Getting In and Around

Visas: A visa and a certificate showing current yellow fever immunization are generally required. Check with your local embassy or government for details and the latest updates.

Transportation: Most major airlines fly to Côte d’Ivoire. Buses and taxis are available for travel within Abidjan.

One notable item that you should follow up on if you’re planning to travel to Côte d’Ivoire soon: the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that Côte d’Ivoire’s Civil Aviation Authority is not in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Côte d’Ivoire’s air carrier operations.

Mobile Phones: GSM 900 cell phone frequency is used. Plan to buy a SIM card in Côte d’Ivoire if you have a GSM-enabled phone.

Safety and Security

Travel to Côte d’Ivoire is currently strongly cautioned against until the political situation has stabilized; at the end of 2010, elections were under way but results were slow to be announced. Despite the 2007 agreement, the country is still divided, with the rebel New Forces still controlling the northern and some western parts of the country. There is a risk of spontaneous demonstrations and political unrest that could escalate into violence. Power cuts may also be intermittent. Visitors should not travel after dark.

Within Abidjan, there is a high risk of crimes such as mugging, robbery, burglary, and carjacking, especially when vehicles are stopped in heavy traffic or at roadblocks. Be polite and cooperative, but do not pay the police if you are asked to do so at vehicle checkpoints. After dark, it is particularly dangerous to visit the Treichville, Adjame, and Abobo districts and the DeGaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges. Exercise the same kind of common sense you would in any large city.

In addition, visitors are strongly discouraged from swimming in coastal waters. Many people, even excellent swimmers, drown each year in the dangerous ocean currents.

For the most updated information, check the U.S Department of State’s page on Côte d’Ivoire.