Cote D Ivoire

U.S. Embassy Abidjan

Cocody Riviera Golf,
01 BP 1712 Abidjan 01
Côte d’Ivoire
Telephone: +(225) 27-22-49-40-00
Emergency After-HoursTelephone: +(225) 27-22-49-44-50
Fax: +(225) 27-22-49-42-02
Email: AbjAmcit@state.gov

Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 in Côte d'Ivoire. 

A passport, visa, and proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever are required for entry into Côte d’Ivoire. For additional immunization information, visit the CDC’s Health Information for Travelers to Côte d’Ivoire.

Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire website for the most current visa information. The Embassy of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire is located at 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 797-0317.

Although e-visas are available at the airport upon arrival, they must be requested online prior to arrival in Côte d’Ivoire. You can find more information online at Côte d’Ivoire evisas.

An export permit issued by the National Museum is required for all high-value pieces of art being removed from Côte d'Ivoire. The export permit costs 2,000 CFA plus 500 CFA per object.

U.S. citizens intending to establish a residence in Côte d’Ivoire must apply for a residency permit (titre de séjour) at the Office d’Identification Nationale. (Note: Titres de séjour are not issued to children under the age of 16 who are documented on their parents' visas.)

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Côte d’Ivoire.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs information on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack –including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is focused on unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.).
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists.
• Places of worship.
• Schools.
• Parks.
• Beaches.
• Shopping malls and markets.
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights).

Côte d’Ivoire remains under threat by extremist organizations in the region, including those active across the border in Burkina Faso and Mali, which have experienced increased terrorist activity. While Côte d’Ivoire is not considered a base of operations, extremists carried out an attack at an Ivoirian military border post in the town of Kafolo in June 2020.

For more information, see our Terrorism page. 

Crime: Crime continues to be a major public security concern in Côte d’Ivoire. Armed carjackings, robberies of businesses, and home invasions target residents, including expatriates, who are perceived as wealthy.

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when visiting Abidjan’s Abobo, Adjame, Angre, Koumassi, Marcory, and Yopougon districts, as well as popular neighborhoods for nighttime entertainment, including Plateau, Treichville, and Zone 4.

Carry identification at all times to minimize the risk of harassment at police checkpoints.

Côte d’Ivoire has undertaken security sector reform actions, and, as a result, its national police and gendarmerie are in a transitional period. The military often performs what might be considered traditional civilian law enforcement functions for which it is not properly trained.

Weapons left over after the civil war present a continuing security threat exploitable by criminals and rogue soldiers. Political factions and their supporters armed with these weapons pose an ongoing risk to Côte d’Ivoire’s fragile democratic institutions.

For more information, please see Côte d’Ivoire’s Travel Advisory.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Election-related violence is another concern; a presidential election took place on October 31, 2020, and legislative elections are expected to take place in early 2021. Several riots and demonstrations, sometimes resulting in deaths, have occurred, and may continue due to ongoing political tensions.

For more information, please see Côte d’Ivoire’s Travel Advisory.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Internet romance and financial scams are increasingly prevalent in Côte d’Ivoire. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles, or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/relative targeting
• Free trip/luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at +225-27-22-47-06-96, +225-01-03-79-91-44 (the Operations Center for the National Police), or 100/111 (the Ministry of Security in Plateau, Abidjan). Contact the U.S. Embassy at (+225) 27-22-49-40-00 or after-hours at (+225) 27-22-49-44-50. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: Little formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment may not be available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Maritime Security: Piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea continue to trend upwards. Pirates/armed groups operating in the region typically carry out attacks on vessels using automatic weapons. Attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and robbery of crew, passengers, and ship’s property continue to be common occurrences.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Customs: Ivoirian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information, call (212) 354-4480 or e-mail ATA Carnet Headquarters.

If traveling to another West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) country, expatriate residents leaving Côte d’Ivoire must declare the amount of currency being taken out of the country. Residents traveling to countries that use the CFA Franc currency, but are not WAEMU members, are prohibited from taking CFA Francs out of Côte d’Ivoire, and are authorized to carry up to the equivalent of 2,000,000 CFA Francs (approximately 4,000 USD) in any other currency. You can take funds in excess of that amount out of the country in the form of travelers or bank checks.

If traveling to any other non-WAEMU country, tourists are prohibited from taking more than 500,000 CFA Francs (approximately 1,000 USD), and business operators are prohibited from taking more than 2,000,000 CFA Francs (approximately 4,000 USD) without government approval.

For further information on customs regulations, travelers may consult the Ivoirian Customs Agency’s website.

Corruption: Government corruption remains a serious problem in Côte d’Ivoire, and has an impact on judicial proceedings, contract awards, customs, and tax issues. Uniformed security forces (police, military, and gendarmes) routinely stop vehicles for traffic violations and security checks. If you are stopped, politely present your identification. Police and security officials rarely speak English. If you are stopped at one of these checkpoints and asked to pay a bribe, politely refuse and present your photocopy of your U.S. passport, visa, and entry stamp.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Côte d’Ivoire. The only mention of same-sex sexual activity in the laws is as a form of public indecency that carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, the same prescribed for heterosexual acts performed in Côte d’Ivoire that contravene the law. Antidiscrimination laws exist, but they do not address discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Societal stigmatization of the LGBTI community is widespread, and police, gendarmes, and members of the armed forces reportedly beat, imprison, verbally abuse, extort, or humiliate members of the LGBTI community. The few LGBTI organizations in the country operate freely, but with caution.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Côte d’Ivoire prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities; however, the law is not effectively enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. According to the 2019 Human Rights Report, persons with disabilities reportedly encountered serious discrimination in employment and education. Prisons and detention centers provided no accommodations for persons with disabilities. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure in Abidjan and throughout the country.

• The availability of rental, repair, and replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, and service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants, is limited. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire to receive a list of providers.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers. 

Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 in Côte d'Ivoire. 

Abidjan has privately-run medical and dental facilities that are adequate, but do not fully meet U.S. standards. Good physician specialists can be found, although few speak English. While pharmacies are well-stocked with medications produced in Europe, newer drugs may not be available. If you plan a lengthy trip to Côte d’Ivoire, you should bring enough medication to last the entire stay in your carry-on luggage. Medical care outside of Abidjan is extremely limited.

The rainy season is typically from June to September, and often includes heavy rains and flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Heavy rains have caused landslides, riverbank erosion, bridge washouts, and property damage. Roads may be closed suddenly and stay closed for indefinite periods of time, especially in more remote areas. U.S. citizens should monitor local weather and news reports, avoid driving through flooded areas, and keep a supply of water and emergency provisions in their residence.

For emergency services in Côte d’Ivoire, dial the numbers below.

For emergency medical transport services in Côte d’Ivoire, ambulances are available free of charge in the public system, while private ambulance services are available for a fee. Ambulances may be contacted at the numbers below:

• Public system: SAMU “Service d’aide Medicale Urgente”: +225 27-22-44-94-09, +225-27-22-44-34-45, or +225-27-22-44-53-53 (on Facebook)
• MEDICIS (private): +225-27-21-75-29-60 or +225-27-21-75-29-63 (on Facebook)
• SOS Abidjan (private): 1304 (on Facebook)

Ambulance services in the public system are:

• not widely available, and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to hire a private ambulance or take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for a public ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental medical insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Ministry of Health & Public Hygiene to ensure the medication is legal in Côte d’Ivoire. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further Health Information:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. embassies and consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health Facilities in General:

• Adequate health facilities are available in Abidjan and other major cities, but health care in rural areas is below U.S. standards.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available, and most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over-the-counter and requiring prescriptions in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common, and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information. 

Water Quality:

• Although tap water is potable in Côte d’Ivoire, we recommend drinking only bottled water. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel:

• Swimming in coastal waters is dangerous and strongly discouraged, even for excellent swimmers. The ocean currents along the coast are powerful and treacherous, and numerous people drown each year.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

General Health:

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Diarrhea illness
• HIV/AIDS
• Malaria
• Meningococcal Disease
• Tuberculosis
• Yellow Fever
• Dengue
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
• HIV/AIDS: According to data from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDSRelief (PEPFAR) in 2017/2018, Cote d’Ivoire has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.9 percent for 15 to 64-year-olds, with higher rates among female sex workers and men who have sex with men (11.4 percent and 12.33 percent, respectively). Annually, there are approximately 13,000 new HIV infections (2,700 among children) and 13,000 AIDS-related deaths in Côte d’Ivoire. 
• There are shortages of medicine and medical supplies in public health facilities and in many medical facilities in rural areas.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Côte d’Ivoire.  

Air Quality: 

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Côte d’Ivoire. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you, and consult with your doctor before traveling if necessary.
• The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst during the harmattan season (a very dry season in West Africa when winds blow sand and dust from the Sahara Desert) from December to February. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
  • Infants, children, and teens.
  • People over 65 years of age.
  • People with lung disease, such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
  • People with heart disease or diabetes.
  • People who work or are active outdoors.

Road Conditions and Safety: Road safety is a major concern in Côte d’Ivoire, and U.S. Embassy officers are prohibited from driving outside of major cities after dark, including between Abidjan, Grand Bassam, and Assinie. Visibility is often poor, even in developed areas with streetlights. Roadway accidents involving large commercial or privately owned vehicles are common along roads connecting major cities. It is common to see overturned or broken-down vehicles that may block routes and create traffic congestion. Cargo transport vehicles are often overloaded and do not follow standard safety practices.

The Embassy’s ability to provide consular services, including emergency assistance, outside of the Abidjan area is limited. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the Northern and Northeastern border region. Many areas of Côte d’Ivoire are difficult to access, and travel in these areas is hazardous. Outside of the major cities, infrastructure is poor, medical care is limited, and there are few facilities for tourists.

Carjacking incidents have been reported in Abidjan, including vehicles with diplomatic plates. While stopped in traffic, allow enough room between your car and the one in front to maneuver out if needed. Before getting into your car, look around to see if there is anyone paying unusual attention, and if someone appears to be watching, do not go to your vehicle. If confronted, remain courteous and calm and, if threatened with violence, in most cases do not resist. Street criminals often employ threats of violent tactics when accosting their victims. When victims hand over their valuables, the encounter normally ends without further incident or harm. However, street criminals have been known to follow through on violent threats when victims resist handing over their possessions. Please report any incident to the U.S. Embassy.

Traffic Laws: The U.S. Embassy advises its employees to remain at the scene of an accident only if it is safe to do so. If you believe the situation might become hostile, call or travel to the nearest police or gendarmes station.

Impatient drivers frequently disregard traffic laws and drive recklessly. Cars and trucks frequently travel without functioning headlights.

Public Transportation: Abidjan has a poor public transportation system. If you choose to travel by bus, the “Express” line is believed to be the safest and most reliable service. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive; you may be able to negotiate a better rate than drivers’ initial fare offers. They are, however, poorly maintained and notorious for not respecting the rules of the road. There have been reports of robberies in metered or orange taxis, though they are still widely thought to be the most secure form of public transportation.

Communal taxis (“woro-woros”), used only within the limits of each commune, are not metered and may be dangerous. Do not use communal taxis or local vans (“Gbaka”) because they are frequently involved in accidents. Always travel in groups and avoid driving on roads outside of Abidjan at night.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the websites of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Transportation.

Aviation Safety Oversight: While there are direct commercial air services to the United States operated by carriers registered outside of Côte d’Ivoire, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet assessed the Government of Côte d’Ivoire’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Côte d’Ivoire should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings.