Ivory Coast Travel Safety

General safety

Carry certified photocopies of your identification and travel documents. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying jewelry and large sums of cash. Valuables and bags should be kept out of sight. It is also recommended that you vary your schedules and travel patterns.

Road safety

Côte d'Ivoire has a fairly good road system. Main roads are generally paved, but the remainder are not. Although the road system is generally in good condition, several stretches of road are still full of potholes and are buckled in places. A two-lane highway links Abidjan and Yamoussoukro. Road accidents are common, due to poor road conditions, excessive speeds and careless driving. Drive defensively at all times and respect speed limits. When a vehicle is stopped in heavy traffic, 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 nightfall, owing to poorly lit roads and the risk of accident or holdup.

Beaches

Coastal ocean currents are powerful and dangerous. Many people drown each year. Swimming at the seaside, especially in Grand Bassam, is dangerous and strongly advised against, even for excellent swimmers.

Taxis

Taxis are available, they are generally in poor condition and their drivers are reckless. If you must absolutely take a taxi, you should either insist that the meter be turned on and pay only the indicated price, or negotiate the fare in advance. There have been incidents of taxi passengers being robbed or 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.

Public transportation

Public transportation is inadequate in Abidjan and is not recommended. Buses are overcrowded.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Ivory Coast, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Piracy

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Highway robbers

Armed bandits sometimes strike along the country's highways. These bandits are active mainly at night, but attacks also occur in broad daylight. They erect barricades to stop vehicles and rob passengers. Although this phenomenon has become much less common, incidents are regularly reported along primary and secondary roads.

Crime

Petty criminals do not hesitate to use force when faced with resistance. 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 petty crime such as pickpocketing or purse snatching. Burglaries, break-ins and violent assaults are also frequent, as is car theft. Luxury and four-wheel drive vehicles are particularly targeted. Keep your vehicle's doors locked and windows closed at all times.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist targets could include government buildings, public areas such as bars, restaurants, hotels and tourist sites frequented by foreigners. Be aware of your surroundings in public places. Areas close to the porous border with Mali, where jihadist groups are active, are particularly at risk.

LGBT

Although the laws of Ivory Coast do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is less tolerated socially and public display of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. LGBT travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas.