Roberts International Airport (ROB)

One of Liberia’s prominent airports, Roberts International Airport, is a key landmark in the country. The airport was named after Joseph Jenkins Robert, Liberia’s first president. It is also Liberia’s busiest airport, serving a significant number of passengers annually. 

The airport has a single terminal and runway, with ample facilities to ensure passengers have a comfortable, convenient stay. The airport is near Harbel in Margibi County. It’s approximately 35 miles from Liberia’s capital, Monrovia. This guide will deal with (Monrovia) Roberts International Airport. So let us get started. 

A Quick Glance At the Monrovia Roberts International Airport

The table we present below helps you to know and understand the Monrovia International Airport in a detailed manner: 

Airport Name	Roberts International Airport, Monrovia International Airport/ Robertsfield
IATA Code	ROB
ICAO Code	GLRB
Number of Terminals	1
Runways	1
Airlines at ROB	Air Côte d’Ivoire, Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airways, Asky Airlines, Royal Air Maroc
Annual Record of Passengers (as per 2009 records)	133,656
Destinations	Has flights within Liberia and also to other international destinations, including the continents of Europe and the Middle East
Contact Information	(+231) 88 694 2295
Address	Monrovia, Liberia

Monrovia Roberts Airport Terminal Details

Monrovia Airport has a single terminal with two passenger buildings for the functions as stated below: 

• One is for departures used by the majority of the commercial carriers. This facility is also reserved for arrivals. 
• The second building is solely for Delta and Air France departures. This building was constructed in March, 2012. 

The United Nations uses the other airside terminals. Moreover, the unused original terminal also has a VIP facility. 

Airline Information At the Monrovia Roberts International Airport

The list below provides details of the airlines serving Monrovia daily. They provide domestic and international flights, helping the Liberian capital (Monrovia) connect with other cities, as well as several destinations across different continents, including the Middle East and Europe. 

Airlines	Website
Brussels Airlines	https://www.brusselsairlines.com/
Asky Airlines	https://www.flyasky.com/
Royal Air Maroc	https://www.royalairmaroc.com/
Kenya Airways	https://www.kenya-airways.com/
Air Côte d’Ivoire	https://www.aircotedivoire.com/

What Services Does the Monrovia Roberts International Airport Provide You With?

The Monrovia International Airport offers passengers a range of amenities, including information desks, Wi-Fi, and more. Let us review a few of the airport’s facilities. 

Information Desks

The airport’s main lobby has an information desk to assist customers with any enquiries. Travellers can get assistance with flight details, airport experience, and any formalities they may need to complete before their flight. Please reach out to them without hesitation if you need any assistance. 

Bank, ATM, and Currency Exchange Service

The airport authorities ensure passengers can withdraw money or exchange currency without issues. Cardholders with Mastercard or Visa cards can withdraw cash at the airport’s ATM. The airport also has a GT Bank branch and currency exchange services. To view the latest exchange rates, visit the airport’s official website for the exact amount. 

VIP Lounge

The VIP Lounge at the airport is reserved for First and Business class travelers of certain airlines. Those with VIP Lounge cards can also access the lounge. You will find numerous amenities in the lounge to help you relax and unwind, including comfortable armchairs. There is also a minibar offering complimentary snacks and drinks to members. 

Internet

You will find several shops at the airport selling USB sticks and SIM Cards for your convenience, helping you to connect to the internet really fast on your phone, PC, or tablet. These chips are priced under $1 and can be activated at any airport reseller. For more details on activation and related topics, you may visit the official websites of service providers such as MTN, Novafone, and Orange Liberia. 

Shops and Duty-Free Stores

You will find several stores, including duty-free shops, across the airport. For example, the NUA Gift Shop is located in the departures main hall, whereas the Flamington Gift Shop is in the arrivals area. The shops sell various items as stated below: 

• International newspaper
• Books
• Craft
• Sovenirs
• Postcards
• Phones
• Perfumes
• Ready-to-wear
• Tobacco products 
• Electronic goods
• Stamps 

Police and Security

Monrovia Airport has always expressed concerns about the security and safety of the airport and its passengers. The airport police actively listen to travelers’ concerns and work to resolve them. The security officers even comply with the international standards. If you find anything suspicious, please inform them as soon as possible. 

Luggage Scales

No matter which airline you have reserved a flight with, each of them has specific rules and regulations regarding baggage allowance. Failure to comply with these rules may result in excess baggage fees. That is why weighing your luggage before arrival at the airport is recommended. If you missed it, you can weigh your bags at the luggage scales at the check-in counters. This will help you lighten your bags if they are overloaded. 

Provision of Last-minute Tickets

You may have made a sudden travel plan that has led you directly to the airport without purchasing your ticket. You may have missed a flight and want to book the next available one. In such cases, you have the option to purchase your ticket at the airport. However, for last-minute purchases, the rates could be higher than the original price. You will find representatives from various travel agencies at the airport to assist you. 

Toilets

The departure lounge and main hall have clean toilets and also sinks that you may use free of charge. 

Bars and Restaurants

There are two bar cum restaurant at the airport. The main hall houses the Wings Bar and Restaurant, whereas the boarding area has the Golden Bar and Restaurant. You may enjoy a wholesome meal or a quick snack, such as sandwiches. You may even sip on beverages as you await your flight. 

Parking Facilities At the Monrovia International Airport

The Monrovia Airport has a parking facility for all its travelers located right outside the terminal. There is a parking fee of L$ 50 for 30 minutes. There is a drop-off fee also of L$50. You will be dropped off at the terminal. As commercial truck traffic to the airport has increased, the airport has decided to charge fees for these vehicles. The charge also depends on the truck size. Trucks with 4-10 tyres will be charged $25 for a single access. Trucks with more than 10 tyres will incur a $50 charge for single access. 

Transportation Services at the (Monrovia) Roberts International Airport

The Monrovia International Airport has several transportation services to make commuting easy and seamless. 

Taxis

You will find taxis across the airport near the arrival points of all scheduled flights. These yellow-colored taxis are easily recognizable. These taxis lack meters, and prices vary by destination. Whenever you book a ride, ensure to negotiate with your driver. However, fares typically range from $10 to $20 for rides from the airport to downtown Monrovia. 

Buses and Shuttles

In most cases, hotels arrange buses and shuttles to help you commute with ease. If you are staying at a hotel in Monrovia, ask them to provide shuttle service. 

Rental Cars

Many car rental companies provide services in Liberia. A few have offices at the airport, where passengers may be provided with pickup upon arrival. Check at the information desk and gather details about the companies. Contact the option that best suits your needs. 

VIP Services

Monrovia International Airport has several companies offering VIP transport services at affordable rates. You can travel from the airport to the hotel, your residence, or anywhere across Liberia with comfort and convenience. VIP Services provide air-conditioned limousines or minibuses for luxury travel. You have to book the service in advance. 

Robert International Airport Interactive Map – Explore With Ease

The airport is close to the Harbel town of Liberia’s Margibi County. It has a single runway and is around 35 miles outside Monrovia. The interactive map helps you explore the airport with ease and conveniently locate all its facilities. 

Important Things You Must Know to Have a Convenient Experience at the Monrovia Roberts International Airport 

At the ROB Airport, here are some regulations to follow to ensure hassle-free travel. 

Timelines and Deadlines

Travellers should arrive at least 2 hours before their flight departs to avoid inconvenience. Most airlines close check-in counters about 30 minutes before departure. Arriving customers should have 30-45 minutes to complete police and customs formalities and retrieve their baggage. 

Visa Rules for Entering Liberia

If you are entering the country via ROB Airport and aren’t a resident of Liberia, you must have a passport valid for over 6 months. A visa is even needed for residents of some countries. If you are a citizen of the European Union, a 3-month visa will cost 100€. Binationals unable to establish their Liberian identity may need a visa. For detailed information on visa requirements, contact Liberia’s official website. 

Rules for Pets

Pets will be permitted in the country with the following requirements: 

• Recent health certificate 
• The Commissioner of Customs must grant them a special certificate. 
• The minimum and maximum timeframes for rabies vaccination prior to arrival should be 1 month and 1 year, respectively. 

Baggage Requirements

Airlines vary in their baggage requirements. To ensure that you do not face any problem at the check-in counters, travelers are advised to check their baggage to ensure that it does not exceed the permissible allowance. Your luggage should also be sturdy and strong to withstand all handling and transportation. You shouldn’t bring plastic bags, as they may tear easily. 

Health Requirements

An international certificate of vaccination showing protection against yellow fever is required. Expectant mothers should follow the specific policies regarding the pregnancy duration, after which they will not be allowed to travel. From the seventh month onward, flying may not be permitted, or a certificate may be required. Check with your airline to understand the rules and avoid any issues. 

Instructions on Drugs/ Illegal/ Regulated Products

You can’t cross borders with certain products, whether entering or leaving. This implies to live animals, animal remains, and some objects signifying Liberia’s historical heritage. If you are carrying any of the products mentioned above or have doubts about the same, you may contact the Ministry of Culture or Veterinary Services. Hazardous products, such as explosives, corrosives, firearms, and pressurized containers, are either regulated or prohibited. 

Airport officers are also extremely strict about carrying drugs. It is quite regular among the authorities to seize cocaine. Consumption of cannabis is prohibited, leading to imprisonment of as many as 3 years. Officers perform random anal searches on passengers if they feel the need. 

Rules for Customs at the Monrovia International Airport

Regarding customs, ROB Airport has strict rules and regulations. When you follow all the rules, you can navigate security with ease. Here are some items that passengers entering Liberia are allowed, as mentioned below: 

• Personal jewelry (gold or silver; not exceeding 50 grams)
• Tablet or laptop 
• Cellular telephone 
• Video camera
• Musical instrument (like a flute or a guitar)
• Radio
• Tents or other camping equipment
• Sports equipment comprising personal items
• A hunting rifle with 50 cartridges; however, a hunting association membership is needed
• Canoe exceeding 5.5m in length 
• Tennis rackets (one pair) 
• Cigarettes (not more than 10 packets); cigars/tobacco/assortment of these products not exceeding 250 gm
• A bottle of wine or liquor 
• Food as per the traveler’s personal needs

When arriving in Liberia from abroad, passengers must declare any goods they intend to transport and pay applicable taxes and duties. They must also comply with the formalities of foreign exchange control. The declaration may be made in writing by completing a form or verbally. 

Some goods are prohibited from import, which include: 

• Any form of obscene publications 
• Narcotics 
• Anything that may disrupt public order

Some goods can be imported provided proper documentation is presented: 

• Ammunition and weapons – Ministry of Interior’s authorization needed
• Drugs (other than the ones required for personal needs) – Ministry of Health’s authorization needed
• Offal and meat – Ministry of Livestock’s permission required 
• Protected animal species – Should comply with the International Convention’s requirements on protected species 

Conclusion

This was Monrovia International Airport or Roberts International Airport at a glance. At the airport, you will not be disappointed by the ample services and facilities available. Ensure you comply with all rules and regulations to the letter for a hassle-free journey. In case of any doubt, never miss out on contacting ROB Airport’s authorities or your respective airline. Also, arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your departure time for a smooth, seamless travel experience.

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