# Updated Travel Advisory: What Ottawa Residents Need to Know Before Visiting Liberia
If you’re planning a trip to Liberia from Ottawa, an important update was just issued by the Government of Canada that deserves your attention. As of March 26, 2026, Liberia remains at **Level 2 — Exercise a High Degree of Caution**, with recent changes to the health advisory information that all Canadian travellers should review before departure.
## Understanding the Current Risk Level
A Level 2 advisory means that while travel to Liberia is not prohibited, visitors need to take extra precautions beyond what they might exercise in other destinations. The “exercise a high degree of caution” designation reflects ongoing concerns about personal safety and security throughout the country, particularly related to crime and the potential for civil unrest.
## Security Concerns for Visitors
Property crime remains a persistent issue in Liberia, especially in crowded markets and tourist areas where pickpocketing and bag snatching are common. More concerning is that criminals are frequently armed, and violent incidents including armed robbery, assault, and vehicle theft do occur. While serious crimes primarily affect locals, foreign visitors have been targeted in some cases.
The lack of reliable electricity in many areas, including parts of the capital Monrovia, creates additional safety challenges after dark. Armed home invasions have been reported in Monrovia and surrounding cities, making accommodation security an important consideration.
Political demonstrations happen periodically and can escalate without warning, leading to traffic disruptions and potential violence. The terrorism threat, while not specific to any recent incident, means remaining vigilant in public spaces, transportation hubs, and popular gathering spots.
## Health Preparation Is Critical
Beyond security concerns, Ottawa travellers heading to Liberia face significant health risks that require advance preparation. Liberia is located in a tropical region where diseases uncommon in Canada—including yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, and hepatitis A—pose real threats to unvaccinated visitors.
This is precisely why pre-travel health planning should be your first step, not an afterthought. A comprehensive travel health consultation allows you to understand which vaccinations are required versus recommended, receive prescriptions for antimalarial medications, and learn about food and water safety practices specific to Liberia.
Additionally, preparing a proper medical kit with supplies that may be unavailable or unreliable in-country gives you peace of mind. Your travel health consultation should happen at least 4-6 weeks before departure, as some vaccines require multiple doses or time to become effective.
## Take Action Before You Travel
Don’t wait until the last minute to address both your safety planning and health preparation. Review the full Government of Canada advisory, register with the embassy, ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation, and most importantly, get professional travel health advice tailored to your specific itinerary and medical history.
Travelling to Liberia? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.