Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution when traveling to Cote d’Ivoire due to crime, health, civil unrest, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. DO NOT TRAVEL to Northern and Northeastern border regions due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[225] 22 49 40 00; US Embassy in Abidjan, B.P. 730 Abidjan Cidex 03, Côte d’Ivoire; https://ci.usembassy.gov/; AbjAmCit@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
225
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 185; Fire: 180; Police: 111
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cote d’Ivoire: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; 3 seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry ( March to May), hot and wet (June to October)
Currency (Code)
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (Western African CFA francs, XOF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
French, 60 native dialects of which Dioula is the most widely spoken
Major Religions
Muslim 42.9%, Catholic 17.2%, Evangelical 11.8%, Methodist 1.7%, other Christian 3.2%, animist 3.6%; none 19.1%
Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Grand-Bassam; Abidjan (includes St. Paul’s Cathedral, Plateau Salam Mosque); Mont Sangbe National Park; Taï National Park; Jacqueville
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby
Cultural Practices
It is common to start and end social engagements by shaking the hand of all parties in attendance.
Tipping Guidelines
It is usually acceptable to tip at a flat rate of 500-2,000 francs at restaurants. 1,500 francs is normal for tipping hotel staff, and taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.
Souvenirs
Wood carvings and musical instruments, tribal masks and ivory carved items; bronze, silver, and gold bracelets and seed or bead jewelry; woven baskets, pottery
Traditional Cuisine
Fufu — cassava and unripe plantains mashed together in water with a wooden pole; once the mixture is smooth it gets shaped into small balls that are placed in a stew or soup with meat
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, September 18, 2023
