Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

Côte d'Ivoire

November 7, 2004

This Travel Warning is being issued to update U.S. citizens on the current violence that is occurring in Cote d'Ivoire and to alert them to ongoing safety and security concerns. The Department continues to urge U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Cote d'Ivoire. This supersedes the Travel Warning of June 18, 2004.

On November 4, 2004, government forces launched aerial attacks on cities in northern Cote d'Ivoire controlled by New Forces. The attacks resulted in the deaths of Ivorians and non-Ivorians. The situation remains volatile and there is the risk of conflict throughout the country. Cell phone and landline telephone communication with the northern New Forces-held city of Bouaki is intermittent and electrical service has been cut since November 4, prompting a cutoff of water in many areas.

There have been numerous and on-going violent incidents in Abidjan that have been directed against people of non-Ivorian appearance, specific diplomatic missions, and foreign military and international peacekeeping operations. Anti-foreign attacks have resulted in serious injuries to persons and property. Individuals have been pulled from vehicles, businesses and schools entered, looted and burned, and families harassed.

Land routes to the Ghanaian border remain open but it is too dangerous at this time to consider crossing the border by road. There has been fighting at the international airport of Abidjan and as of the evening of November 6 all flights are cancelled.

U.S. Government personnel have been instructed to remain in their homes until security has been established. U.S. citizens who remain in Cote d'Ivoire despite this Travel Warning should consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Cote d'Ivoire and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or Canada or 317-472-2328 from overseas.

The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan may close temporarily for general business from time to time to review its security posture. American citizens visiting or resident in Cote d'Ivoire are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy by calling (225) 20-21-09-79, by fax at (225) 20-22-45-23, or by completing a registration form on-line at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp.

American citizens in Cote d'Ivoire who are in need of assistance should contact the embassy by calling (225) 20-21-09-79.

For additional information, consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Cote d'Ivoire, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. Please see also the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement.