Liberia Country Information: Travel
Preparation
Preparation takes most of the anxiety out of any new venture. The more you are able to accomplish the little details in advance the better. You will feel better about your trip, and those around you will sense your calm!
U.S. Citizen Information
If you are ordering an APPLICATION from Sharing International, get a PASSPORT, and check with our office about needed visas. Even if you have only a slight desire to do a short-term mission trip, it is good to begin the process for the passport especially. If you decide not to go, a passport is good for years. Sometimes people are held up in their travel plans because of waiting on this document. Also it is cheaper to apply early rather than having to pay extra for priority handling.
RUSH your passport application if you are supposed to leave soon. (Must show proof of impending trip.)
Immunizations
Check with your own doctor and with the Center for Disease Control about IMMUNIZATIONS for the country you will be traveling to. We are not a health care provider and cannot provide counsel beyond letting you know that immunizations are recommended.
Team Manual
You will receive a manual to help you prepare for your trip. Sharing International provides these as part of our application fee, once you are confirmed for a trip. Teams who meet together weekly before the trip find this manual very helpful in focusing on preparation in a way that will help you get the most out of this short-term experience.
Clothing
Lightweight cottons work best in the heat, while synthetic fabrics like polyester tend to be very hot. You may need a light jacket during some evenings. Bring a wide brimmed hat for the sun.
Men should wear long trousers, not shorts. In Liberian society, as in many developing nations, only younger boys wear shorts. When we work with local people we will “connect” more readily when observing some cultural norms such as this one.
Ladies should bring dresses and skirts that are not necessarily “dressy”, but that can be worn while among the local people. Among Christians, conservative dress is always more appropriate in this society. Tops that cover the shoulders and long loose fitting, below-the-knee slacks are right for the work site.
Church services may tend to be a bit more formal with men wearing ties and long sleeve dress shirts. However this varies depending on location. It is good to bring some clothing a step above casual. When site seeing or during a trip to the beach, your clothing is still reflective of what you represent in this society. Tight fitting clothes or clothing that reveals a lot of skin is seen differently. Many times this type of clothing is used to advertise prostitution.
National Travel Status
Liberia has just come out of a long civil war. There are warnings about coming here. It is important for you to weigh the facts out as you think and pray about coming to bring hope and help to this nation.