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Ivory Coast Travel Safety

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Travel Safety in Ivory Coast

General travel safety in Ivory Coast on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.

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Ivory Coast

Updates

Updated: 24 Sep 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024

Status

LEVEL 2 - Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional exceptions)

There are more or higher risks than what you would typically find at locations with level 1. You should do your research and take extra precautions. The level may reflect a weak law-and-order system, where violent crime is common. The destination may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force. In some cases, there may be a risk that the security environment could change with little warning. This level may also reflect a passing event, such as political unrest or a short-term increase in a location's domestic terrorism level.

Update 13 October 2024 • Source: travel.gc.ca

Safety and Security Tips

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.

Update 1 November 2020

Emergency Calls

  • Police111 or 170
  • Fire180
  • Ambulance185

Local Law and Culture

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.

Update 1 November 2020

Vaccinations and Medications

A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.

Stay Healthy and Safe

Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Ivory Coast.

Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements

Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥9 months of age.

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.

It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

Prevention
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Ivory Coast

Wysokie

Areas with malaria

All

Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.

The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Some travelers

Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.

Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.

Prevention
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.

Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.

Infection occurs through droplets - through contact with the secretion of the patient or the host, e.g. when coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing cutlery or dishes.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.

The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.

Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Keep away from animals
Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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