Exercise Increased Caution
“There was no change to the advisory level. The “health” risk indictor was added.”
Updated Thu, 11 Dec 2025
Full advisory →Is Monrovia safe? 🇱🇷
Liberia · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Monrovia scores 63/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes — Monrovia is generally safe for visitors who follow sensible precautions, but petty crime and occasional unrest can pose risks. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Monrovia 🇱🇷
Liberia · Assessed 29 July 2026
63
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~62% of countries
What drives this score
Crime61/100FairHomicide 3.1 / 100k
Sentiment63/100FairMixed
Advisories72Good
Stability60Fair
Health78Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-05-27T13:27:30Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Liberia: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-22T14:05:10.160000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Homicide rate
3.1 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Liberia3.1World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
77
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed robberies are rare but can occur in poorly lit areas and at night; most incidents target locals rather than tourists
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag‑snatching are common in crowded markets, bus stations, and near beaches, especially after dark
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Reported feel68Mixed
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Recent traveler forums and expatriate blogs indicate that most visitors feel safe during daylight when they stay in well‑patrolled neighborhoods and use vetted transport, but they report anxiety after dark and in informal commercial areas.
Yes — Monrovia is generally safe for visitors who follow sensible precautions, but petty crime and occasional unrest can pose risks.
The multi‑database profile rates Liberia’s composite safety index at 63/100 (MODERATE), with crime scoring 61 and governance indicators low. Official advisories place Liberia at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) and the Canadian advisory at “high degree of caution.” Recent news shows isolated incidents of police corruption, a protest‑related tear‑gas deployment, and a cocaine‑related investigation, but no widespread violence targeting tourists. Visitor‑reported sentiment is mixed but leans positive when travelers stay alert and avoid high‑risk zones.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Police Inspector General relieved a Crime Services Deputy over alleged $10,000 cocaine payment scandal— allAfrica.com
- May 2026SUP protest shut down after police used tear gas in downtown Monrovia— The New Dawn Liberia
- Apr 2026Armed robbery at a beachside vendor in Sinkor reported; suspect fled with cash and merchandise— CBC
Common scams
- Currency‑exchange overcharging at informal stalls
- Taxi drivers demanding inflated fares or refusing to use meters
- Fake “tour guide” scams offering unauthorized excursions near beaches
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Monrovia is generally safe for visitors who follow sensible precautions, but petty crime and occasional unrest can pose risks. The multi‑database profile rates Liberia’s composite safety index at 63/100 (MODERATE), with crime scoring 61 and governance indicators low. Official advisories place Liberia at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) and the Canadian advisory at “high degree of caution.” Recent news shows isolated incidents of police corruption, a protest‑related tear‑gas deployment, and a cocaine‑related investigation, but no widespread violence targeting tourists.
Pickpocketing and bag‑snatching are common in crowded markets, bus stations, and near beaches, especially after dark, so keep belongings secure and avoid flashy displays of wealth. Armed robberies are rare but can occur in poorly lit areas; most incidents target locals rather than tourists. Use reputable ride‑hailing apps or arrange transport through your hotel, and avoid walking alone after dark in neighborhoods such as West Point, Red Light, Waterside, and the market districts of Sinkor. Carry only a photocopy of your passport, keep the original in a hotel safe, and be wary of unofficial currency‑exchange offers and taxi drivers who demand inflated fares. By staying alert, using vetted transportation, and steering clear of high‑risk zones after sunset, you can enjoy Monrovia’s vibrant culture and scenery while minimizing safety concerns.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Monrovia districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Monrovia safety map.
West Pointavoidavoid for travelers because of high crime rates and documented violent incidents targeting foreigners
Red Lightavoidavoid for travelers due to frequent armed robberies and reported scams targeting tourists
Congo Towncautioncaution for visitors due to petty crime and occasional armed incidents after dark
ELWA Junctioncautioncaution for visitors as armed robberies and petty theft are common, especially after dark
Broad Streetcautioncaution for visitors due to petty theft and occasional scams in busy market environments
Sinkorsafersafe for daytime activities with low crime but stay alert to pickpocketing in crowded markets
Monrovia City Centresafersafe for daytime visits to commercial areas but caution advised after dark due to sporadic violent crime
Johnstonsafersafe for daytime activities with low crime but maintain situational awareness in crowded spaces
07 · After Dark
Is Monrovia safe at night?
Armed robberies are rare but can occur in poorly lit areas and at night; most incidents target locals rather than tourists
After dark, be most careful around West Point, Red Light, Congo Town, ELWA Junction. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Monrovia's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight62
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight63
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight64
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight62
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight65
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight63
09 · Questions
Monrovia safety FAQ
Is Monrovia safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Monrovia is generally safe for visitors who follow sensible precautions, but petty crime and occasional unrest can pose risks. The multi‑database profile rates Liberia’s composite safety index at 63/100 (MODERATE), with crime scoring 61 and governance indicators low. Official advisories place Liberia at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) and the Canadian advisory at “high degree of caution.” Recent news shows isolated incidents of police corruption, a protest‑related tear‑gas deployment, and a cocaine‑related investigation, but no widespread violence targeting tourists. Visitor‑reported sentiment is mixed but leans positive when travelers stay alert and avoid high‑risk zones. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Monrovia should tourists avoid?
Field research flags West Point, Red Light as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Monrovia?
- Currency‑exchange overcharging at informal stalls
- Taxi drivers demanding inflated fares or refusing to use meters
- Fake “tour guide” scams offering unauthorized excursions near beaches
How does Monrovia compare with other places in Liberia?
Monrovia scores 63/100 — see the Liberia safety overview for country-level data.
How is this Monrovia safety score calculated?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Nearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Liberia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: monrovia.json (CC BY 4.0).