1. RECENT UPDATES
The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.
Sections 2 and 3 have been updated, and minor changes have been made in sections 4, 7 and 10.
See our Current Issues page for more information on flooding in Côte d'Ivoire.
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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Côte d’Ivoire(IDW10)
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Côte d’Ivoire. Those who choose to travel to this country despite this warning should always contact the Embassy of Canada prior to their departure from Canada.
The current political crisis began in 2002, when a failed coup resulted in civil war. The situation is not fully resolved despite concerted efforts by the international community to coordinate a solution acceptable to all parties. In March 2007, President Gbagbo and New Forces Secretary General Soro signed the Ouagadougou Accord to establish a new transitional government with Mr Gbagbo as President and Mr Soro as Prime Minister. Elections are expected in 2008.
The situation throughout most of the country is relatively stable. The potential for unrest and sudden deterioration of law and order remains. Spontaneous demonstrations related to the political situation can occur, and violence can erupt at short notice.
The Liberian border in the west, long an unstable and dangerous area, continues to experience tensions.
Illegal toxic waste dumping in Abidjan’s lagoon has poisoned thousands of residents and local food production. Canadians currently in and around Abidjan should avoid all areas where soil and water have been contaminated, and should not consume vegetables grown near affected zones.
Canadians in Côte d'Ivoire should maintain a high level of personal security awareness, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians should also register with the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan (see Section 5 below) or with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (call collect 613-996-8885).
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense.
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.
Criminal activity, sometimes violent, has increased throughout the country, particularly in Abidjan. Burglaries, armed robberies, including in restaurants, and armed carjackings occur, especially in city and town centres. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and document theft, occurs throughout the country. Travellers should not show signs of affluence, such as jewellery or cameras, and should regularly vary their schedules and travel patterns. Luxury and four-wheel-drive vehicles are frequently targeted. Many hotels, clubs, and supermarkets provide security services for clients and their vehicles.
Avoid walking alone after dark in Abidjan, especially in the areas of Treichville, Adjame, Abobo, Yopougon, and the Plateau business district. Pedestrian assaults occur on the bridges, even during the day.
Business fraud is common in Côte d’Ivoire (see Section 12).
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.
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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Ivorian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on October 12, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact information for the Embassy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Côte d’Ivoire. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa before arrival.
Tourist visa – required
Business visa – required
Student visa – required
Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.
A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - ABIDJAN, Embassy of Canada
Address: Immeuble Trade Centre, 23 avenue Nogues, Le Plateau, Abidjan
Postal Address: P.O. Box 4104, Abidjan, 01
Tel.: 225 20.30.07.00
Fax: 225 20.30.07.20
E-Mail: abdjn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.abidjan.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
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7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY
Overland travel is possible, but checkpoints and roadblocks are frequent and can congest traffic. Armed members of law enforcement agencies may search vehicles and demand money (directly or indirectly). Carjackings, and even busjackings, occur. Keep doors locked and windows shut at all times. In the west, bandits, referred to locally as “coupeurs de route” [highway pickpockets], sometimes set up false roadblocks with intent to steal travel documents and rob transport trucks and four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The road system, although deteriorating, is relatively good. Poorly lit roads and vehicles make driving at night hazardous. Road regulations are not well respected and serious accidents are frequent.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
The public transportation service is adequate in Abidjan. Taxis are in poor condition. Travellers should insist that the meter be turned on and should pay only the indicated price. Community taxis (“woro-woros”) and buses (“Gbaka”), used in remote areas, are dangerous. They are not recommended. The “Express” is the only recommended bus line.
The Abidjan airport meets the International Air Transport Association (IATA) international aviation safety standards and is working toward meeting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. Regional flights do not meet international aviation safety standards. Travellers should have a seat confirmation stamped on their ticket 72 hours in advance. Avoid carrying excess luggage. Thieves target overburdened travellers. Ensure personal belongings and documents are secure. Major hotels provide a shuttle service to and from the airport. It is best to make prior arrangements for this service.
The currency is the African Financial Community franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and some stores. Credit card and bank card fraud is frequent in Côte d’Ivoire. Traveller's cheques in U.S. dollars or euros and bank cards are accepted only in large banks in Abidjan.
Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine (ABM) services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The climate varies. In the southern coastal region, the rainy seasons occur from May to July and October to November. In the central and north-central region, the rainy seasons extend from mid-July to mid-October and mid-March to mid-May. In the north, the rainy season is from July to November, and a harmattan wind blows down from the Sahara between December and February. Some roads may be impassable during these periods. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is following the incidence of meningitis in and around the African meningitis belt. This belt extends from Guinea to Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and western Eritrea in the east. Epidemics most often occur during the dry season (December to June) in this region. Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale and has spread beyond the usual boundaries. Additional information and health recommendations concerning meningitis can be obtained through The Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside Abidjan.
Travellers should drink only bottled water or drinks and avoid ice cubes. Care should be taken in the preparation of food and visitors should avoid small stalls preparing local foods (maquis) unless they are familiar with the establishments.
Travellers should take precautionary measures to avoid insect bites.
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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Returning to Canada
Traveller's Checklist
Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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12. ANNEX
TIPS FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS TO CÔTE D'IVOIRE
Recognizing a Business Scam
The Canadian Embassy (located at Immeuble Trade Centre, 23 avenue Nogues, Le Plateau, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire), along with many other embassies, frequently handles "scam" cases. Business people, many of them experienced in overseas transactions, have lost thousands of dollars to these scams. Occasionally, persons who have gone to Côte d'Ivoire to "finalize" such deals have been threatened or assaulted. Local police and other officials have not provided assistance to those caught up in scams.
Caution should be exercised when contemplating any business transaction involving Côte d'Ivoire. The scams range from attempts to engage business people in fictitious money-transfer schemes to fraudulent solicitations to supply goods in fulfilment of non-existent Côte d'Ivoire government contracts. The scams are very sophisticated and may take victims to staged meetings, often held in borrowed offices at Côte d'Ivoire government ministries or at overseas locations. The persons involved do their research and can often provide plausible, but non-existent, orders written on seemingly genuine government stationery, complete with official stamps and seals.
Côte d'Ivoire business scams are not always easy to recognize, and any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully scrutinized and checked with the Commercial section of the Canadian Embassy. There are, nevertheless, some indicators that are warnings of a probable scam. Look out for:
Any offer of a substantial percentage of a large sum of money to be transferred into your account in return for your "discretion" or "confidentiality";
Any deal that seems too good to be true;
Requests for signed and stamped blank letterhead or invoices, or for bank account information;
Requests for urgent air shipment, accompanied by an instrument of payment whose genuineness cannot immediately be established;
Solicitation letters claiming that the soliciting party has personal ties to senior Côte d'Ivoire officials;
Requests for advance payment in U.S. dollars, in advance of transfer taxes or incorporation fees;
Statements that your name was provided to the soliciting party either by someone you do not know or by a "reliable contact";
Promises of advance payment for services to be provided to the Côte d'Ivoire government;
Claims that a Côte d'Ivoire visa is not necessary or that arrival in Côte d'Ivoire should be overland from a neighbouring country;
Resistance by Côte d'Ivoire partners to your checking in with the Canadian Embassy in Abidjan;
Any offer to supply oil; and
Any offer of a charitable donation.
These indicators are some of the most common hallmarks of Côte d'Ivoire scam operations. The list is not all-inclusive as scam operators are constantly weaving new elements into their schemes. The best rule to follow is that any unsolicited business proposal originating from Côte d'Ivoire or involving Côte d'Ivoire be carefully checked before any funds are committed, before any goods or services are provided, or before any travel is undertaken.
How Do the Scams Work?
Côte d'Ivoire business scams are confidence schemes, designed to exploit the trust you develop in your Ivoirian partner and defraud you of goods, services, or money. The scams are flexible, and operators adapt them to take the greatest advantage of the target.
Solicitation letters received in Canada may sometimes originate in countries neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire (i.e. Benin or Nigeria), in Europe, or in North America; however, you may be requested to visit Côte d'Ivoire to finalize the deal.
Here is a brief description of some of the most common schemes:
Money Transfer: The operator claims to have a large sum of money, usually millions of dollars, that needs to be transferred to a "safe" bank account abroad. The Central Bank of Nigeria is often, though by no means always, mentioned. You, as the bank account owner, are promised a percentage of the huge sum, just for allowing the use of your account. You may be asked to provide blank, signed invoices, letterhead, and bank account information, or to send money for transfer taxes. Some businesses have found their accounts looted by the persons to whom they sent account information.
Fraudulent Order: The operator usually places a small order, paying with a genuine cashier's cheque drawn on a foreign bank. The operator then places another, somewhat larger order, again paying with a genuine instrument. Then you receive an order by courier. Your Ivorian partner urgently needs a large quantity of your product air-shipped. Confident in your partner, you ship, but this time the cashier's cheque (which looks the same) is a forgery. Experienced business people usually require full payment in advance of shipment or an irrevocable letter of credit confirmed by a reputable international bank.
Charitable Donation: The operator offers to make a donation to your organization, asking for bank account information (see Money Transfer, above). Then the operator loots the account or asks for advance payment of a fee to ensure conversion of local money into dollars.
Contract: The operator claims to have a Côte d'Ivoire government contract and needs your company's expertise to carry out the job. The operator scams you by collecting thousands of dollars in "fees" before you can do business.
Crude Oil: The operator claims to have an allocation of crude oil to sell. Sometimes the operator claims to be working on behalf of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Then come demands for various fees to supply you with the crude; of course, you never get your cargo. Businesses lacking experience with Nigeria's petroleum industry should approach with great caution any proposal involving crude oil sales.
Business Opportunity: The operator convinces you to explore a business opportunity by visiting Côte d'Ivoire. Once you arrive, the operator takes charge of your life, trying to keep you from contacting friends, family, or the Canadian Embassy in Abidjan. By various means, sometimes including violence or threats of violence, the operator extracts money from you. This type of scam becomes particularly dangerous for a victim who has entered Côte d'Ivoire without a valid Côte d'Ivoire visa, issued by a Côte d'Ivoire Embassy, or Consulate.
All travellers MUST have a visa prior to arrival in Côte d'Ivoire and must pass through immigration formalities upon entry into the country. Letters addressed to immigration officials have no validity.
Visa Card Scams: A Canadian company receives an order for standard equipment. The Ivorian company pays for the goods by Visa credit card. The Canadian company receives proper authorization from the bank or financial institution, but shortly after, the true owner of the Visa credit card objects to the purchase and claims the card has been compromised by persons unknown. Unfortunately, the Canadian company has already shipped the goods by air and suffers a financial loss.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Africa and Middle East Trade Division
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0G2
Ask for the Commercial Officer responsible for Côte d'Ivoire at (613) 944-4000. If you already have a contact name, you can also fax your request at (613) 996-9709.
Embassy of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
9 Marlborough Avenue
Ottawa, ON, K1N 8E6
Tel.: (613) 236-9919
Fax: (613) 563-8287
Commercial Crime Branch
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0R2
Tel.: 613-991-4331
Fax: 613-993-4299
PhoneBusters National Call Centre
P.O. Box 686
North Bay, ON
P1B 8J8
Tel.: 1 888 495-8501 or 705-495-8501
Fax: 1 888 654-9426 or 705-494-4755
Website: http://www.phonebusters.com/
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