Living in Liberia as a French National: Visa, Monrovia, Currency and Daily Life

Liberia, which extends over 111,370 km² on the Atlantic coast, has about 5.6 million inhabitants (World Bank). The capital is Monrovia, the official language English, and the currency the Liberian dollar, while the US dollar also circulates commonly (France Diplomatie, country presentation). GDP per inhabitant is below 1,000 dollars, and the country is among the lowest in the human development index ranking (France Diplomatie).

Liberia’s advantages lie in the use of English for business and NGOs, the presence of international organisations and an economy driven by mining and services: France Diplomatie indicates that growth rests mainly on mining and on services. The constraints are real: the state of the roads, scarcity of cash, a very limited care offer and vulnerability to tropical diseases. The French nationals present most often work in humanitarian work, mining, cooperation and NGOs.

The other pages of this guide give the details: working in Liberia, the healthcare system, healthcare reimbursement and retirement in Liberia. Updated economic indicators appear in the block above.

French nationals must obtain a visa. Residents of France or of a country with Liberian representation apply to the competent Liberian embassy, in person or in writing; residents of a country without Liberian representation submit their application online on the Liberia Immigration Service website (visaonarrival.lis.gov.lr). France Diplomatie warns that no other website is authorised to process online visa applications. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the planned return date and a return ticket is required.

The official portal of the Liberia Immigration Service details the visa on arrival: a non-refundable fee of 102.5 US dollars, payable by card; approval is valid for one entry within three months; the length of stay, 30 or 90 days, is set by the officer at the airport according to the estimated length of the visit; the visa on arrival is available at Roberts international airport. The application must be submitted at least seven days before the flight. A re-entry permit allows multiple entries; it is requested once in the country. A work permit is required before starting work, through a dedicated portal.

Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory to enter the territory. For currency, importing is allowed without declaration up to 10,000 US dollars. If you plan an overland trip to Côte d’Ivoire, a valid Ivorian visa is needed, and the Côte d’Ivoire embassy in Monrovia issues visas only to Liberians and to foreigners who have lived in Liberia for more than six months.

The French embassy in Liberia is located at 98 A UN Drive, Mamba Point, in Monrovia (+231 77 059 93 73). It does not issue passports: it can issue an emergency laissez-passer, valid only for returning to France, and other steps fall to the French consulate general in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), competent for Liberia. Outside office hours, the consulate general’s duty line can be reached on +225 20 20 74 17.

Register on the register of French nationals living abroad, recommended for a stay of more than six months, and on Fil d’Ariane (the French foreign ministry’s traveller registration service). The embassy’s capacity to help is limited in a crisis: France Diplomatie recalls that French nationals are responsible for their own safety, hence the importance of insurance with repatriation (assistance and repatriation).

Monrovia concentrates the embassy, international organisations, NGOs and most services. France Diplomatie describes a medium level of crime, concentrated in Monrovia, and recommends avoiding the districts of West Point, Somalia Drive and Red Light as well as the large markets of Omega and Douala Market, where the risks of assault are higher. Streets are poorly lit: avoid travelling alone at night.

Outside the capital, paved roads serve the Monrovia–Ganta, Monrovia–Loguato (via Sanniquellie), Monrovia–Buchanan and Monrovia–Robertsport routes; the rest of the network consists of tracks in poor condition. The border areas of several counties (Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Lofa on the border with Sierra Leone; part of Nimba; Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Maryland on the border with Côte d’Ivoire) are advised against except for compelling reasons; the rest of the country is under heightened vigilance.

None of the official sources read publishes rents: the employer, the embassy and residents are the best relays. The 90-day checklist helps you organise your move.

Two currencies circulate: the Liberian dollar (Liberty dollar, LRD) and the US dollar (USD). ATMs are irregular, even out of order: France Diplomatie advises bringing US dollars before departure. Large businesses (hotels, supermarkets) accept bank cards, but everyday purchases are made in cash.

To drive, an international driving permit is compulsory and is requested before departure from the ANTS (the French agency for secure documents). A 4x4 vehicle and a driver who knows the country are recommended; seat belts are compulsory and fuel shortages frequent. Road signs are almost non-existent, pedestrians and stray animals are numerous and serious accidents frequent, notably with motorcycle taxis and “kekes”: France Diplomatie recommends favouring a trusted local driver and licensed taxis. Roberts airport is 58 km from Monrovia, with no public transport, schedules there are often disrupted and there is no national airline.

The rainy season runs from May to December: floods, landslides and impassable roads. On the Atlantic coast, currents are strong and swimming dangerous. The terrorist risk is not ruled out; France Diplomatie recommends particular vigilance in hotels and entertainment venues. In rural areas, violence can erupt over land disputes or the exploitation of mining and forest resources, security forces having limited means.

Basic advice: doors locked and windows closed in the car, valuables hidden, no signs of wealth or large sums of money, identity documents kept in a safe place with photocopies, and no resistance in case of assault. Outside Monrovia, seek advice from local contacts and use only the main roads.

The official sources read list no French school in Liberia: families should ask the French embassy and the consulate general in Abidjan, who point to possible solutions (international schools, distance learning) and to school scholarships for a French child enrolled in an establishment approved by the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) or the Mission laïque française. See expat family insurance and children’s cover.

France Diplomatie presents as indispensable an assistance contract or insurance covering medical costs (hospitalisation, surgery) and medical repatriation, the embassy being unable under any circumstances to cover these costs. See expat health insurance; Expavy helps you compare offers according to your status.