Guidance

Information pack for British nationals arrested or detained in Côte d’Ivoire

Updated 17 November 2025

Chapter 1: Key points

Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer.  Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad. You can also request a paper copy from consular staff.         

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Cote d’Ivoire and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy, high commission or consulate (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the local British embassy, high commission or consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy, high commission or consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made. 

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas. 

The British Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire has details below:

Tel: +225 27 22 44 26 69/ 98 20

Fax: +225 27 22 48 95 48

E-mail: British.Embassy.Abidjan@fcdo.gov.uk

Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-abidjan

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Cote d’Ivoire, the authorities must inform the British embassy upon the prisoner’s formal request and it is their right to have this notification done by the authorities. However, we often learn of an arrest informally from friends or family, or the prison social worker.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)
• in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK

What we cannot do

• Get you out of prison or detention
• Help you get special treatment because you are British
• Offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• Pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• Forward you packages sent by friends or family
• Prevent authorities from deporting you after release

First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing. 

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in Côte d’Ivoire.

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers. You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Côte d’Ivoire

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Cote d’Ivoire for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

We advise family to contact us well in advance so that we can inform the prison director and work on a visit programme. Consular officers will accompany your family during their first visit to the prison.

Subsequent visits by your family will be unaccompanied. In order to receive visitors, you should provide the prison with the names of the people visiting you for them to be added to the prison visiting list. We will provide information on visiting procedures and details of what visitors can bring should your family members decide to come to Cote d’Ivoire. You can receive visits from your lawyer, your family members and identified friends.

What to expect when you visit

In the majority of the prisons, you are allowed to receive visitors on Saturdays or Sundays.

Some temporary prisons only allow visits on certain days of the week. It is advisable to check with the prison’s social workers to confirm the specific visiting days. When family members travel from the UK to visit, consular staff can request additional visiting days in recognition of the distance travelled. These extra visits are granted at the discretion of the prison director and are not guaranteed.

What you can take on your visit

Your family members and friends should contact the FCDO or the British embassy in advance of their visit so we can provide them with a list of authorised items.

Visits: consular staff

We will visit you every three months. During these routine consular visits, you will have the opportunity to raise any concerns, including health issues, security matters, your treatment in prison, or any other general issues you wish to discuss.

At each visit, our staff will complete a “Visit Report Form” to document the discussion. If there is any information you would prefer not to share with your Next of Kin, please let us know during the visit.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

When someone is arrested in Côte d’Ivoire, they are typically taken directly to prison. Any personal belongings not required for the investigation or retained as evidence may be transferred to the prison, if there is enough space to keep them.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for items to go missing shortly after arrest or during prison transfers. Please note that the British Embassy cannot store personal belongings on your behalf. The only items we are able to retain for you are your passport and driving licence. However, these documents are usually held by the courts until the end of your sentence. Please note that your passport might be kept by the Courts as evidence of the alleged crime or as a condition for your bail/parole.

Initial arrival at the prison

You may be taken to a prison facility and could spend one or more nights in custody at a police station. At the time of your arrest, it is not an obligation for the police officer to make you aware of your rights.

During the transfer from the place of arrest to the police station, you are allowed to make a phone call to contact a family member or a local lawyer, if you have their details.

You should inform the authorities if you wish to have the British embassy be informed of your arrest. The arresting officer may ask you to provide a statement. If you do not understand French, this must be done with the assistance of a translator or someone who speaks English.

You will be formally charged by the prosecutor’s office. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, you will remain in custody until your trial begins. At that point, the Ivorian government will appoint a public defender to represent you.

Appearing at court

The court will notify you, your lawyer, and the prison authorities of your sentence. If you do not have a private lawyer, you will be assisted by public defenders, who will also submit requests for any benefits you become eligible for.

On the day of your trial, you will be taken to the court handling your case. A judge will preside over the proceedings, alongside the public prosecutor and your lawyer or public defender. If you do not speak French, the court is responsible for providing an interpreter to assist you throughout the trial.

Prison: conditions and daily life

Accommodation

Overcrowding is a significant issue in prisons in Côte d’Ivoire, so you should not expect to be placed in a single cell. In some cases, there may not even be a mattress available upon your arrival. Unfortunately, the British Embassy is not permitted to provide mattresses, so you will need to wait until the prison supplies one. Be aware that the conditions of toilets and showers in many Ivorian prisons are extremely poor. While most prisons provide basic toiletries, they typically do not supply clothing or bed linen.

Food and diet

Food provided in Ivorian prisons is generally of poor quality and may lack essential nutrients necessary for maintaining good health. Special dietary requirements, whether for medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, religious reasons, or vegetarian preferences, are not typically accommodated. However, during visits, family and friends are allowed to bring you food and other provisions.

Work and study

You cannot study or work in Ivorian prisons. With some arrangements with wardens, you can have access to internet connection for a few minutes at a time to go through emails, however it would not be enough to receive or follow online courses.

Exercise

Some Ivorian prisons offer limited recreational activities such as games and sports. In certain facilities, prisoners charged with minor offences may also have access to additional privileges, including television and DVDs.

Climate

The weather in Cote d’Ivoire is hot and sometimes humid. You should expect heavy rains from June through October and very hot weather from February through to May. Shorter dry seasons occur in between these periods.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Drug trafficking is known to be widespread among inmates in some Ivorian prisons. If you are found in possession of any drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine, you will face disciplinary action. This may include being placed in solitary confinement for a period of time.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are 2 ways you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison:

• private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends
• prisoners abroad: depending on the country where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day)

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends. Please note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

Although not officially permitted, some prisoners are able to receive mobile money transfers. Alternatively, visitors can deposit money on the prisoner’s behalf at the designated transaction desk. However, prisoners are not allowed to access more than 5,000 XOF per day.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources. You may be eligible for one of the three Prisoners Abroad Funds – the Craig Feehan Fund, the Vitamin Fund and/or the Medical Fund.

Medical and Dental treatment

While you are detained, Côte d’Ivoire is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met.

If you need medical or dental treatment you should make an appointment to see the prison doctor or dentist. In some large prisons it can be difficult to get an early appointment but if the situation is urgent, you should contact the prison social worker, who may be able to get you an appointment more quickly than through the normal channels.

For serious or unusual health issues, you may be referred to a specialist outside the prison. This requires special authorisation, which your lawyer can help obtain.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

There are some restrictions in receiving mail or parcels. Ivorian prisons do not have mail dispatching services and are not obliged to deliver letters to prisoners. However, in exceptional cases, you may receive letters or parcels during visits from family, friends, consular staff, or your lawyer—provided prior authorisation is granted and the items are inspected, either by opening the letter or frisking the parcel.

All letters sent by the British Embassy are opened before being handed to prisoners to check for prohibited items. However, consular officers do not read the contents. Our consular staff aim to respond to written correspondence within 20 working days (excluding postage time), but only if the matter is considered to be of a serious nature—for example, if you have a serious health issue or concerns for your safety. You are encouraged to raise such issues during consular visits.

If you would like your family in the UK or elsewhere to email you, they may do so via our central email address: British.Embassy.Abidjan@fcdo.gov.uk. Please ask them to include your full name and the name of the prison where you are detained in the subject line.

Messages from prisoners to family and friends can only be sent if you provide the Embassy with an email address. These messages will be forwarded within 20 working days. Please note that the Embassy does not forward letters from prisoners by post.

Telephone calls

According to Ivorian Law, no prisoner can have access to phones, and you cannot make phone calls.

If you are caught trying to use a mobile phone inside the prison you will be punished according to the prison’s regulation, which may include being placed in solitary confinement. However, in exceptional cases, and only with prior authorisation and supervision, you may be allowed to make a phone call using a visitor’s phone—such as that of a family member, friend, consular staff, or your lawyer. In some instances, arrangements may also be made with fellow prisoners who have been granted this privilege.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider.

With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible take photos of your injuries.

Chapter 3: The Côte d’Ivoire judicial system

Overview

The Cote d’Ivoire judicial system is similar to the system in France and is composed of two levels:

• the lower courts, which include Courts of Appeal, Courts of First Instance, Courts of Assize, and Justice of the Peace Courts
• the upper courts, which consist of the Supreme Court, the High Court of Justice, and the State Security Court

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

You will be taken to a prison facility, and it is possible that you will spend one or more nights in custody at a police station.

At the time of your arrest, the police are not legally required to inform you of your rights. However, during the transfer from the place of arrest to the police station, you may be allowed to make a phone call to contact a family member or a local lawyer, if you have their details. You should also inform the authorities if you wish the British Embassy to be notified of your arrest.

The arresting officer may ask you to provide a statement. If you do not understand French, this must be done with the assistance of a translator or someone who speaks English. You will be formally charged by the prosecutor’s office. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, you will remain in custody until your trial begins, at which point the Ivorian government will appoint a public defender to represent you.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See the list of Lawyers in Côte d’Ivoire

How long you can be remanded in custody

It is likely that for investigation purposes, judicial police may keep you in custody for no more than 48 hours. This period can be extended by an additional 48 hours with authorisation from the Public Prosecutor. After this, you may remain in custody until your trial. There is no fixed timeframe for when a trial must begin, and in some cases, pre-trial detention can last up to 18 months.

Hearings typically take place between 3 to 6 months after the date of arrest, although delays are possible. During the trial, the judge will usually hear both the accused and any witnesses.

Bail

Bail may be granted in certain circumstances. Once bail is paid, if the defendant fails to appear in court or if new or serious developments arise, the judge or trial court may issue a new arrest warrant.

In some cases, the decision to grant bail may be made by the police officer handling the case. The individual will remain in custody until the bail amount is paid.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see for a list of local English-speaking lawyers

Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

If you choose to hire a private lawyer, they will typically require a cash advance before agreeing to take on your case.

Please note that the British Embassy cannot pay legal fees or guarantee payment to any lawyer on your behalf. If you are unable to hire a private lawyer, your case will be handled by a public defender. Should you later secure a private lawyer, the case will be transferred accordingly.

Public defenders generally do not visit their clients in person. Communication with them is usually conducted in writing and in French. If you do not speak French, you will need to hire and pay for an interpreter or translator before any communication can take place.

Trial

On the day of your trial, you will be taken to the court where your case is being heard. A judge will preside over the proceedings, accompanied by the public prosecutor and your lawyer or public defender. If you do not speak French, the court is responsible for providing an interpreter to assist you throughout the trial.

Sentences

Sentences vary greatly in Cote d’Ivoire and will depend on the seriousness of the crime. Your lawyer/public defender will be best placed to advise on length of sentences and on appeals process.

Appeals

You have the right to appeal your sentence in the higher courts through your lawyer or public defender. In most cases, public defenders will automatically file an appeal against your initial sentence. However, the appeals process in Côte d’Ivoire is often slow and may delay your release until a decision is made. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you seek a lawyer’s opinion before proceeding with an appeal.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

You may be eligible for a reduction in your sentence, depending on its length. Any remission is calculated based on the duration of your sentence and must be approved by a judge before it can be applied.

Early release

Those convicted, and serving one or more custodial sentences may be eligible for parole if they can demonstrate good conduct and provide strong evidence of their potential for social reintegration.

Clemency or pardon

In Cote d’Ivoire, pardon/clemency can only be given by the President or their delegates such as Ministers or the General Prosecutor. A pardon/clemency means that the prison sentence is terminated; however, the individual will still retain a criminal record.

Financial penalties

Often, the Cote d’Ivoire authorities may waive any financial penalties attached to prison sentences imposed on foreigners.

Transfer to another prison within Cote d’Ivoire

If you have been tried and convicted, you will be sent to a prison close to where the crime of the offence occurred and/or on the decision of the Court to serve your sentence. Transfers are only permitted when there are exceptional and compassionate reasons for doing so.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

There is no prison transfer agreement between Cote d’Ivoire and the UK.

Release and deportation

The expulsion process in Côte d’Ivoire is a mandatory administrative procedure applied to all foreign nationals who commit a crime. If an expulsion order has been issued, the individual will be transferred directly from prison to the airport upon release for deportation.

If the expulsion decree has been formally issued and signed, the Ivorian government will cover the cost of the flight to the individual’s country of nationality. This process can take several months. However, if the individual wishes to leave Côte d’Ivoire sooner or travel to a different country, they may pay for the flight themselves. In such cases, arrangements should be discussed with prison authorities and a consular officer. Once a flight is confirmed, the individual will be escorted to the airport by police until they board the plane.

If a prisoner is released without an expulsion order, they are free to leave the country at their own expense. However, they must first visit the police to sign a declaration stating that they are leaving voluntarily and understand that the expulsion process will continue, potentially resulting in a formal expulsion order at a later stage.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can arrange an appointment with their Resettlement Team when you first arrive back in UK. They can help with for advice, temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on, you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Chapter 4: Additional information

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098

Mondays to Fridays  9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)

89 – 93 Fonthill Road

London N4 3JH

UK

Annex

FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad

FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals

List of English-Speaking Lawyers

List of Private Translators/Interpreters

Prisoners Abroad Forms