Monrovia – The latest travel advisory from the United Kingdom, updated May 4, 2019 warns its citizens that protests and demonstrations take place in Monrovia from time to time and that those traveling to the West African state should avoid protests, demonstrations, large gatherings and crowds and follow the advice of local authorities.
The caution notes: “Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Liberia. Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be vigilant, especially in places visited by foreigners.”
Travel warnings from the UK, Canada, the US and other countries are not new and are solely intended to provide information to citizens of those countries, regarding the relative safety of traveling to or visiting one or more specific foreign countries or destinations.
The purpose is to enable travelers to make an informed decision about a particular travel destination, and to help travelers prepare adequately for what may be encountered on their trip.
For example, in the United States, travel warnings are issued by the Department of State and are often called warden messages.
On its passport site, the US State Department warns travelers about possible international dangers using four types of travel advisories. In the most dangerous situations, the department issues “Level 4” travel alerts, urging U.S. travelers to reconsider whether they should travel to a country at all. The department ends a heightened travel alert when a situation of concern changes in a country.
The four advisory levels, from low to high regarding safety and security risk, are: Level 1: Blue – Exercise Normal Precautions; Level 2: Yellow – Exercise Increased Caution; Level 3: Orange – Reconsider Travel
Level 4 : Red – Do Not Travel.
Travel advisories may relate to issues such as inclement weather, security matters, civil unrest or disease.
In Canada, Liberia is listed as a high-risk for travel.
The Canadian Foreign Office warns: ““The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.”
The latest advisory from the UK Foreign Office is in no way connected to the planned June 7 protest in Liberia and the British government has not advised any Liberian or organization against turning out on June 7, 2019 to protest. The travel advisory which is updated periodically, is solely for the consumption of citizens of those countries seeking travel to countries like Liberia where the potential for risks have been cited.