Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Cote d'Ivoire.   There are terrorist groups operating in Mali and Burkina Faso, which share a border with Cote d’Ivoire. These areas should be avoided as the borders are porous and cross border attacks are possible. There is also a risk of a terrorist attacks elsewhere in Côte d’Ivoire, including the capital Abidjan. A terrorist attack took place at Grand Bassam near Abidjan in2016, in which 18 people were killed including a number of foreigners. The attack was claimed an affiliate of Al-Qaeda. Indiscriminate terrorist attacks could target  civilian places frequented by tourists and expatriates such as hotels, beaches, churches or other areas where people gather.

Demonstrations

There were several incidents of violence and protest related to the military during 2017 and 2018. In the event of further protests, you are advised to follow directions of local authorities and monitor local media for updates.

You should avoid protests and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent.

Crime

There is a risk of armed robbery and violent crime in Cote d'Ivoire as well as petty crime. You are advised to take common-sense precautions and get advice locally about the risks.

Attacks by armed robbers have been reported on the Yamoussoukro to Korogho highway and the Abidjan to Yamoussoukro highway as well as other parts of the country.

Driving

Driving standards and road conditions in Côte d’Ivoire are poor and are below the standard we are used to in Ireland. Avoid driving outside towns and cities at night as roads and vehicles can be poorly lit. During the rainy season travel by road can be treacherous, especially on rural unpaved roads.

Swimming

Ocean currents are very strong along the coast, and many swimming accidents are caused by rip tides. There’s no lifeboat service and many drownings occur each year.

Practical advice

• Read our Know Before You Go travel guide for useful security tips when travelling abroad
• Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
• Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
• Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Local laws and customs

Practical advice

• Read our travel advice, inform yourself before travelling and get advice locally when you arrive
• Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them
• Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal
• Homosexuality is not illegal in Côte d’Ivoire, but there is no legal recognition of LGBT couples. However, public attitudes may be less tolerant than in Ireland, so you should be discreet.

Health

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for all travellers to Cote d’Ivoire over 9 months of age.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens require a visa to enter Ivory Coast.  Further information on how to apply for a visa can be found from the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in the United Kingdom.

Passports must be valid for at least 6  months from date of entry and have at least 1 blank page. It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to the Ivory Coast and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad  you should contact the Irish Embassy in Nigeria . We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

• Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home;
• If required, provide advice on applying for new passport. 

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.