Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. This includes in Côte d'Ivoire.

There’s a heightened risk of terrorism in the north of Côte d'Ivoire across border areas with Mali and Burkina Faso, particularly the regions of Folon, Bagoué, Poro and Tchologo; the provinces of Northern Zanzan and Savenes as well as in the Bounkani region, which includes Comoé National Park, where terrorists and other armed groups and militias are active.

An attack could happen anywhere and at anytime:

• consider likely targets and level of security provided, including places visited by foreigners such as shopping centres and airports
• always be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report any suspicious items or activities to police

To protect yourself from being involved in a terrorist attack:

• monitor the media for possible attacks
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's a terrorist attack:

• leave the affected area immediately if it’s safe to do so
• avoid the area afterwards in case of more attacks

More information:

• Terrorism

Domestic political tensions sometimes lead to violent protests and strikes. Violence due to civil unrest is a high risk. Even peaceful public protests and events can turn violent.

Significant events and key dates can lead to sporadic violence. Avoid large gatherings in the lead-up to, during and in the aftermath of key dates in your location. You should comply with any additional checks or security measures requested by the authorities, which may be introduced at short notice.

Border areas

There's an increased risk of terrorist activity in the regions bordering Mali and Burkina Faso, particularly Folon, Bagoué, Poro and Tchologo; the provinces of Northern Zanzan and Savenes, as well as in the Bounkani region, which includes Comoé National Park, where terrorists and other armed groups and militias are active. Clashes between armed groups and security forces could occur in the area.

Near the Liberian border, local tensions and the presence of armed militias are causing ongoing security issues. This includes in:

• Dix-Huit Montagnes
• Haut-Sassandra
• Moyen-Cavally
• Bas-Sassandra

To avoid violence and protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor the media for updates on civil unrest
• avoid protests and large public gatherings
• follow the advice of local authorities
• stay alert

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Pay attention to your safety and surroundings, as crimes can occur anytime and anywhere. 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 holdups

Some robbers reportedly wear military uniforms.

Armed robbers (coupeurs de route) are present on secondary and deserted roads. They set up roadblocks to intercept vehicles, including 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 and night. 

Attacks have occurred on:

• the main road from Yamoussoukro to Korogho
• the Abidjan to Yamoussoukro highway

Attacks occur at any time.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• plan road journeys carefully and take safety precautions
• always keep car doors locked and windows up
• conceal your valuables

Always be aware of your personal security, particularly in:

• Treichville
• Adjame
• Abobo
• Yopougon

HIV/AIDS is common in Côte d'Ivoire. You're at risk of infection if you're a victim of a violent crime.

Seek urgent medical advice if you're a victim of violent crime, including sexual assault. 

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Scams and internet fraud

Commercial and internet fraud often originates in West African countries. Some victims who then travel to those countries are killed.

Criminals who run these scams may:

• ask for details of safe bank accounts overseas
• transfer large sums of money, as a donation or for a percentage of the amount involved

As part of this scam, they may also:

• give you fake cashier's cheques for urgent shipments of goods
• ask for large fees for a fake government contract
• extort money from people after convincing them to travel to Africa for a business opportunity

Fake internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes also operate from some African countries. These scams typically start with a relationship through an internet dating site or chat room.

Your friend or prospective marriage partner will then ask you to send money to help them travel to Australia.

In some cases, the relationship will then end with very little chance of recovering any money.

In other cases, you may be lured to Africa to meet the person. When you arrive, you may be kidnapped, assaulted or robbed.

If you're a victim of a financial scam, get legal advice.

Don't travel to Africa to get your money back.

Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud is common. Keep your card in sight when paying for something.

More information

• Scams

Cyber security

Severe weather can cause flooding during the rainy seasons.

Roads may be impassable during these periods.

Rainy seasons are:

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

To protect yourself from severe weather:

• monitor local media sources
• confirm your plans with your tour operator or travel provider
• check conditions with local tour operators and hotels

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 ever-present dust, all of which can be fatal.

Swimming Safety

Swimming is dangerous due to strong coastal currents.

Mpox

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa as a global public health emergency. It has now spread across a number of countries in Africa, including Côte d'Ivoire.

Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials.

Symptoms include:

• rash
• fever
• sore throat
• headache
• muscle aches
• back pain
• low energy
• swollen lymph nodes

Seek professional medical advice on Mpox vaccines.

Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has Mpox.

See a doctor if you feel unwell and isolate from others if you develop any Mpox symptoms.

More information:

• Mpox (Australian Government)

HIV/AIDS

Take precautions if engaging in high-risk activities to avoid the risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and HIV.

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in Côte d'Ivoire. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel. You'll be required to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival in Côte d’Ivoire. 

Malaria and other tropical diseases are common.

To protect yourself from diseases spread by insects:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use treated mosquito nets
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization: 

• cholera
• dengue fever
• hepatitis
• measles
• meningitis
• tuberculosis
• Zika virus

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

If there is an outbreak of infectious disease, follow the advice of local authorities.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

If you're pregnant, discuss travel plans with your doctor. Consider deferring non-essential travel to Zika-affected areas.

Get medical advice if you develop a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• infectious diseases

Medical facilities and emergency services outside of Abidjan are very limited.

Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease.

You may need to pay cash up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Drugs

Penalties for the use, and trafficking of illegal drugs can include jail and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Same-sex relationships

Same-sex relationships are not illegal however same-sex marriage is not recognised under local law.

Public displays of affection between members of the same sex can be an 'offence against public decency'. Penalties include fines and jail terms of up to two years. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Other laws

It's illegal to take photos near sensitive sites, including:

• military areas
• government buildings, such as radio and television stations
• the Presidency building
• the airport
• De Gaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges in Abidjan

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Côte d'Ivoire.

Take care not to offend.

Dual nationality is only recognised in certain cases in Côte d'Ivoire.

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas  

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

Measures are frequently reviewed and may change at short notice. Check with your nearest Côte d’Ivoire Embassy for details.

Staying in Côte d'Ivoire

If you're visiting Côte d'Ivoire, you may experience travel bans, curfews and other restrictions on your movement. 

• Follow the advice of local authorities
• Ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay
• Keep in contact with family and friends so they know you're safe and well

Art objects

You need an exit permit from the National Museum to take art objects from Côte d'Ivoire.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You may be asked to show your certificate when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health and Aged Care).

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF252KB)

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The currency is the West African CFA Franc. There are restrictions on the amount of currency that can be moved into and out of the country. More information (in French) is available here. Abidjan has many ATMs, but they may not be reliable. 

ATMs are rare outside of Abidjan. Plan ahead to make sure you have enough cash for your trip.

Road travel

To drive in Côte d’Ivoire, you need:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• registration papers
• Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Brown Card insurance

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

The road system is generally good. Conditions are worse outside of Abidjan. Roads may be impassable in the rainy season.

Dangers include:

• unskilled drivers
• poorly maintained vehicles
• overloaded vehicles
• poor lighting

You're more likely to die in a car accident in Côte d'Ivoire than in Australia.

Armed robbers (coupeurs de route) carry out attacks on highways (see Safety).

To stay safe on the road:

• avoid driving at night
• plan road journeys carefully
• take security precautions

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

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines. Arrange these through your hotel or book local transport through a reputable provider.

Avoid flagging down taxis or rideshare services in the street.

There are security risks with using unregistered taxis and rideshare services, especially at night.

Take care when travelling alone at night (see 'Safety').

Public transport

Public transport is limited. Safety and maintenance standards of public transport can be unreliable. Ask your accommodation host or tour guide for advice on using public transport. 

Avoid using commuter buses (vans) due to safety concerns related to overcrowding, poor maintenance and reckless driving.

There are security risks with using public transport (see 'Safety').

More information:

• Driving or riding

Piracy

Piracy occurs in coastal waters off West Africa.

Check piracy reports issued by the International Maritime Bureau.

Air travel

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:  

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

In case of emergency, dial:

Police: 170 / 110 / 111

Medical assistance: 185

Firefighters: 180

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Côte d'Ivoire.

You can get consular help at:

• the Canadian Embassy in Abidjan, including provisional travel documents
• the Australian High Commission in Accra, Ghana

Canadian Embassy, Abidjan

Immeuble Trade Centre
23 Avenue Nogues
Le Plateau
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: (+225) 20 300 700
Fax: (+225) 20 300 720
Email: abdjn@international.gc.ca
Website: www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/cote_divoire/abidjan.aspx?lang=eng

Australian High Commission, Ghana

2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments
Accra, Ghana
Phone: +233 302 216400
Fax: +233 302 216410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
X: @AusAmbGHA

Our ability to provide some services may be limited. We will continue to prioritise consular services to those in genuine need. If you require urgent assistance, please contact our Consular Emergency Centre, Canberra (Australia): +61 2 6261 3305.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia