Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Region bordering Liberia

Rogue security forces and other armed groups engage in banditry and extortion in the western regions. Clashes between armed groups and the security forces have taken place in the area.

Regions bordering Mali and Burkina Faso

There is a heightened risk of terrorist activity due to the presence of armed groups and militias in the northern border areas. Clashes between armed groups and security forces could take place in the area.

Abidjan

The level of crime (violent crime, car theft, armed robbery, etc.) is high. The majority of crimes against foreigners are non-violent situation crimes (pickpocketing, theft of unattended property). Be vigilant, particularly in the neighbourhoods of Abobo, Adjamé, Treichville, Yopougon and Attacoubé due to a high level of crime. Avoid driving at night in these neighbourhoods.

Refrain from crossing the Charles-de-Gaulle, Henri-Konan-Bédié and Félix-Houphouet-Boigny bridges by foot, even in broad daylight, because of the risk of assault. In the evening, it is recommended to avoid walking, including in the Plateau district, after offices and shops have closed.

Crime levels are higher at night. Be especially vigilant in the evening in festive neighbourhoods such as Zone 4, where nightclubs, restaurants and bushes are located due to the increased risk of assault.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

In recent years, various social or protest movements have rocked Abidjan and other cities in Côte d'Ivoire. In addition to disrupting traffic, these demonstrations can occasionally lead to violent confrontations with law enforcement.

• 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

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Crime

Criminal activity is the main threat to your safety and security in Côte d’Ivoire. In Abidjan and other cities in the country, you could be the target of crime of opportunity such as purse snatching. Petty criminals will use force when faced with resistance.

Burglaries, break-ins and violent assaults are also frequent. Car theft occurs. Luxury and four-wheel drive vehicles are targets of choice. Keep your vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed at all times.

Crime increases significantly at night. Be especially careful after sunset, and avoid travel late at night.

• Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as wearing jewellery, and carrying large sums of cash
• Keep valuables and bags out of sight
• Vary your schedule and travel patterns
• Carry certified photocopies of your identification and travel documents

Highway robbers

Highway robbers are armed criminals operating mainly in rural areas, who assault passengers in private cars or public transport. They set up roadblocks to intercept vehicles or force vehicles to stop at gunpoint.

Although this phenomenon has become much less common, incidents occur regularly along primary and secondary roads. These criminals are particularly active in agricultural production areas (cocoa and cashew nuts) or gold washing. They operate at any time of the day, including at night.

Terrorism

Exercise a high degree of caution in Côte d’Ivoire due to the threat of terrorism. Although Côte d’Ivoire has experienced only one terrorist attack on its territory, killing 20 people in March 2016 in Grand-Bassam (a beach resort located some 40 kilometres from the capital), the terrorist threat is real. The risk is particularly high in Abidjan and in the northern regions along the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso where terrorist groups have been operating for some years.

In Abidjan and urban centres, the following areas could be targeted:

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

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Road safety

Caution should be exercised, as road safety is one of the major risks in Côte d'Ivoire. It has an extensive road system, including a two-lane highway linking Abidjan to Yamoussoukro. Main roads are generally paved. Side roads are laterite roads (earth roads). The general condition of the road system varies greatly from one area to another. Many road sections are difficult to drive on because of poor road conditions, with potholes and deformities in some places.

Road accidents, often fatal, are common, due to poor road conditions, excessive speeds and careless driving. Note that the ability of emergency services to respond to an emergency is limited or non-existent depending on the region.

Drive carefully and comply with the traffic regulations, including the speed limit. When driving in a vehicle, doors should be locked and windows closed at all times. You should always carry your identification and vehicle documents. It is recommended that you avoid travelling after dark, as there is a higher risk of accidents or incidents.

Public transportation

Avoid using buses and other means of public transport, especially the "Gbaka" whose drivers are generally poorly trained in traffic regulations. Buses of the Société des Transport d’Abidjan (SOTRA) are overcrowded and robberies are frequent.

There are many taxi companies in Abidjan, most of them identifiable by colour, whose quality varies considerably from one vehicle to another. Taxis are frequently involved in traffic accidents. If you must absolutely take a taxi, either insist that the meter be turned on and pay only the indicated price, or negotiate the fare in advance.

Taxi passengers have been robbed and assaulted by drivers, so be very cautious. Do not allow the driver to pick up any other passengers on the way to your destination, as this may be a prearranged scheme to attack or rob you.

Avoid using informal taxis (woro-woros)

Air travel

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

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Beaches

Avoid swimming in the sea, especially in Grand-Bassam, as it is dangerous, even for excellent swimmers. Coastal ocean currents are powerful and dangerous. Many people drown each year.

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

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequent. Victims of fraud or cybercrime originating from Côte d’Ivoire can report it to the Plateforme de lutte contre la cybercriminalité.

More about overseas fraud

Entry/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

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 diplomatic mission 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 about travel with children.

Yellow fever

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

Health

Medical services and facilities

Appropriate health facilities and medical supplies are found in Abidjan, but they may be expensive. Before commencing treatment, public and private medical facilities generally require an up-front deposit, a guarantee of payment or confirmation that the traveller has medical insurance.

There are few medical facilities outside of Abidjan. Air evacuation is sometimes the only option in the event of a medical emergency in remote areas.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & 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.

Photographing certain installations, such as military sites, government buildings (including radio and television stations), the presidential palace, the airport and the Charles De Gaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges in Abidjan, is prohibited.

Art objects purchased in Côte d’Ivoire must be accompanied by an export permit provided by the Musée National (national museum).

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended.

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.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Money

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

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

Natural disasters & climate

In the southern coastal region, the rainy seasons occur from May to July and from October to November. In the central and north-central regions, the rainy seasons extend from mid-July to mid-October and from mid-March to mid-May. In the north, the rainy season is from July to November, and the harmattan wind blows down from the Sahara between December and February.

Severe rainstorms can cause sudden flooding and landslides, interrupt essential services and impede overland travel. You should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.