WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Liberia

Location

Climate

Liberia is a West African country that is attracting more and more travelers thanks to its paradisiacal beaches, lush nature and rich culture.

Low and high tourist season periods

Liberia's climate is tropical, with two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Each of these seasons has its advantages and disadvantages for tourists:

• Rainy season (May to October) : This is the low tourist season. Rainfall is abundant, especially between July and September. However, accommodation and flight prices can be more attractive at this time of year.
• Dry season (November to April) : This is Liberia's peak tourist season. The weather is generally warm and sunny, which encourages outdoor activities and the discovery of the country's natural sites. Accommodation and flight prices are often higher during this period.

The best months to visit Liberia

If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a pleasant climate, the months of November, December, January and February are preferred. Temperatures are generally between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, and the weather is sunny with little precipitation. It's also an ideal time to discover the country's natural sites and enjoy the beaches.

Public holidays and major cultural events

The Liberian calendar is packed with public holidays and cultural events that can have an impact on tourist numbers and accommodation availability. Here are the main events and public holidays to be aware of:

• January 1 - New Year's Day : As in many countries, the first day of the year is a public holiday in Liberia. New Year's festivities often take place the day before, and sometimes continue into the following day.
• February 11 - Armed Forces Day : This day celebrates the Liberian armed forces and is marked by military parades, official ceremonies and commemorative events.
• March 15 - Remembrance Day : Liberia pays tribute to its national heroes and to those who have contributed to the country's development. Ceremonies and cultural events are organized throughout the country.
• April 12 - Day of Reconciliation: This day commemorates the reconciliation efforts between the different Liberian communities following the end of the civil war in 2003. It is marked by cultural and artistic events.
• May 14 - Labour Day : This is an important date for Liberian workers, who celebrate their rights and social gains on this holiday.
• July 26 - Independence Day: Liberia celebrates its independence in 1847 with a wide variety of festive events, including parades, musical performances and fireworks.
• August 24 - National holiday : Liberia's national holiday is an opportunity for people to celebrate their identity, history and cultural diversity. Numerous activities and events are planned for the day.
• December 25 - Christmas : Although Liberia is predominantly Christian, Christmas is also celebrated in a more traditional way, with carols, dances and family meals.

Major cultural events

Liberia is rich in cultural events that bear witness to its diversity and heritage. Here are some of the main events not to be missed:

• Poro Festival: This traditional event generally takes place between January and March in the villages of the Kpelle ethnic group. It celebrates the end of the initiation cycle for young men into the Poro secret society. Festivities include dancing, singing and theatrical performances.
• National Festival of Arts and Culture: Held every two years, this festival brings together artists and craftspeople from all over the country to showcase their creations and share their know-how. Dance, music, theater and art exhibitions are on the program of this major event in Liberian cultural life.
• Monrovia International Film Festival: This annual festival showcases African and international cinema, presenting a selection of films and documentaries. Meetings with filmmakers, conferences and workshops are also offered during this not-to-be-missed event for film buffs.

Liberia immigration statistics

Located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Liberia has long been considered a refuge for people fleeing war and persecution. Since the late 1990s, the country has seen a significant influx of immigrants from neighboring countries such as Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria. In addition, many Liberians living abroad have also chosen to return to their homeland to help rebuild it after decades of conflict. According to World Bank data, the number of immigrants to Liberia was estimated at around 126,000 in 2019This represents almost 3 % of the total population. Most of these immigrants come from the neighboring countries mentioned above, but there are also nationals from other African, European and North American countries.

Most popular visas in Liberia

The most popular visas for entering Liberia are the following:

• Tourist visa : This type of visa is issued to people wishing to visit Liberia for vacations or to visit friends and family. Validity generally varies between 30 and 90 days.
• Business visa: It is intended for people who intend to carry out business or professional activities in Liberia, such as attending conferences, business meetings or training courses. This visa may be valid for a single entry or for several entries over a period of up to one year.
• Work visa: This visa is granted to foreigners wishing to work in Liberia, particularly in the construction, oil & gas, telecommunications and agricultural sectors. It is generally valid for one year and can be renewed.
• Student visa: It is issued to international students wishing to pursue their studies in Liberia at higher education institutions accredited by the Liberian government. The period of validity depends on the length of the program of study.

International tourism figures for Liberia

Liberia is a booming tourist destination, thanks to its white sandy beaches, lush rainforests and rich cultural history. Although the tourism sector is still developing, figures show a significant increase in the number of international visitors in recent years. In 2019, Liberia welcomed approximately 125,000 international touristsaccording to data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This represents an increase of almost 60 % over the number of visitors in 2008. The main countries of origin for tourists are UNITED STATESthe France, THE United Kingdom, l'Germany and the China.

International tourism spending

Spending on international tourism has also grown significantly in Liberia. According to the UNWTO, revenues from international tourism reached around US$50 million in 201930 million in 2008. This increase reflects not only the rise in visitor numbers, but also the improvement in tourism infrastructure and the range of services available to tourists.

Tourism's influence on the Liberian economy

Tourism plays an increasingly important role in the Liberian economy. It contributes to job creation, foreign investment and economic diversification. Key areas benefiting from tourism in Liberia include:

• Tourist areas : the development of tourist areas such as beaches, national parks and historic sites attracts more international visitors and encourages foreign investors to invest in these areas.
• Infrastructure : Improving tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities, is essential to meet the growing demand from international tourists.
• Imports : As the number of international tourists increases, so do imports of goods and services related to the tourism sector, contributing to the country's economic growth.
• Air transport : the increase in the number of international visitors has led to a rise in the number of international flights serving Liberia, boosting the development of the country's air transport sector.