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0R2
Tel.: 613-991-4331
Fax: 613-993-4299
PhoneBusters National Call Centre
P.O. Box 686
North Bay, ON
P1B 8J8
Tel.: 1 888 495-8501 or 705-495-8501
Fax: 1 888 654-9426 or 705-494-4755
Website: http://www.phonebusters.com/
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