Ivory Coast Travel Guide

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Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast Travel Guide

Key Facts

Area:

322,462 sq km (124,503 sq miles).

Population:

23,254,184 (UN estimate 2016).

Population density:

72.2 per sq km.

Capital:

Yamoussoukro.

Government:

Republic.

Head of state:

President Alassane Ouattara since 2010.

Head of government:

Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé since October 2023.

Electricity:

220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are standard.

Ivory Coast is a country of extremes; a land of pulsating metropolises and pristine rainforests, vast churches and verdant hills, fancy restaurants and sprawling street stalls. Its reputation might be sullied by the recent civil war, but most areas are now stable and ripe for discovery.

Coastal Abidjan is the unofficial capital and the entry point for most travellers. The French influence is clear to see here, not least in the food, which is served in some bistros with the kind of pomp you might expect in downtown Paris. These eateries are a stark contrast to the traditional maquis restaurants, which sprawl out onto the city’s bustling streets. Pull up a plastic pew, order some food and share a meal with locals.

Dubbed the “Manhattan of Africa” the gleaming skyscrapers and manicured gardens of The Plateau give downtown Abidjan a decidedly modern feel. This commercial district is also home to St Paul’s Cathedral, which boasts impressive stained glass windows and great views across the city.

While most of the action takes place in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro is the official capital. It is notable for its massive mosque and even bigger Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, which is the largest church in the world. Football is also a religion here and watching The Elephants, the national football team, offers a memorable day out for sports fans.

Ivory Coast’s true beauty really shines through when you get out of the cities. There are no fewer than eight national parks in the country, including Comoé, the largest protected area in West Africa, which boasts the most biodiverse savannah in the world. Expect to see anything from lions and leopards to aardvarks and African elephants. The pygmy hippos of Tai National Park are also a big draw for naturalists, while the beautiful beaches around San Pedro,Assine and Grand Bassam attract bathers of all stripes.

Sure, Ivory Coast has had its problems, but a sanguine spirit is binding this country together again and putting it back on the map.

Travel Advice

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Borders with Burkina Faso and Mali

FCDO advises against all travel to:

within 40km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali
Northern Zanzan and Savanes provinces
Comoé National Park

This is due to an increased risk of terrorist attacks and kidnaps by terrorists based in the Sahel region, which includes Burkina Faso and Mali.

Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the border with Liberia owing to the risk of serious violence by local militias.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

see general advice for women travellers
read our guide on disability and travel abroad
see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
read about safety for solo and independent travel
see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Follow and contact FCDO:  

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Côte d’Ivoire’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Côte d’Ivoire set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Côte d’Ivoire, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Côte d’Ivoire.

Applying for a visa

Apply and pay for an e-visa online at least 10 working days before you travel to allow time for your application to be processed. Once it is approved, you will be able to collect your visa on arrival at Abidjan airport.

If you are not an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) national, you must hold a valid visa or have had your application for an e-visa approved before you travel.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Côte d’Ivoire, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Côte d’Ivoire guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Côte d’Ivoire (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Côte d’Ivoire

You can take up to 500,000 West African CFA francs in cash into Côte d’Ivoire. You must declare any foreign currency.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Côte d’Ivoire.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Côte d’Ivoire

Terrorist attacks in Côte d’Ivoire cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals such as:

beach resorts
hotels
cafés and restaurants
major sporting events

The main threat in Côte d’Ivoire is from Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and its associated groups. These groups are mainly active in the northern border areas, including the Comoé National Park in the north-east, but attacks could occur anywhere, including major towns and cities such as Abidjan.

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Political situation

Political demonstrations and other protests can occur. There were outbreaks of violence during the presidential elections in 2020, which caused civilian deaths. Crowds can gather quickly, and roadblocks are common. You should:

avoid crowds and demonstrations
follow local instructions and any additional security checks or measures
monitor local media

You should be alert near military barracks and military installations.

Personal security measures

If you’re staying for long in Côte d’Ivoire, you should seek professional security advice and regularly review personal security arrangements. You should keep a stock of food and water.

Internet outages

FCDO are aware of internet outages across West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire. Services including airport, online payments, messaging services and online booking may be affected. Voice calls and SMS are broadly available.

Crime

There is a risk of violent crime in Abidjan, including armed break-ins to private residences and armed hold-ups in the street. Though not common, they do occur.

Street crime

To reduce your personal risk:

avoid using the bridges to and from the La Plateau areas of Abidjan – pedestrians have been robbed in daylight on these bridges
use taxi apps or pre-arranged private taxis
avoid using public transport after dark
make sure your accommodation has security measures in place
carry any valuables out of sight and do not wear expensive-looking jewellery or watches
do not walk after dark
take transport to use ATMs or to exchange money at the bank

To prevent card fraud, keep your bank card in sight when paying bills.

Vehicle crime

There have been attacks by armed robbers on private cars driving on the main roads between Yamoussoukro, Bouaké and Korhogo and in the west of the country. You could be at risk in daylight as well as at night.

Keep your car doors locked, windows shut and all valuables out of sight while driving.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must carry your passport. Carry the original as the police will not always accept copies.

Dress code

Dress modestly when visiting religious places or buildings.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Drug trafficking and possession are illegal. If you’re found guilty, you could receive a long prison sentence or a heavy fine.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is prohibited to take photographs near sensitive installations, including:

military sites
government buildings
radio and TV stations
the Presidency building
Abidjan Airport
de Gaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges in Abidjan

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Côte d’Ivoire, but the law does not recognise same-sex partnerships or marriage. Attitudes are less tolerant and there is no specific anti-discrimination law to protect LGBT+ people.