Monrovia Secure Transportation Services

Secure Transportation and Executive Protection Services in Liberia

ETS Risk Management leverages extensive experience in secure transportation to provide tailored security solutions worldwide. With a deep understanding of regional threats, the team designs strategies that address specific security concerns, ensuring that each journey is as safe as possible. Whether navigating urban landscapes or remote areas, ETS’s expertise in risk management sets the standard for secure travel.

We are able to offer Secure Transport and Executive Protection services for the duration of your travels within Liberia. We have a highly trained, agile and highly trained team of security drivers and personal security officers all stemming from Military and Law Enforcement backgrounds, all highly experienced at managing high-risk/high-threat environments. 

Security Services in Liberia

ETS has a robust capability to provide clients a range of security services within Liberia and neighboring regions. We have local western expatriate resources available for project management of assignments, supported by trusted bi-lingual security drivers and vetted Executive Protection officers. 

For travel within Liberia, we strongly suggest a comprehensive security approach that includes pre-travel preparation and risk assessments, technical support, medical, and emergency response plans.

ETS Security Overview - Liberia

Liberia, a West African nation, has made significant strides in rebuilding after its prolonged civil wars, which ended in 2003. Since then, the country has transitioned to relative peace, democracy, and reconstruction. However, despite progress, Liberia faces a range of security challenges, including high levels of crime, political instability, corruption, and underdeveloped infrastructure. The country remains fragile, and travelers should be aware of potential risks, particularly in urban areas like the capital, Monrovia.

Monrovia, Liberia’s capital and largest city, is the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country. The city is home to key government institutions, foreign embassies, NGOs, and international businesses. Despite significant efforts to rebuild after the civil wars, Monrovia still faces considerable security challenges, including high crime rates, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure. While foreign visitors, expatriates, and business travelers are generally welcomed, the overall security environment requires heightened awareness and precautionary measures.

Crime is a significant concern in Monrovia, with both petty and violent crime occurring frequently, particularly in densely populated and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Criminal activity tends to increase after dark, and the local police are often under-resourced and have limited capacity to respond to crime effectively.  Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are the most common types of crime affecting tourists and expatriates. These incidents tend to occur in crowded areas such as markets, public transportation hubs, and beachfronts. Areas like Waterside Market, Red Light Market, and West Point are hotspots for petty crime. Travelers should be cautious when in crowded areas and avoid displaying valuables such as smartphones, jewelry, or cash. Violent crime, including armed robbery, muggings, and assaults, is prevalent, particularly in isolated areas or late at night. Reports of home invasions and carjackings are also relatively common. Foreign nationals may be specifically targeted due to their perceived wealth. Violent crime tends to escalate after dark, so travelers should avoid walking or driving alone at night.

Corruption is pervasive in Liberia and affects many aspects of daily life, from law enforcement to business operations. Travelers may encounter requests for bribes from government officials, police, or customs officers. Foreign nationals are sometimes asked for bribes during traffic stops or interactions with local officials. It is advisable to remain calm, request identification, and avoid offering bribes unless absolutely necessary to resolve a situation.

Monrovia is prone to certain natural hazards, particularly during the rainy season (May to October). The most common natural threats include flooding and the impacts of heavy rainfall on poorly maintained infrastructure. The country experiences heavy rains during the rainy season, which often leads to localized flooding, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods. Flooding can cause significant damage to infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and increase the risk of waterborne diseases. Poor drainage systems and unpaved roads exacerbate the problem.

Monrovia’s transportation infrastructure is underdeveloped, and travelers should exercise caution when using local transport services. Roads are often in poor condition, and traffic accidents are common due to reckless driving, poorly maintained vehicles, and limited traffic enforcement. Many roads in Monrovia are unpaved or poorly maintained, and driving conditions can become hazardous, particularly during the rainy season when roads may flood. Traffic accidents are frequent, often due to poor road conditions and the lack of enforcement of traffic laws. Travelers should avoid driving themselves and instead rely on trusted transportation services. Additionally, avoid driving at night as highway robbery is commonplace.

Public transportation in Monrovia, including minibuses and motorcycles (known as okadas), is widely used but considered unsafe due to overcrowding and poor vehicle maintenance. It is recommended to avoid public transport and instead use private taxis or pre-arranged transport from reliable companies.

Medical services are extremely poor in Liberia and there are very few trained medical personnel

Secure Airport Transfers in Monrovia

When traveling to Liberia it is important to pre-book your secure airport transfer before you depart. The security situation between the airport and Monrovia is considered dangerous; traveling unaccompanied at night will likely increase the risk to personal security.  ETS provides secure airport transfers in Monrovia that meet, escort, and transfer you safely with one of our in-country security drivers, and if required an Executive Protection officer.

All clients receive free access to our eLearning travel security course to take pre-departure if you so choose. Click here to learn more about ExploreSecure®.