This Travel Warning is being issued to recommend that Americans who remain in Liberia should now depart the country due to the further expansion of armed conflicts. This supersedes the March 26, 2003, Travel Warning for Liberia.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Liberia and recommends that any Americans remaining in the country should depart as soon as possible. During the last year, rebels have clashed with government troops in a number of areas, including the counties of Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Margibi. The current fighting has now expanded to the county of Nimba in northern Liberia and the counties of Maryland and Sinoe in southeastern Liberia. It could expand to other areas without warning. Due to the fighting, principal roads to Sierra Leone and Guinea, and from Monrovia to the western part of the country, are closed. Travel over many other roads has become prohibitively dangerous. There is also a high threat of common crime.

The presence of heavily armed government security personnel can constitute a serious danger as well. Military roadblocks throughout the country serve as potential flash points. Furthermore, periodic inflammatory statements in the local media regarding U.S. policies and presence in Liberia could also incite violence against American interests.

While travel restrictions placed on U.S. diplomats by the Liberian government have been removed, the general security situation and lack of reliable communications systems in Liberia limit the Embassy's ability to provide assistance to U.S. citizens outside the Monrovia area. In addition, roadblocks established by Liberian government forces could prevent Embassy vehicles, as well as all other non-military vehicles, from traveling into conflict zones, further preventing our Embassy from providing assistance to Americans in a time of crisis. The Department prohibits dependents from accompanying U.S. Government employees to Liberia and has limited the number of personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia.

U.S. citizens still in Liberia should be aware of their surroundings at all times and use caution in traveling. Travel anywhere after dark is strongly discouraged. Owing to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations. In addition, due to conflicts that periodically arise among security forces, U.S. citizens should avoid any gathering of such forces. Americans should report any threats or suspicious activity to the Embassy in Monrovia and monitor the local media for developments that may affect their safety and security.

Americans who remain in Liberia despite this Travel Warning are strongly urged to register and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Liberia at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at 111 United Nations Drive, Mamba Point, Monrovia, Liberia, telephone (231) 226-370, fax (231) 226-148. Travelers should also consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Liberia and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada, or 317-472-2328 from overseas.