Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire ) should be one of the top destinations in Africa to visit. It has incredibly beautiful natural and man-made attractions and so much more for travellers to enjoy. Like any other country in Africa however, you should exercise a high degree of caution when visiting.
Most of the crime reported against tourists are petty crimes and are non-violent like purse snatching and theft of unattended luggage etc.
Car theft does happen with luxury and four-wheel drive vehicles mostly the objects of choice. It is mandatory to keep your doors locked and windows closed at all times. Even when you are occupying your vehicle, you should be aware of what is going on in your surroundings and be vigilant in case of suspicious behaviour.
Crime increases significantly at night; therefore, visitors should avoid travelling after dark.
In recent years, various demonstrations have taken place in the country. Such situations can easily erupt into violence and at least cause traffic congestion.
Ivory Coast has only had one terrorist attack in 2016, but since the risk of a repeat is always possible, visitors should be alert and prepared for the worst.
Avoid swimming in the sea even if you are an experienced swimmer, particularly in Grand-Bassam. The ocean currents are powerfully dangerous. A lot of people drown off the coast every year. If you plan a boat trip or some sailing remember that piracy does happen off the coast.
In the central and north-central areas, the rainy seasons is from mid-July until mid-October and from mid-March until mid-May. In the north, the rainy season is from July to November, and the Harmattan winds from the Sahara can cause dust storms during December and February.
In the southern coastal region, the rain seasons are from May until July and from October until November. Major rainstorms can create sudden flooding and landslides, disrupt essential services and hamper overland travel.
Visitors should monitor local news and weather forecasts and abide by the advice of local officials.
Be extremely cautious in the neighbourhoods of Abobo, Adjamé, Treichville, Yopougon and Attacoubé due to a high level of crime. Avoid going to these areas, especially after dark.
Avoid crossing the Charles-de-Gaulle, Henri-Konan-Bédié and Félix-Houphouet-Boigny bridges by foot, even during the day, due to the high risk of assault.
The area bordering Liberia should also be avoided and visitors should be extremely vigilant in the western regions as rebel forces and other armed groups engage in crime and extortion. Several clashes between armed groups and the security forces have taken place in the area.
Avoid the areas bordering Mali and Burkina Faso, since the risk of terrorism is heightened due to rebel militia in the border areas. Clashes between armed groups and security forces could take place any time.
Crime increases at night, hence stay out of dangerous areas.
Take the necessary precautions to safeguard your passport, travel documents and your belongings.
Do not dress and look wealthy, keep your valuable items hidden and do not wear striking jewellery in public.
Be especially careful when going to nightclubs, restaurants and bars due to criminal tendencies near such places.
Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place even if they are peaceful as they can easily erupt into violence.
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Avoid using buses and other means of public transport in Ivory Coast. Drivers generally act reckless and do not always abide by traffic regulations.
Make sure your travel company arranges safe transport with a reputable taxi service and negotiate your prices beforehand.
There are rogue taxi drivers who have robbed and assaulted people, so be extra cautious. Do not share a taxi with someone you do not know. If you are planning to rent a vehicle, try and arrange with your tour operator for a reputable driver. If you intend to drive yourself, remember an International Driving Permit is mandatory.
Main roads are generally tarred but side roads are usually gravel roads. There is a two lane highway linking Abidjan to Yamoussoukro.
Travelling by vehicle brings around more risks due to a high amount of accidents on the roads. A lot of the lesser roads are known for bad conditions with large potholes.
Many accidents on the road are caused by bad driving, or pedestrians and animals on the road. Emergency services is extremely limited or none at all depending where you find yourself.
Drive cautiously and comply with the traffic regulations, including the speed limit. Keep your doors locked and your windows closed at all times.
Always carry your identification and vehicle documents. Avoid driving after dark due to accidents and crime.
There are highway robbers who operate in mainly rural areas. They are usually armed and not shy to assault people in vehicles or on public transport. They can operate at any time of the day, but frequent night-time.
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.
Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Côte d’Ivoire. Take care not to offend.
Art objects purchased in Côte d’Ivoire must be accompanied by an export permit provided by the Musée National (national museum).
Same-sex relationships are legal. However, members of the same sex can be convicted of an ‘offence against public decency’. Penalties include fines and jail terms of up to two years. For these reasons visitors in same sex relationships should rather avoid public displays of affection.
Penalties for the use of illegal drugs can include severe jail sentences. Do not offer to carry a package from an unknown of suspicious source in your luggage as you risk being used as a drug mule.
The following goods may be imported into the Ivory Coast by travellers aged 15 and over duty free: 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 150g of tobacco, one bottle of alcoholic drink and 380ml of Eau de toilette.
Always keep a copy of your passport with you. If you do lose your passport, report it to your nearest police station and get a copy of the police report. Also report it to your nearest embassy to obtain another passport.
There are good medical facilities and supplies in the capital Abidjan, but treatment can be expensive. Â Facilities normally require an upfront deposit before treatment or a guarantee from your medical insurance for payment. Â It is therefore important to make sure that you have adequate travel medical insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays.
The World Health Organisation recommends the following vaccinations for Ivory Coast: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Since the beginning of 2020 visitors to any country should be aware of and help to avoid the spreading of the coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some infect people and are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Wash your hands with soap and water or sanitiser as often as possible, since it can eliminate the virus if it is on your hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or a tissue when coughing and sneezing, and discard tissues into a closed bin immediately, then clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Sneezing or coughing into your hands may contaminate objects or people that you touch.
Maintain a fair distance between yourself and other people, since coughs or sneezes from infected people may project droplets containing the virus.
If you experience some fever, cough and difficulty of breathing, immediately seek medical care.
Always practice general hygiene measures, but especially when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets. Wash your hands with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products.
Strictly avoid any contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities and avoid consumption of any raw or undercooked animal products. You should even handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease that may occur in Ivory Coast. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito when the parasite is released into your bloodstream.
Symptoms can be flu-like or cause shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe, and a high fever, profuse sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, muscle pain and bloody stools.
Travelers need to have a yellow fever vaccination before being allowed into Ivory Coast. Yellow fever is spread by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms are similar to malaria, ranging from flu-like chills and fever to server hepatitis and jaundice. If left untreated or not diagnosed early, the disease is life-threatening.
Tourists should only drink bottled water or other bottled beverages as tap water and ice in Ivory Coast sometimes are contaminated and not safe for drinking.
Thoroughly cooked hot foods can be eaten as it will mean most infections can be avoided. Raw fruits can be eaten only if they have an unbroken skin and are peeled. Raw vegetables and salads should be avoided due to possible contamination.
If food has been left out of a refrigerator for longer than an hour especially eggs, chicken and dairy do not consume them.
Cholera is a severe form of diarrhoea and can be fatal. Get to your nearest hospital or clinic if you have symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, chills and fever. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholera.
Don’t go near pets or stray dogs or cats in Ivory Coast. They can carry infectious diseases like Rabies which is life threatening. Especially infected animals may bite or scratch you.
Heat exhaustion is a common problem, especially among tourists that come from cooler climates. Symptoms include a bad headache, dizziness, vomiting and extreme tiredness. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of bottled water or beverages. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen lotion to prevent yourself from getting sunburn.
Chronic dehydration makes you feel weak, tired, and lightheaded and increases your risk of developing kidney stones. Move into a cool area or room and elevate your feet and legs. Drink lots of fluids until your body temperature drops. Seek medical treatment if the symptoms persist.
HIV and Aids is still prevalent in the country and throughout the African continent. The disease is spread through sexual contact or shared blood or contaminated medical equipment. Avoid the risk by avoiding new sexual encounters while on holiday. If you cannot abstain, condoms can provide some protection.
Ivory Coast is not the safest of countries for solo female travellers. Apply rudimentary precaution measures. Avoid wearing handbags and do not walk or roam around at night. Avoid walking alone in secluded areas. Dress conservatively to avoid unnecessary attention.
MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to Ivory Coast. We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in Ivory Coast who make safety a priority.