Advisory: Cote d Ivoire
Issued by US Department of State

Updated information on safety, security, and lack of adequate healthcare.

Exercise increased caution due to crime, health, civil unrest, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• Northern and Northeastern border region due to terrorism.

Crime continues to be a major public security concern in Côte d’Ivoire. Violent crime, such as carjacking, robbery, and home invasion is common. Local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Extremist activity occurs frequently in the tri-border region of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali.

Travelers should avoid demonstrations, protests, political rallies, and large crowds, as they can escalate into violence. Clashes among demonstrators or between protestors and security forces may occur with or without warning. Police and security forces may disperse crowds using tear gas or other coercive measures, including force.

Piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom pose significant threats to U.S. flagged vessels transiting or operating off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire.

Health care in rural areas is below U.S. standards and there are often shortages of medicine and medical supplies in public health facilities and in many medical facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Abidjan. Embassy personnel are prohibited from driving outside the cities after dark, including between Abidjan, Grand Bassam, and Assinie.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Cote d’Ivoire.

If you decide to travel to Côte d’Ivoire:   

• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave originals in your hotel safe.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Côte d’Ivoire.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Northern and Northeastern Border Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The main terrorist threat in Côte d’Ivoire comes from al-Qa’ida affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).  JNIM mainly operates in the Sahel region, including neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, but its threat has extended across the Burkinabe border with northern and northeastern Côte d’Ivoire. Attacks have occurred in Savanes and Zanzan Districts, notably encompassing Comoe National Park. These attacks were primarily targeted at Ivoirian security forces though civilians have occasionally been targeted. Attacks in the north of the country began to show an increased level of sophistication and coordination, to include improvised explosive devices (IEDs) targeting police. In 2021, Al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) carried out 17 small-scale attacks that claimed approximately 20 lives. There were no attacks in 2022.