Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to:
\n\nThis is due to an increased risk of terrorist attacks and kidnaps by terrorists based in the Sahel region, which includes Burkina Faso and Mali.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the border with Liberia owing to the risk of serious violence by local militias.
\n\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Côte d’Ivoire’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Côte d’Ivoire set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Côte d’Ivoire, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to enter Côte d’Ivoire.
\n\nApply and pay for an e-visa online at least 10 working days before you travel to allow time for your application to be processed. Once it is approved, you will be able to collect your visa on arrival at Abidjan airport.
\n\nIf you are not an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) national, you must hold a valid visa or have had your application for an e-visa approved before you travel.
\n\nTo enter Côte d’Ivoire, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Côte d’Ivoire guide.
\n\nAs a public health measure, Côte d’Ivoire has introduced screening for travellers arriving from countries affected by the Ebola outbreak, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. You should expect to provide health information, undergo health screening, and may be monitored for up to 21 days after arrival.
\n\nThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Côte d’Ivoire (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou can take up to 500,000 West African CFA francs in cash into Côte d’Ivoire. You must declare any foreign currency.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Côte d’Ivoire.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Côte d’Ivoire cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals such as:
\n\nThe main threat in Côte d’Ivoire is from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and other al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliated groups, including al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). JNIM is mainly active in the northern border areas, including the Comoé National Park in the north-east, but attacks could occur anywhere, including major towns and cities such as Abidjan.
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.
\n\nPolitical demonstrations sometimes take place in Abidjan and regional towns, particularly around elections. The authorities may use tear gas to disrupt unauthorised protests. Crowds can gather quickly, and roadblocks are common. It is possible that, in the event of significant unrest, internet access might be restricted.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nBe alert near military barracks and military installations.
\n\nIf you’re staying for long in Côte d’Ivoire, you should seek professional security advice and regularly review personal security arrangements. You should keep a stock of food and water.
\n\nThere is a risk of violent crime in Abidjan, including armed break-ins to private residences and armed hold-ups in the street. Though not common, they do occur.
\n\nTo reduce your personal risk:
\n\nTo prevent card fraud, keep your bank card in sight when paying bills.
\n\nThere have been attacks by armed robbers on private cars driving on the main roads in the west of the country. You could be at risk in daylight as well as at night.
\n\nKeep your car doors locked, windows shut and all valuables out of sight while driving.
\n\nYou must carry your passport. Carry the original as the police will not always accept copies.
\n\nDress modestly when visiting religious places or buildings.
\n\nDrug trafficking and possession are illegal. If you’re found guilty, you could receive a long prison sentence or a heavy fine.
\n\nIt is prohibited to take photographs near sensitive installations, including:
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Côte d’Ivoire, but the law does not recognise same-sex partnerships or marriage. Attitudes are less tolerant and there is no specific anti-discrimination law to protect LGBT+ people.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Côte d’Ivoire, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou must have the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) or a local driving licence. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nIn case the police stop you, always carry your UK licence and an IDP, or a local licence, plus your car registration documents and insurance card.
\n\nIf you want to apply for a local driving licence, get your UK driving licence authenticated by the DVLA in the UK.
\n\nDriving standards in Côte d’Ivoire are poor. There is a high number of fatal road accidents and emergency services outside of Abidjan are unreliable.
\n\nRoad conditions are improving in Abidjan, but driving outside the capital is much more difficult. Poorly lit roads and the risk of stray livestock make driving particularly dangerous at night. During the rainy season minor roads may become impassable.
\n\nTake care when using public transport – driving standards and vehicle maintenance are poor.
\n\nTaxis, including share taxis, operate in Abidjan and other cities in Côte d’Ivoire. Vehicles used as taxis tend to be old and there may be issues with the standard of maintenance. Ride-hailing apps are also available, and vehicles operating on these apps tend to be better maintained. Although no taxi can be guaranteed safe, we recommend using ride-hailing apps where possible.
\n\nThere are roadblocks and checkpoints in and around Abidjan and across the country. The Côte d’Ivoire government is currently running a campaign against bad driving and unroadworthy vehicles.
\n\nSlow down at any type of checkpoint and stay calm. Comply when the police ask you for routine paperwork such as photo ID, driving licence, insurance and vehicle registration or ownership documents, which you should carry with you in your vehicle.
\n\nBeware of unofficial roadblocks – you could be robbed or assaulted. These are sometimes set up by armed bandits known as ‘coupeurs de route’ and are mostly on secondary or quiet roads.
\n\nIf the police issue you with a fine, they should also issue you with related paperwork.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe rainy season is between May and November. Torrential rains often cause flooding, landslides and large potholes. Flash flooding has caused deaths. Monitor local weather reports.
\n\nOcean currents are very strong along the coast. Rip tides cause many swimming accidents and drownings each year. There is no lifeboat or rescue service.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Côte d’Ivoire. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali. There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks and kidnaps by terrorists based in the Sahel region, which includes Burkina Faso and Mali.
\n\nFCDO also advises against all travel to:
\n\nSee Safety and security for details about terrorism risks in Côte d’Ivoire.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the border with Liberia. This is due to the risk of clashes between local militias and security forces. Fatal clashes have taken place in and around this area in the past. If you travel to this area, seek professional security advice locally.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 185 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Côte d’Ivoire, including:
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical facilities in Abidjan are of a reasonable standard but can be expensive. Emergency facilities are limited to a few major hospitals. Outside of Abidjan medical facilities are rudimentary.
\n\nSerious medical treatment could require medical evacuation back to the UK. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Côte d’Ivoire where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 185
\n\nFire: 180
\n\nPolice: 110, 111 or 170
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Côte d’Ivoire on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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