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Updated to reflect safety and security information on the Northern Border Region, and additional points for mariners who decide to travel to Côte d’Ivoire.
Exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and piracy. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel To:
Country Summary: Crime continues to be a major public security concern in Côte d’Ivoire. Violent crime, such as carjacking, robbery, and home invasion, is common in some areas. Local police often lack resources to respond to serious crimes.
Violent extremist activity occurs in Burkina Faso and Mali near the border with Côte d’Ivoire. Terrorism concerns in the northern region remain due to its proximity to these countries.
Travelers should avoid demonstrations, protests, political rallies, and large crowds. These events can become violent. Demonstrators and security forces may clash suddenly. Police may use tear gas or other force to break up crowds.
Piracy with armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom are significant threats to ships operating near Côte d’Ivoire. U.S. citizens on ships in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa should be cautious.
Health care in rural areas is below U.S. standards. There are often shortages of medicine and medical supplies in public and private health facilities.
The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens outside Abidjan. U.S. Embassy staff are not permitted to drive outside major cities at night. Read the country information page for more information on travel to Côte d’Ivoire.
If you decide to travel to Côte d’Ivoire:
Northern Border Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel
The main terrorist threat to Côte d’Ivoire is from a group called Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). JNIM is linked to al-Qa’ida. JNIM mostly operates in the Sahel region, including Burkina Faso and Mali. The threat from JNIM has in the past reached northern Côte d’Ivoire, near the border with Burkina Faso. Attacks have happened in the Savanes and Zanzan Districts, including Comoé National Park. These attacks have mainly targeted Ivoirian security forces, but civilians have also been targeted. In 2021, Al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) carried out 17 small-scale attacks that killed approximately 20 people. After these attacks, the Côte d’Ivoire government increased security in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Since 2021, there have been no attacks.
6 months validity upon entry.
1 page.
Yes.
Yellow fever required.
None.
500,000 CFA Francs (approximately 1,000 USD).
Cocody Riviera Golf,
01 BP 1712 Abidjan 01
Côte d’Ivoire
Telephone: +(225) 27-22-49-40-00
Emergency After-HoursTelephone: +(225) 27-22-49-44-50
Fax: +(225) 27-22-49-42-02
Email: AbjAmcit@state.gov
A passport, visa, and proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever are required for entry into Côte d’Ivoire. For additional immunization information, visit the CDC’s Health Information for Travelers to Côte d’Ivoire.
Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire website for the most current visa information. The Embassy of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire is located at 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 797-0317.
Although e-visas are available at the airport upon arrival, they must be requested online prior to arrival in Côte d’Ivoire. If a U.S. citizen arrives without the proper visa, immigration may take your passport. They will return it when you go to the immigration office the next business day and pay the visa fees. You can find more information online at Côte d’Ivoire e-visas.
An export permit issued by the National Museum is required for all high-value pieces of art being removed from Côte d'Ivoire. The export permit costs 2,000 CFA plus 500 CFA per object.
U.S. citizens who plan to live in Côte d’Ivoire must apply for a residency permit (titre de séjour) at the Office d’Identification Nationale. (Note: Titres de séjour are not issued to children under the age of 16 who are documented on their parents' visas.)
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Côte d’Ivoire.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs information on our websites.
Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are using simpler methods to attack. These include knives, firearms, and vehicles. They use them to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is focused on unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:
Côte d’Ivoire still faces threats from violent extremist groups in the region. These groups are active across the borders of Burkina Faso and Mali. Côte d’Ivoire is not a base for these groups. Violent extremist groups in the region have stated they will target foreigners and/or countries that participate in counterterrorism efforts. For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime is common. Property crime includes burglaries and car theft. Violent crime includes carjacking, armed robberies of homes and streets. Illegal firearms are readily available throughout the country. Banditry and other violent crimes continue. They happen day and night in the countryside. During holidays (including major Muslim and Christian holidays), robberies and opportunistic crimes increase. These crimes include burglaries of cars and homes. Criminals seldom harm victims of street crime if they comply with demands. Assailants have used violence if victims refuse to hand over valuables.
Law enforcement is somewhat effective at deterring crime but lacks adequate resources. Security services often lack radios, guns, and cars. This severely limits their ability to respond. Many gendarmes and police stations outside of Abidjan have one vehicle for the whole precinct. They often get distress calls from the public via cell phone because they lack a centralized dispatch system. Responses to incidents of crime are often slow and generally limited to writing a report. The legal system lacks resources and tools to handle its current cases, and cannot jail criminals according to global standards.
U.S. citizens should be careful when visiting the Abobo, Adjame, Angre, Koumassi, Marcory, and Yopougon districts in Abidjan. They should also be careful in popular night areas, including Plateau, Treichville, and Zone 4.
Always carry identification to minimize the risk of harassment at police checkpoints.
Uniformed police, military, and gendarmes routinely stop vehicles. They do so for traffic violations and security checks. If you find yourself at such a stop, politely present your identification. Police and security officials rarely speak English. Incidents of police or security force harassment or detention of foreigners are rare but do occur. If an officer asks you to pay a bribe, politely refuse and present a photocopy of your U.S. passport, visa, and entry stamp.
There are weapons are left over from the civil war. They are a security threat. Criminals, rogue soldiers, and groups with common political views can exploit them. They pose an ongoing risk to Côte d’Ivoire’s fragile democracy.
For more information, please see Côte d’Ivoire’s Travel Advisory.
Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.
Election-related violence is another concern. The next presidential election is planned for 2025. Riots and demonstrations have occurred around elections. They have sometimes resulted in deaths. They may continue due to ongoing political tensions.
For more information, please see Côte d’Ivoire’s Travel Advisory.
International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Internet romance and financial scams are increasingly prevalent in Côte d’Ivoire. Scams often start with Internet postings or profiles. They can also start with unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:
Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at +225-27-22-47-06-96, +225-01-03-79-91-44 (the Operations Center for the National Police), or 100/111 (the Ministry of Security in Plateau, Abidjan). Contact the U.S. Embassy at (+225) 27-22-49-40-00. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism: Little formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment may not be available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom pose big threats to U.S. ships in the Gulf of Guinea. They also threaten U.S. mariners on a ship or traveling to or from one in the Gulf of Guinea. Pirates target a variety of vessels, and it is not uncommon for them to fire upon vessels during boardings and attempted boardings. Please find the latest U.S. Maritime Advisory here.
Weather Safety: The rainy season is from June to September. It often includes heavy rains and flash flooding. This is especially true in low-lying areas. Heavy rains have caused landslides, riverbank erosion, bridge washouts, and property damage. Roads may be closed suddenly and stay closed for indefinite periods of time, especially in more remote areas. U.S. citizens should watch local weather and news reports. They should avoid driving through flooded areas. And, they should keep water and emergency supplies at home.
Criminal Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to laws of the foreign countries they visit. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. People starting a business or practicing a licensed profession should seek information from local authorities. They should do this before starting to practice or operate a business.
Furthermore, you can be prosecuted in the United States for some acts committed overseas, even if those acts are not illegal where they happened, for example, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Customs: Ivoirian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet. It is for temporary admission of professional equipment, samples, and goods for exhibitions and fairs. ATA Carnet Headquarters, at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information, call (212) 354-4480 or email ATA Carnet Headquarters. Business travelers can bring laptop computers into the country without difficulty. Traveling with desktop computers or other electronics in large numbers may cause a problem. It may look like you're bringing them into the country to resell. Travelers should show a business reason for such equipment. They can use an ATA or submit a letter to the Director General of Customs to ask for temporary admission.
If traveling to another West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) country, expatriate residents leaving Côte d’Ivoire must declare the amount of currency being taken out of the country. Residents visiting CFA Franc countries, but not WAEMU members, cannot take CFA Francs out of Côte d’Ivoire. They can carry up to 2,000,000 CFA Francs (about 4,000 USD) in other currencies. You can take funds more than that amount out of the country in the form of travelers or bank checks.
If you travel to any non-WAEMU country, tourists can't take more than 500,000 CFA Francs (about 1,000 USD). Business operators can't take more than 2,000,000 CFA Francs (about 4,000 USD) without government approval.
For more on customs rules, travelers can check the Ivoirian Customs Agency’s website.
Corruption is a serious problem in Côte d’Ivoire. It affects judicial proceedings, contract awards, customs, and taxes. Police, military, and gendarmes routinely stop cars for traffic violations and security checks. If you are stopped, politely present your identification. Police and security officials rarely speak English. If you are stopped at one of these checkpoints and asked to pay a bribe, refuse politely. Then, present your photocopy of your U.S. passport, visa, and entry stamp.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:
LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Côte d’Ivoire. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized under local law. The laws only mention same-sex sexual activity as a form of public indecency. It carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, the same as for illegal heterosexual acts. Antidiscrimination laws exist. But, they do not cover discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Societal stigmatization of the LGBTQI+ community is widespread. In the past, the LGBTQI+ community has accused the police, gendarmes, and soldiers of beatings, jailings, verbal abuse, extortion, and humiliation. Despite these allegations, relations between the LGBTQI+ community and law enforcement seem to be improving through enhanced communication. The few LGBTQI+ organizations in the country operate freely, but with caution.
See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Côte d’Ivoire bans discrimination against people with physical and mental disabilities. But, it is not well enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. According to the 2019 Human Rights Report, people with disabilities reportedly faced discrimination. This discrimination happened in employment and education. Prisons and detention centers provided no accommodations for persons with disabilities. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure in Abidjan and throughout the country.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Abidjan has privately-run medical and dental facilities that are adequate, but do not fully meet U.S. standards. Good physician specialists can be found, although few speak English. While pharmacies are well-stocked with medications produced in Europe, newer drugs may not be available. If you plan a lengthy trip to Côte d’Ivoire, you should bring enough medication to last the entire stay in your carry-on luggage. Medical care outside of Abidjan is extremely limited.
For emergency services in Côte d’Ivoire, dial the numbers below.
For emergency medical transport in Côte d’Ivoire, public ambulances are free. Private ones charge a fee. Ambulances may be contacted at the numbers below:
Ambulance services in the public system are rare. Training and the availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulance services are also not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to hire a private ambulance or take a taxi or private vehicle. They do this to reach the nearest major hospital rather than wait for a public ambulance.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information. They have details on the insurance to get before you travel overseas.
We strongly recommend supplemental medical insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Always carry your prescription medication in the original packaging. Also, carry your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health & Public Hygiene to ensure the medication is legal in Côte d’Ivoire.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further Health Information:
The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
Health Facilities in General:
Pharmaceuticals:
Water Quality:
Adventure Travel:
General Health:
The following diseases are prevalent:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend mosquito repellents. They also recommend sleeping under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
HIV/AIDS: Data from UNAIDS Spectrum Estimates in February 2023 shows that Côte d’Ivoire has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.8 percent for 15- to 64-year-olds. The rates are higher for transgender individuals, female sex workers, and men who have sex with men: 23.6 percent, 18.54 percent, and 13.33 percent. Annually, there are approximately 7,700 new HIV infections (300 among children) and 10,300 AIDS-related deaths in Côte d’Ivoire.
Air Quality:
Visit AirNow for information on air quality at U.S. embassies and consulates.
Road Conditions and Safety: Road safety is a big concern in Côte d’Ivoire. U.S. Embassy officers are banned from driving outside of major cities after dark. This includes driving between Abidjan, Grand Bassam, and Assinie. Visibility is often poor, even in developed areas with streetlights. Crashes happen often on roads between major cities. They involve big commercial or private vehicles. It is common to see overturned or broken-down vehicles that may block routes and create traffic congestion. Cargo transport vehicles are often overloaded and do not follow standard safety practices.
The Embassy can provide consular services outside of the Abidjan area. But, its ability to do so is limited. This includes emergency aid. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the Northern and Northeastern border region. Many areas of Côte d’Ivoire are difficult to access, and travel in these areas is hazardous. Outside of the major cities, infrastructure is poor, medical care is limited, and there are few facilities for tourists.
Carjacking incidents have been reported in Abidjan, including vehicles with diplomatic plates. While stopped in traffic, allow enough room between your car and the one in front to maneuver out if needed. Before getting into your car, look around to see if anyone is paying unusual attention. If someone appears to be watching, do not go to your vehicle. If confronted, remain courteous and calm and, if threatened with violence, in most cases do not resist. Street criminals often employ threats of violent tactics when accosting their victims. When victims hand over their valuables, the encounter normally ends without further incident or harm. But, street criminals have been known to act on violent threats. They do so when victims resist handing over their things. Please report any incident to the U.S. Embassy.
Traffic Laws: Authorities rarely enforce traffic laws. The patrol presence of Ivoirian security forces on roadways outside of the capital at night is limited or non-existent. Still, police checkpoints are common on major roads throughout the country. They often increase after security incidents. There are many police roadblocks on the major routes outside of Abidjan. They may be permanent or informal. At these roadblocks, officers allegedly pressure travelers for bribes.
Drivers should know that using a cell phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt are against the law. They usually result in an immediate fine. Persons cited for a traffic violation should request a receipt for any items confiscated or fines paid. It is legal to pay fines to police officers on the side of the road for small speeding violations not to exceed 2000 CFA (approximately US $4). The amount should be clearly printed on the ticket. Some traffic violations (driving without insurance) may result in driver detention.
If you are in an accident, call police. If you believe the situation might become hostile, call or travel to the nearest police or gendarme’s station. Impatient drivers frequently disregard traffic laws and drive recklessly. Cars and trucks frequently travel without functioning headlights.
Public Transportation: Abidjan has a poor public transportation system. If you choose to travel by bus, the “Express” line is believed to be the safest and most reliable service. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive; you may be able to negotiate a better rate than drivers’ initial fare offers. They are, however, poorly maintained and notorious for not respecting the rules of the road. There have been reports of robberies in metered or orange taxis. But, people still widely think they are the safest public transport.
Communal taxis (“woro-woros”), used only within the limits of each commune, are not metered and may be dangerous. Do not use communal taxis or local vans (“Gbaka”) because they are frequently involved in accidents. Always travel in groups and avoid driving on roads outside of Abidjan at night.
Ride-share applications are available in parts of Côte d’Ivoire, including Uber, Yango, and Heetch. Ride-share services allow a rider to input the origin and destination addresses, and the driver can use the in-app GPS. They have different service levels (e.g. economy, comfort, UberXL). The higher tiers have modern vehicles and air conditioning. These services are good for travelers with limited French. They are often safer than hailing street taxis, because the app verifies the driver.
See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the websites of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Transportation.
Oversight of Aviation Safety: Direct commercial air services go to the United States. They are operated by carriers registered outside of Côte d’Ivoire. But, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet assessed Côte d’Ivoire’s Civil Aviation Authority. The assessment would be for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Côte d’Ivoire should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom threaten U.S. flagged vessels in the Gulf of Guinea. They also threaten U.S. mariners on a vessel or traveling to or from a vessel in the Gulf of Guinea. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings.
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Côte d'Ivoire. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.
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