Overview of Ivory Coast
The independent republic of the Ivory Coast (or Côte d'Ivoire) lies on the south coast of the bulge of West Africa, consisting mainly of a vast plateau (except for mountains in the northwest extremity), hemmed in by five other countries and the Atlantic Ocean. Once, its main cities of Abidjan and Yamoussoukro were showpieces of the continent, politically stable and economically sound, attractive not only by dint of the physical beauty that abounds in the country but also boasting a rich culture.
In 2002 an armed rebellion split the nation, and although a peace deal between the rebels and the government was brokered in 2003, implementation was difficult and a further peace accord had to be signed in 2007. There has been relative stability since 2010 when Alassane Ouattara became president; although the beginning of 2017 did see some political upheaval. Most western governments advise travellers to steer clear of the western region of the country bordering Liberia, due to the risk of violence by the local militias.
Tourists that do brave the political situation can experience attractions in the Ivory Coast like one of the last remaining virgin rainforests in West Africa at the Tai National Park, an unspoilt wonderland of huge trees, gurgling streams and abundant wildlife. Then there is the impressive Cascade Waterfall, located in a bamboo forest in the lush region around the town of Man, which also hosts the intriguing annual Festival of Masks with performing stilt-dancers.
The cities are also worthy experiences. The capital Yamoussoukro, a unique city in Africa, boasts a full-sized basilica, reminiscent of St Peter's in Rome. The stunning cathedral, an internationally-rated golf course and multi-lane highways that disappear into the jungle, were built courtesy of long-term president Felix Houphouet-Boigny, who bestowed all these gifts on his hometown.
The largest city, Abidjan, has a cosmopolitan flavour lent to it by its large French and Lebanese communities. Abidjan presents an attractive aspect, set on a lagoon and boasting high-rise buildings like the spectacular Hotel Ivoire. The city has its landmark cathedral too; St Paul's was built in 1985 and was consecrated by the Pope. The city has a vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere, offering a few good museums for sightseeing and a rainforest reserve called Parc du Banco for shady relaxation.
Despite political unrest and societal challenges, Ivory Coast is undoubtedly a country of great beauty and potential.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language of Ivory Coast is French but more than 60 native dialects are spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
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All foreign passengers to the Ivory Coast must hold proof of arranged accommodation, return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the Ivory Coast. Visitors will need to get an e-visa prior to arriving. The process is straightforward and is done completely online.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF), divided into 100 centimes. The CFA Franc is linked to the Euro at a fixed rate of exchange. New notes were issued in 2004 and only those issued by the Bank of West African States (Banque des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) are valid currency. There are a few ATMs in Abidjan but most will accept only Visa cards. It is unwise to use an ATM that is not guarded. Credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and more established restaurants. Most shops require cash.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Plug types in use are round pin attachment plugs or round pin plugs and receptacles with a male grounding pin.
Travel to Ivory Coast
Overview
The Ivory Coast has a number of interesting attractions available for sightseeing. Abidjan itself has the Parc du Banco on the outskirts of the city, where visitors can experience the rainforest's flora and fauna. Inside Abidjan city is the Hotel Ivoire, which is a glamourous place to stay. St Paul's Cathedral is another site within the city of Abidjan worth a visit for sightseeing tourists.
Further afield, visitors can see the capital city (by name only) of Yamoussoukro, which is famous for multiple-lane highways leading straight into the jungle, or city streets and blocks all laid out, but with no houses or structures lining the streets. Yamoussoukro is also famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro (Basilica Notre Dame), which is roughly based on St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The town of Man is also well-known for its fabric and the traditional masks on sale, as well as for its surrounding waterfalls and beautiful natural scenery.
Climate in Ivory Coast
The coastal region, where temperatures stay fairly constant between 73°F to 80°F (23°C to 27°C), is dry for most of the year, experiencing an intensely wet rainy season between mid-May and mid-July. In the central forest region of the country, however, it is continually wet and humid. The hottest part of the country is the northern savannah, where temperatures can reach 90°F (32°C). The north experiences a long wet season from June to October.
Health Notes when travelling to Ivory Coast
There are a variety of health risks prevalent in Ivory Coast, and a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry; immigration officials will check this at the airport. Cholera is present in rural areas, and malaria is widespread even in urban areas. Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are also recommended. Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for travel between November and June. HIV/AIDS is widespread and Dengue Fever can occur, so travellers should pack an effective mosquito repellent. All water should be sterilised before use, and milk, which is unpasteurised, should be boiled. Travellers should avoid dairy products and ensure meat is well cooked and eaten hot. Fruit and vegetables should be cooked and/or peeled before consumption. Medical treatment in Abidjan is of reasonable standard, but private care is expensive, and facilities outside the major towns are very limited. Medical insurance with provision for repatriation is essential.
Safety Notes when travelling to Ivory Coast
The political situation in Ivory Coast is volatile and demonstrations can occur unexpectedly. Travellers should take care in public places and avoid crowds. If visitors decide to travel to the Ivory Coast, careful personal security arrangements should be made due to high levels of anti-western sentiment. Violent crime is on the increase, including armed break-ins, car jackings, muggings and hold-ups in restaurants. Evening rush hour on Abidjan's Charles de Gaulle Bridge is particularly dangerous.
Visitors should be meticulous in respecting the numerous army and police roadblocks. Police and security forces can be excitable and undisciplined. Particular care should be taken in the north and west of the country, where there have been frequent clashes. All travel to the 18 Montagnes and Moyen Cavally regions should be avoided. In the area between Duékoué and Odienne, armed elements are often under the influence of drink or drugs, which makes them particularly unpredictable. Travellers should be aware of con-men and touts when arriving at Abidjan airport. The bridges crossing the lagoon in Abidjan should be avoided by those on foot. Taxis, except for metered orange taxis in Abidjan, are risky and often unroadworthy. Buses are overcrowded and best avoided. Sea bathing is dangerous as strong sea currents are present, and drownings are common.
Customs in Ivory Coast
Photographing military or government installations is forbidden in Ivory Coast. Homosexuality is illegal. Dress is conservative for men and women. Shorts, tight clothing and strapless tops are frowned upon anywhere except on the beach.
Duty Free in Ivory Coast
Travellers to the Ivory Coast do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco; one bottle of wine and one of spirits; 500ml eau de toilette and 250ml of perfume. Currency should be declared.
Doing Business in Ivory Coast
Business in the Ivory Coast is fairly formal with punctuality a must, though more casual cotton suits are acceptable attire. Business is often conducted in French, but translators are readily available. Greeting and acknowledging each person present with a handshake is important. Business hours are usually from 7.30am to 12pm, and 2.30pm to 6pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays.
Communication in Ivory Coast
The country code for Ivory Coast is +225. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not required and all phone numbers have eight digits.
Tipping in Ivory Coast
A service charge is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills in Ivory Coast. Where it is not, a tip of 10 to 15 percent is acceptable. Taxi drivers usually expect 10 percent.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to the Ivory Coast must hold proof of arranged accommodation, return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the Ivory Coast. Visitors will need to get an e-visa prior to arriving. The process is straightforward and is done completely online.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay, and require a visa to enter the Ivory Coast.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
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Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay, and require a visa to enter the Ivory Coast.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
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British citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyound the period of intended stay. A visa is required.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
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Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay, and require a visa to enter the Ivory Coast.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
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Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay, and require a visa to enter the Ivory Coast.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
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New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay, and require a visa to enter the Ivory Coast.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
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South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay, and require a visa to enter the Ivory Coast.
Tourist Offices
Tourist Office (Office du Tourisme), Abidjan: +225 2025 1600
Ivory Coast Embassies
- In the United States:
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Ivory Coast Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 797 0300.
- In Canada:
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Ivory Coast Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 (613) 236 9919.
- In the United Kingdom:
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Ivory Coast Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7201 9601 and +44 20 7235 6991.
- In South Africa:
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Ivory Coast Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 342 6913/4.
Foreign Embassies in Ivory Coast
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Abidjan: +225 2249 4000 and +225 2249 4594.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, Abidjan (also responsible for Australia): +225 2030 0700.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Abidjan: +225 2244 2669.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Abidjan: +225 2244 5963 and +225 2244 7534.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
| Yellow Fever | Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age. Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months of age. |  |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Côte d'Ivoire, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Malaria | You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Côte d'Ivoire. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Côte d'Ivoire. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Cholera | Cholera is a risk in parts of Côte d'Ivoire. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information). | |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Meningitis (Meningococcal disease) | CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Côte d'Ivoire located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common. | |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Côte d'Ivoire, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Côte d'Ivoire
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age.
Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months of age.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Côte d'Ivoire, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Côte d'Ivoire.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Côte d'Ivoire. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Côte d'Ivoire. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Côte d'Ivoire located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Côte d'Ivoire, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Côte d'Ivoire
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Côte d'Ivoire, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Côte d'Ivoire. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Note: Zika is a risk in Côte d'Ivoire. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.
Hide If your travel plans in Côte d'Ivoire include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Côte d'Ivoire. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Côte d'Ivoire’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Côte d'Ivoire. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Côte d'Ivoire may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Côte d'Ivoire, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Côte d'Ivoire for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).
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If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF), divided into 100 centimes. The CFA Franc is linked to the Euro at a fixed rate of exchange. New notes were issued in 2004 and only those issued by the Bank of West African States (Banque des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) are valid currency. There are a few ATMs in Abidjan but most will accept only Visa cards. It is unwise to use an ATM that is not guarded. Credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and more established restaurants. Most shops require cash.
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Exchange rate for 1 XOF - West African CFA Franc
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0.00 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
|
0.00 EUR
Euro
|
0.00 USD
U.S. Dollar
|
0.00 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
|
0.19 JPY
Japanese Yen
|
0.00 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
0.00 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
0.00 AUD
Australian Dollar
|
0.04 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
|
0.58 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
|
2.57 LBP
Lebanese Pound
|
0.00 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
0.01 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
|
0.18 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
|
0.00 OMR
Omani Rial
|
0.01 QAR
Qatari Rial
|
0.00 SGD
Singapore Dollar
|
0.01 SEK
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|
0.01 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
|
0.02 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
|
0.08 DOP
Dominican Peso
|
0.01 HRK
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|
0.03 MXN
Mexican Peso
|
0.01 PGK
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|
0.00 BSD
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|
0.00 FJD
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|
0.04 HNL
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|
0.19 DZD
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|
2.03 MMK
Myanma Kyat
|
0.02 BWP
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|
0.01 PEN
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|
1.18 CLP
Chilean Peso
|
0.82 AMD
Armenia Dram
|
0.04 CZK
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|
0.03 MDL
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|
0.21 ISK
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|
5.01 UZS
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|
0.01 ILS
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|
0.00 JOD
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|
0.00 KWD
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|
0.05 UYU
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0.06 MUR
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0.05 NIO
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|
0.01 NOK
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|
0.01 PLN
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|
0.01 SAR
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0.25 LKR
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|
0.06 THB
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|
0.01 AED
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|
0.01 BRL
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|
0.01 RON
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|
0.01 HKD
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|
1.00 XAF
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|
38.33 VND
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|
0.02 ARS
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|
0.00 XCD
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|
0.01 GTQ
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|
0.02 MAD
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|
0.00 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
|
0.00 PAB
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0.00 AZN
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|
5.32 COP
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|
0.12 KGS
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0.48 HUF
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0.01 TJS
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23.34 IDR
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0.02 EGP
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2.03 KRW
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9.67 PYG
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0.01 MYR
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|
0.92 CRC
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0.00 NZD
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|
0.18 PKR
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|
0.11 RUB
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|
0.03 ZAR
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|
0.00 TND
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|
0.00 BBD
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|
0.00 BGN
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|
0.01 TRY
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|
0.08 PHP
Philippine Peso
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0.06 TWD
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0.34 NGN
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|
0.18 XPF
CFP Franc
|
0.01 GHS
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0.21 JMD
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0.00 ANG
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|
0.00 BND
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0.19 RSD
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0.01 CNY
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33.94 BYR
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0.01 DKK
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0.01 TMT
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0.11 INR
Indian Rupee
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|
|
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Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to West African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
Euro to West African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to West African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to West African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to West African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to West African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to West African CFA Franc
Abidjan International Airport (ABJ)
Felix Houphouet Boigny International
http://www.aeroport-abidjan.com/index_en.php
Location: Abidjan The airport is located 14 miles (22km) southeast of the city centre.
Time: GMT
Contacts:
Tel: +225 2175 7901/2.
Transfer between terminals:
You can easily walk between the adjacent Domestic and International Terminals.
Getting to the city:
SOTRA Bus line 6 operates between the airport and central Abidjan. The journey takes about 25 minutes. Orange taxis that charge negotiable fares are available; passengers should negotiate with the driver before getting in the vehicle. Travellers should note that taxi fares often double after dark. Rental cars and mobile app taxi services are also available.
Car rental:
Car hire companies, including Hertz, are represented at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
The safest taxis are the official orange taxis, although even these are often not metered. Numerous touts will try to offer travellers a deal but they are best avoided. Mobile app taxi services are also available.
Facilities:
There is a bank with a currency exchange service, an ATM, a VIP Lounge, a pharmacy, shops, a bar and a cafeteria. There is a tourist desk in the main arrivals hall.
Parking:
There is one main parking area at Abidjan International Airport, with two parking lots available, located right outside the terminals.
Overview of the Attractions in Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast has a number of interesting attractions available for sightseeing. Abidjan itself has the Parc du Banco on the outskirts of the city, where visitors can experience the rainforest's flora and fauna. Inside Abidjan city is the Hotel Ivoire, which is a glamourous place to stay. St Paul's Cathedral is another site within the city of Abidjan worth a visit for sightseeing tourists.
Further afield, visitors can see the capital city (by name only) of Yamoussoukro, which is famous for multiple-lane highways leading straight into the jungle, or city streets and blocks all laid out, but with no houses or structures lining the streets. Yamoussoukro is also famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro (Basilica Notre Dame), which is roughly based on St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The town of Man is also well-known for its fabric and the traditional masks on sale, as well as for its surrounding waterfalls and beautiful natural scenery.
Treichville
Abidjan
Tourists looking for a little entertainment in Abidjan should head to the area of Treichville, a small commune located in the southwest of the city. Full of bars and restaurants, as well as a race course, swimming pool and sports park, this is the area in which visitors are most likely to run into other tourists or expats based in Abidjan. While visitors should check with their hotel on the safety situation before stepping out at night, Treichville is certainly the place to go if they want to sample some of the city's surprisingly vibrant nightlife. The market is worth a visit during the day, as it offers an array of interesting and affordable items.
Saint Paul's Cathedral
Abidjan
Designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito and covering a massive 14,625 square feet (4,500m square), this cathedral is reputedly Africa's second-largest church building and can seat more than 3,500 people. Pope John Paul II inaugurated the cathedral in a beautiful opening ceremony in August 1985. The tower itself is said to be a figure of St Paul, while the buildings behind the tower represent his robes. The interior of the cathedral includes a number of beautiful stained-glass tableaux. The building also offers spectacular views of the city that tourists can enjoy.
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro
Yamoussoukro is the official capital of Ivory Coast, though this seems to be in name only. The city is a five-hour drive from Abidjan and appears to be one of Africa's strangest capitals. Paved streets and street lamps were built in preparation for the buzzing metropolis Yamoussoukro was supposed to be; however this development never came to pass, meaning streets now exist with little to nothing between them. The city's main attraction is the unforgettable Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro (Cathedrale Notre Dame de la Paix or Basilica Notre Dame). Larger than St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Yamoussoukro's basilica is the largest Christian church in the world. It was roughly based on the Vatican's St. Peter's, and even though the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace seats slightly fewer people than St. Peter's, it has a taller dome and a larger surface area. The stained-glass windows are also exceptionally beautiful. The Basilica Notre Dame was consecrated by Pope
John Paul II.
Man
Man is a small town situated to the west of the central region of Ivory Coast. The town is known as the best area to buy the famous Yacouba masks, as well as beautiful traditional fabrics. Man is part of Dix-Huit Montagnes Region and is an important market town lying between mountains, including Mount Toura and Mount Tonkoui (the two highest in the country), and La Dent de Man, popular with hikers. Mount Tonkoui towers over the town at 4,000 feet (1,220m) and is quite a challenge for avid climbers. There are also a number of rivers and waterfalls, such as La Cascade, which is set in a bamboo forest close to the outskirts of the town.
Tai National Park
The Parc National de Tai (Tai National Park) is undoubtedly the most staggering natural attraction the Ivory Coast has to offer. One of the last remaining areas of virgin rainforest in the whole of Africa, the Park was inscribed in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites as far back as 1982. The spectacular primary forest is filled with trees that reach up to 150 feet (46m), blocking out the sunlight, and allowing for a dark, dank, and dense undergrowth to flourish. The park is also home to no less than five species of mammal included in the 'red list' on endangered animals: pygmy hippopotamuses, Olive Colobus monkeys, leopards, chimpanzees and Jentink's Duikers.
Abokouamekro National Park
Abidjan
Located about an hour away from Yamoussoukro, the Parc National d'Abokouamekro (Abokouamekro National Park) is an up-and-coming Ivory Coast tourist attraction of great promise. Covering over 21,000 hectares of verdant grassland, criss-crossed by rivers and punctuated by towering trees, Abokouamekro National Park is also an important game reserve, offering refuge to the region's threatened wildlife. Visitors can gaze in wonder at the seemingly endless rolling green vistas, and be on the lookout for rhinos, giraffe, buffalo, hippos, monkeys and more.
Public Holidays in Ivory Coast
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Easter Monday |
Sun. April 13 |
Sat. April 5 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension) |
Thu. April 3 |
Sat. March 22 |
| Ascension Day |
Wed. May 21 |
Tue. May 13 |
| Whit Monday |
Sun. June 1 |
Sat. May 24 |
| Lailat al Qadr (Night of Power) |
Tue. May 20 |
Sat. May 10 |
| Korité (End of Ramadan) |
Sat. May 24 |
Tue. May 13 |
| Independence Day |
Thu. August 7 |
Thu. August 7 |
| Assumption |
Fri. August 15 |
Fri. August 15 |
| Aid el-Kebir (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
Wed. July 30 to Thu. July 31 |
Sat. July 19 to Sun. July 20 |
| All Saints' Day |
Sat. November 1 |
Sat. November 1 |
| National Peace Day |
Sat. November 15 |
Sat. November 15 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| Birth of the Prophet |
Thu. October 30 |
Sun. October 19 |
