Risk level

Safety and security

Region bordering Liberia

Inter-community land conflicts occur regularly and result violent clashes.

Regions bordering Mali and Burkina Faso

There is a continued risk of terrorist activity due to the presence of armed groups and militias in the northern border areas. There could be clashes between armed groups and security forces.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs regularly throughout the country.

During your stay in Côte d’Ivoire:

• ensure that your personal belongings are secure at all times, including your passport and your other travel documents
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• avoid carrying large sums of cash

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs regularly, especially at night, in big cities including Abidjan. Incidents include:

• burglary
• assault
• car thefts, especially of luxury cars and four-wheel drive vehicles
• carjacking
• street hold ups

During your stay:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• avoid going out after dark
• be wary of people walking behind you
• lock your car doors and windows at all times
• avoid confrontation
• if attacked, don’t resist

Terrorism

There is a terrorist threat throughout the country. The risk is particularly high in the northern regions along the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso.

In urban centers, the following locations could be targeted:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship, airports, stations (bus, train and boat)
• public areas frequented by foreigners, such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other tourist destinations

Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur occasionally. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.

Clashes between demonstrators and police have occurred. Demonstrations can also lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Exercise caution
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road safety is a major security risk in Côte d'Ivoire.

Pedestrians and drivers should exercise caution, as the number of road accidents is high, and emergency rescue services are limited or non-existent in some areas. Cycling is not recommended.

Road conditions

Road conditions vary throughout the country.

Main roads are generally paved, while secondary roads are mostly dirt roads.

Driving can be dangerous due to: 

• numerous motorcycles present on the road
• poorly maintained roads and potholes
• stray livestok
• lack of traffic signs
• traffic jams and heavy traffic, especially in urban areas
• overturned or broken-down vehicles blocking the road
• insufficient lighting and vehicles not using their headlights
• bad weather, especially during the rainy season

Driving habits

Drivers don't always obey traffic laws. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds. They can be aggressive and reckless. 

 If you choose to drive in Côte d'Ivoire:

• always drive defensively
• avoid travelling alone and after dark
• keep doors locked and windows closed at all times
• never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk
• bring a cell phone, charger and local emergency numbers
• familiarize yourself with your itinerary before you leave
• ask about insurance coverage options for roadside assistance when you rent a vehicle

Ambushes

Armed criminals, locally known as "coupeurs de route", are present on secondary and deserted roads. 

They set up roadblocks to intercept vehicles, both private cars and public transport vehicles. The criminals force vehicles to stop at gunpoint, sometimes assaulting passengers. 

Incidents occur at all hours of the day, including at night. They occur mainly in areas of agricultural production (cocoa, coffee, natural rubber and cashew nuts) and gold panning.

Roadblocks

Roadblocks are common throughout the country, especially at the entrances and exits of major cities. 

 You may be asked to identify yourself. 

• Expect the presence of the gendarmerie
• Don't drive through a roadblock without stopping, even if it seems unguarded
• If you are stopped, follow the gendarmerie's instructions

Fraud

Cybercrime

Cybercriminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks in order to steal personal data or credit information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid shopping on non encrypted websites
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be especially cautious if you decide to meet someone you met online
• Be wary of unsolicited emails offering attractive business opportunities
• Don't click on suspicious links that ask for your banking information in an e-mail or text message

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud are frequent in Côte d’Ivoire. When using your card at a payment terminal or at an ATM:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards to make a transaction
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Tourism infrastructure

Tourism infrastructure is limited outside of major cities.

If you are planning a trip outside of major centers:

• plan your trip accordingly
• keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand
• make sure you always have a complete emergency kit on hand
• bring a cell phone, charger and local emergency numbers
• have cash reserves on you
• use a reputable tour operator

Water activities

Ocean currents along the coast are powerful and dangerous. There are no rescue services.

Swimming

Beaches are generally unsupervised. Many people drown every year.

Avoid swimming in the sea, especially in Grand-Bassam, as it is dangerous, even for excellent swimmers.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Public transportation

Public transport services are limited and not all are safe. Avoid using public transport services.

Buses

Drivers of mini-buses, "Gbaka", do not always respect traffic laws.

Most Société des Transports d'Abidjan (SOTRA) buses are overcrowded and theft is frequent.

Taxis and taxi web applications

Taxis are frequently involved in traffic accidents. Passengers are sometimes mugged or robbed by cab drivers.

Group taxis, known as “woro-woro", and car taxis are available in major cities, but are not always well maintained. Most don't have air-conditioning and their mechanics are unreliable.

Web-based ride-sharing applications from home-based taxis companies are available. 

If you choose to take a taxi: 

• ask for your taxi at reception if you are using hotel services
• use only registered taxis
• confirm the driver's identity and license plate before getting into the car if you're using a taxi ridesharing app
• make sure the driver does not pick up other passengers on the way to your destination
• make sure the taxi's doors and windows are securely closed
• negotiate the fare in advance

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Ivorian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Côte d'Ivoire.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Canadians must be in possession of a visa before arrival.

You can get a visa at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport. However, you must first get a “receipt of pre-enrolment” online, as well as a “certificate of approval of the authority” (which is proof of authorization), before you board your flight to Abidjan.

Get an e-visa - Côte d’Ivoire’s official application service

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health facilities and medical supplies are adequate in Abidjan. There are few medical facilities outside of Abidjan.

Public and private medical facilities generally require an initial cash deposit, a payment guarantee or confirmation that you have medical insurance.

Air evacuation is sometimes the only option in the event of a medical emergency in remote areas.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in Côte d’Ivoire.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Côte d’Ivoire.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. If you are convicted, you can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.  

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Côte d'Ivoire.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Côte d'Ivoire, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Côte d’Ivoire.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Côte d’Ivoire by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Côte d’Ivoire to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Identification

Local authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Always carry valid identification or a photocopy of it
• Keep a photocopy of your passport, visa or residence permit in a safe place in case they’re lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited, including:

• military sites
• government buildings, including radio and television stations
• the presidential palace
• the airport
• the Charles de Gaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges in Abidjan

Seek permission before taking photos of individuals.

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Export of cultural objects

The export of cultural objects is regulated. Art objects purchased in Côte d'Ivoire must be accompanied by an export permit issued by the National Museum.

Driving

You should carry an international driving permit.

In the event of a car accident:

• stay calm and avoid confrontation
• remain at the scene of the accident
• call the national police at 100 or 01 03 79 91 44 to report the accident and request the intervention of the transport police
• don't move your vehicle until the authorities arrive

If you feel in danger:

• ensure your doors are locked and your windows are closed
• drive to the nearest police station or secure location
• report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible

More about the International Driving Permit

Money

The currency in Côte d'Ivoire is the African Financial Community franc (CFAF).

Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, and some restaurants and shops. ATMs are available in Abidjan and most major cities.

Carry cash outside major cities.

Natural disasters and climate

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from:

• May to July and October to November in the southern coastal region
• mid-March to mid-May and mid-July to mid-October in the central and north-central regions
• from July to November in the northern region

Heavy rains can cause flash floods and landslides, interrupt essential services and hamper overland travel.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Seasonal wind  

The harmattan, a hot wind from the Sahara, blows between December and February.

Be on the lookout for symptoms of dehydration, heatstroke and flu caused by the omnipresent dust, all of which can be fatal.