Reconsider travel due to crime. Exercise increased caution due to COVID-19, civil unrest, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Côte d’Ivoire due to COVID-19, indicating a moderate level of COVID-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in Côte d’Ivoire.
Reconsider Travel To:
- Northern border region due to terrorism.
Country Summary: Crime continues to be a major public security concern in Côte d’Ivoire. Violent crime, such as carjacking, robbery, and home invasion, is common. Local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Extremist activity occurs frequently in the tri-border region of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali.
Due to ongoing political tensions, demonstrations and protests are likely to occur and could become violent.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Abidjan. Embassy personnel are prohibited from driving outside the cities after dark, including between Abidjan, Grand Bassam, and Assinie.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Côte d’Ivoire:
- See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.
- Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Keep a low profile.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave originals in your hotel safe.
- Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Côte d’Ivoire.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Northern Border Region – Reconsider Travel
Extremists have carried out attacks in areas of Mali and Burkina Faso adjacent to Côte d’Ivoire and at an Ivoirian military border post in the town of Kafolo in June 2020. Exercise increased caution and security procedures in remote areas adjacent to the northern border.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Abidjan
U.S. Citizen emergencies: (+225) 27 2249 4103
Outside of Embassy Hours: (+225) 27 2249 4450
ABJAmCit@state.gov
https://ci.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Côte d’Ivoire Country Information
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Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates