Cote d Ivoire – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Reconsider travel to Cote d’Ivoire due to crime.  Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and terrorism.  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider Travel To:

• Northern border region due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  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.

Due to ongoing political tensions, demonstrations and protests are likely to occur and could become violent.

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: 

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.     
• 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 Border Region – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Extremists have carried out attacks in areas of Mali and Burkina Faso adjacent to Côte d’Ivoire and at an Ivoirian military border post in the town of Kafolo in June 2020.  Exercise increased caution and security procedures in remote areas adjacent to the northern border.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.