Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary, Terrorism/Security and Local Travel sections. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• We advise against all but essential travel to areas north of Bouaké and west along a line from the towns of Seguela and Guiglo as these regions are experiencing sporadic disturbances linked to the disarmament process for the former rebel forces and the presence of armed militias. We advise UK nationals to exercise caution when visiting Abidjan and areas of the country south of Bouaké and East along a line from the towns of Seguela and Guiglo. See the Terrorism/Security and Local Travel sections of this Travel Advice.
  
  

• Whilst the situation throughout most of the country is stable, there is a possibility of a deterioration of law and order following the dissolution of the government and the Electoral Commission on 12 February. The elections, which were scheduled for late February/early March 2010, look likely to be postponed.
  
  

• Events can move quickly and localised violence can erupt at short notice; demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. We advise UK nationals to avoid areas of demonstrations.
  
  

• We are unable to provide formal consular assistance in Ivory Coast. Nonetheless, you should register with our warden network in Abidjan (details below), and our High Commission in Accra, Ghana via LOCATE. Should there be a serious breakdown in law and order, you should seek the assistance of the Embassies of other EU states in Abidjan.
  
  

• There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks (although unlikely) could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  

• 1 British national required consular assistance in Ivory Coast in the period 1 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following type of incident; hospitalisations (1 case).
  
  

• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General Insurance section of this Travel Advice.

Safety and security

Terrorism/Security

In November 2004, mob violence led to several thousand foreign nationals leaving, or being evacuated from, Ivory Coast. There have been sporadic incidents of violence and civil unrest throughout the country, notably in Abidjan and the west since. The response of the Ivorian forces has been variable.

In March 2007 a new agreement was reached between the main protagonists of the Ivorian crisis. Steps are being taken to re-integrate the north, formerly controlled by the rebel New Forces, and south which was controlled by forces loyal to President Gbagbo. As a result the security situation has improved but you should remain vigilant. There has been an increase in roadblocks throughout Abidjan, including the Deux Plateaux, Cocody, and Riviera neighbourhoods.

The government and Electoral Commission were dissolved on the 12 February and as yet a new government has not been formed. The elections, which were scheduled for late February/early March 2010 look likely to be postponed. Several strikes are currently underway and there were demonstrations in Vavoa, Divo, Katiola and Man in early February related to election process. There have also been protests in the Yopougon area of Abidjan and Abengourou (to the north-east of Abidjan towards the border with Ghana) since the dissolution of the government. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. We advise UK citizens to avoid areas of demonstrations.

We advise against all but essential travel to all areas north of Bouaké and west along a line from the towns of Seguela and Guiglo as these regions are experiencing sporadic disturbances linked to the disarmament process for the former rebel forces and the presence of armed militias.

In the 18 Montagnes and Moyen Cavally regions of western Ivory Coast the militias are currently keeping a low profile but there are reports of banditry and vehicle theft in these areas. In the north members of the former rebel forces staged demonstrations in Bouake, Seguela, and Vavoua in June 2008 and strikes in May 2009.

UK nationals should exercise caution when visiting Abidjan and areas of the country south of Bouaké and East along a line from the towns of Seguela and Guiglo. You should review your personal security arrangements carefully and seek professional security advice if travelling outside of Abidjan.

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks (although unlikely) could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more details see our Terrorism abroad page.

Crime

There is a risk of crime in Abidjan, including violent crime, car-jackings, armed break-ins to private residences and hold-ups in the street, and stealing from cars. Weapons circulate freely.

You should be particularly cautious after dark. Do not walk around at night and avoid using taxis. Avoid driving late at night. Avoid crossing the two bridges over the lagoon in Abidjan on foot, even in daylight hours - as there is a risk of pickpockets and other opportunistic crime and the two bridges are also areas where demonstrations and road blocks occur.

British nationals resident in the UK and European nationals are increasingly becoming targets by scam artists operating in West Africa. The scams come in many forms: romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities, the facilitation of money (for internet dating scams see below), and can pose great financial risk to victims.

British nationals are also being targeted by West African scam artists through internet-based dating sites. The scam artists assume the false identity of a foreign national (sometimes British) working and living in West Africa. In some instances the impostor has informed their foreign friend that they have been hospitalised or arrested and need money quickly. In other cases foreigners have come to West Africa to meet the person with whom they have been in contact only to be kidnapped and become the victim of financial extortion. If you receive a claim that an associate is in difficulty in Ivory Coast, you should check with the individual before becoming involved in transferring any money.

You should treat with considerable caution any requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet who lives in West Africa. For further information on advance-fee-fraud please see: www.met.police.uk/fraudalert/419.htm

For more general information see our Victims of crime abroad page.

Political Situation

Cote d'Ivoire Country Profile

Local Travel

We advise against all but essential travel to all areas north of Bouaké and west along a line from the towns of Seguela and Guiglo. You should always seek professional local advice before embarking on any travel to these areas. You should take precautionary measures if you intend to travel anywhere off the beaten track. Despite the UN presence in the west of the country, armed militias are present in many areas. Although they are keeping a low profile it is possible that they will become more active during the run-up to the presidential elections, which were scheduled for 29 November 2009 but have been postponed to an as yet unspecified date. In the area between Duékoué and Odienne, armed elements are often under the influence of drink or drugs.

Roadblocks

You should be alert to the possibility of roadblocks, including those manned by protesters. Recently there has been an increase in roadblocks throughout Abidjan, including the Deux Plateaux, Cocody, and Riviera neighbourhoods. These are a common means of expressing political grievance, particularly in Abidjan and close to the Universities. You should be aware that the protestors are sometimes violent and can be hostile to foreigners. Roadblocks can appear in a short space of time, at multiple locations and at any time of day, including in the early morning. The sudden appearance of piles of tyres by the side of the road can indicate the preparation of a road block.

If you are faced with a roadblock or other protest, the risk of violence may be minimised by either taking alternative routes or by simply turning around. Do not attempt to force a way through as this may place you at greater risk.

Checkpoints

Throughout the country, including in Abidjan, the army and police operate checkpoints at city or town limits, particularly after dark. They target taxis and civilian vehicles. You should avoid confrontation with the police and security forces and co-operate politely if you need to pass through a checkpoint. Police will request vehicle documents and passenger ID. The authorities have launched a crack down on racketeering which appears to be reducing random demands for money (and making it harder for drivers to side step regulations). They have launched a hot line to report racketeering – Tel: 20 21 21 82 or 06 57 00 93.Police will frequently impose small fines. You should expect them to provide a receipt for any fine paid. If your car and papers are in order you should be able to pass through without paying although this may necessitate a long and patient wait.

Some access roads to major towns are closed from midnight to 06:00. This applies to the western approach road to Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, San Pedro and all other major towns in the south. You should seek local advice about whether a “corridor” or “secured route” is in operation. Checkpoints will be more rigorous at night and you should avoid attempting to pass through after dark.

Road Travel

Drivers should be aware that grass or leaves strewn in the carriageway often means an accident or other hazard ahead. Road quality can vary considerably and broken down vehicles may be almost invisible after dark. Many vehicles driving on rural roads will not have working head or tail lights.

Air Travel

The European Commission has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline security.

Local laws and customs

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals require a valid visa to enter Ivory Coast. The Ivorian Embassy in London is at 2 Upper Belgrave Street, SW1X 8BJ.

Passport validity

Your passport should have a minimum validity of six months when applying for a visa to Ivory Coast.

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

British nationals require a certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever to enter Ivory Coast. Travellers will usually be asked to produce the certificate on arrival.

Health

Medical treatment of a reasonable standard is available in Abidjan, but it can be expensive, and emergency facilities are limited to a few major hospitals. Medical facilities outside the major towns are often rudimentary. Serious medical treatment would require medical evacuation to Europe.

Malaria and Yellow Fever are common to Ivory Coast, while cholera is present in rural areas. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Ivory Coast you should seek immediate medical attention.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 420,000 adults aged 15 or over in Ivory Coast were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 3.9% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Ivory Coast and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see our Travel health page.

A (H1N1) Swine Flu

You should monitor media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website.

Avian Influenza

The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed several cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in two separate locations in the capital Abidjan in October 2009, affecting domestic birds and a wild sparrow hawk. No human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

General

Insurance

You should ensure that you have comprehensive medical/travel insurance that covers evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is our When Things Go Wrong page.

Registering your presence

We recommend you register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE

Consular Assistance

You should be aware that we are unable to provide formal consular assistance. Only very limited consular assistance can be provided by the British High Commission in Accra. You should register, and stay in contact, with our warden network (contact details below) and the High Commission in Accra.

You should review your personal security arrangements throughout your visit carefully and seek professional security advice on their adequacy. Events can move fast and violence can erupt at short notice. We strongly recommend that you keep a close watch on current events whilst in Ivory Coast. This can be done through our local warden network in Abidjan.

Should there be a serious breakdown in law and order, you should seek the assistance of other EU missions. The UK is unlikely to mount a major evacuation as in 2004. You should also be aware that other countries may also not do so.

You should be aware that limited services are available as many services formerly delivered by the Ivorian Government, such as a civilian police force and judicial system, as well as some private sector services, such as banking, are only slowly being re-established in the former rebel-controlled north.

Contact Details

Telephone numbers for our warden network in Abidjan:

07 20 20 23
20 21 14 11
08 52 09 02
09 50 70 08
22 41 57 94
22 44 80 42
23 45 77 56
23 45 90 92
07 01 27 09
22 40 25 12
07 76 96 89

British High Commission, Ghana: OSU Link Off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue PO Box 296 Accra Tel: 00 23 321 221 665/00 23 321 701 0650