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Health and Travel Alert:  U.S. Embassy Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
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16 MINUTE READ
July 14, 2020

Health and Travel Alert:  U.S. Embassy Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire

Health and Travel Alert:  U.S. Embassy Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (July 14, 2020) 

Location:  Cote d’Ivoire 

Event:  As of July 14, 2020, the Ivoirian Ministry of Health confirmed a total of 13,037 COVID-19 cases in the country, including 87 deaths and 6,908 recoveries, leaving 6,042 active cases.  The greater Abidjan region remains the epicenter of the epidemic with 96% of confirmed cases.

The closure of Cote d’Ivoire’s land and maritime borders, and the State of Emergency, are extended through July 30, 2020; however the isolation of the greater Abidjan region and the requirement to obtain a laissez-passez for inter-city travel will expire on July 15.  Further enforcement of the requirement to wear a mask or face covering in vehicles and public spaces is expected.  Bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues are also to remain closed in Abidjan.  The government of Cote d’Ivoire reminded the population that all vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women, should remain in confinement.  

The U.S. Embassy cannot provide information on the status of commercial flights.  Check directly with commercial airlines for the latest operational information.  If you are planning to visit or travel through France, check the website of the U.S. Embassy in France as well as the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for information on restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and urgent health information provided by relevant authorities.  Currently, residents of a third-country, in transit for less than 24 hours in an international zone, are permitted to transit France to reach their country of origin as long as they have an onward ticket for that country.  These rules are subject to change and you should regularly check with the French authorities on their transit regulations before planning travel.  There are no restrictions on U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) entering the United States. However U.S. citizens, LPRs and their immediate family members must arrive in the U.S. at one of the 15 designated airports approved by DHS for arrivals from European countries.   

A global travel advisory remains in effect urging U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel.  Regulations and restrictions on exit and re-entry for Cote d’Ivoire can change at any time with minimal notice and travelers should continue to weigh the risks of disruptions in their travel plans against these considerations.    

U.S. Embassy Abidjan Consular Operations: Routine consular services remain suspended, including routine passport renewals and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA).  Both non-immigrant and immigrant visa services also remain suspended.  If you are a U.S. citizen requiring assistance, including requesting an emergency passport, please contact us by e-mail at ABJAmCit@state.gov.  Emergency passports may be issued for individuals who have urgent travel or other compelling needs to replace their expired identification documents.  Travelers will generally be asked to provide a flight reservation before an appointment for an emergency passport is granted.  French and Belgium authorities will not accept U.S. emergency passports for entry into their countries, but will accept them for connections to onward flights to the United States. 

Actions to Take: 

  • Respect local Ivoirian laws and health guidelines.  Visit the local government COVID-19 website http://www.gouv.ci/Main2.php for updated information.
  • If you are sick with COVID-like symptoms, call your health care provider or Cote d’Ivoire’s COVID hotline at 143, 101, 125 or 119.
  • Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and others.  
  • Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on local conditions in Cote d’Ivoire. 
  • Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information for U.S. citizens traveling abroad.  
  • Visit the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security websites to review the latest travel restrictions to the United States.   

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