U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

Consular Information Sheet

Cote d'Ivoire

October 4, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is a developing country on the western coast of Africa. The official capital is Yamoussoukro. Tourist facilities in and near Abidjan, the commercial capital, are good; accommodations elsewhere are limited in quality and availability.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. U.S. citizens traveling to Cote d'Ivoire for business or tourism do not require visas for stays of 90 days or less. Those intending to stay for longer than 90 days may still enter without a visa, but they then must apply for a "visa de sejour" or "carte de sejour" within 90 days of their arrival. (Note: "Cartes de sejour" are not issued to children under the age of 16; minors under 16 are covered under their parents' "cartes de sejour.") An international health certificate showing current yellow fever immunization is required for entry into Cote d'Ivoire; without it, the traveler may be required to be vaccinated at the airport health office before clearing immigration. The cost of the immunization is 15,000 cfa at this time.

Foreign travelers arriving at or departing from Abidjan's international airport or over land borders sometimes experience harassment from customs or immigration officials. Individuals may approach the travelers within the customs and immigration areas and offer to complete their immigration forms and expedite the passport control and customs clearing processes. Afterward, the individual demands an exorbitant fee, both for himself and for the passport and customs officers. Travelers to Cote d'Ivoire are advised that there is no need to pay a police officer or customs officer at the airport for any service rendered during an arrival or departure, and they should not surrender their passports or other important documents to anyone except to easily identifiable government officials in uniform.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

Travelers may obtain the latest information and details on entry requirements from the Embassy of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, 2424 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 797-0300. There are honorary consulates for Cote d'Ivoire in San Francisco, Stamford, Orlando, Houston and Detroit. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Ivoirian embassy or consulate.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Cote d'Ivoire has experienced an extended period of instability since a military coup d'état in 1999. In September 2002, a large-scale military rebellion divided the country. Under the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement of January 2003, the former rebels, now known as the New Forces, entered the government. However, New Force elements continue to control the north of the country above an east-west line running just south of Bouake, the country's second largest city. In the west, the New Forces also continue to control the cities of Man and Danane and a strip of territory running along the border with Liberia. There are armed forces and volunteer barricades at many points on the highways through both the government-controlled and New Forces-controlled portions of the country; they check documents and frequently demand cash for permission to pass. Cote d'Ivoire's border with Liberia is closed.

Political instability has led to economic decline and high unemployment, exacerbating social tensions and creating the potential for labor unrest and civil disorder. Americans should avoid crowds and demonstrations, be aware of their surroundings, and use common sense to avoid situations and locations that could be inherently dangerous. Diplomatic efforts to end the crisis are ongoing. However, further coup attempts or the resumption of hostilities cannot be ruled out.

Recreational Safety: Swimming in coastal waters is dangerous and strongly discouraged, even for excellent swimmers. The ocean currents along the coast are powerful and treacherous, and numerous drownings occur each year.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

CRIME: Crime continues to be a major security threat for Americans living in Cote d'Ivoire. Street crime of the "grab and run" variety, as well as pick pocketing in crowded areas, is widespread. Armed carjacking, robberies of businesses and restaurants, and home invasions are very common, and they are often targeted at expatriate residents who are perceived as wealthy. Armed criminals have used force when faced with resistance. Travelers displaying jewelry and carrying cameras are especially at risk. Travelers have found it advisable to carry only limited amounts of cash and only photocopies of key documents.

Travel outside of Abidjan or at night is strongly discouraged, and it is particularly dangerous to visit Abidjan's Treichville, Adjame, Abobo, and Plateau districts after dark. The DeGaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges, which cross the lagoon in Abidjan, are dangerous areas for pedestrians. Inadequate resources and training reduce the ability of the police to apprehend criminals and deter crimes. Many hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and supermarkets provide security guards to protect clients and vehicles.

Use of credit cards in Cote d'Ivoire, particularly outside Abidjan, is limited. Despite this reduced usage, credit card fraud is an increasing problem in Abidjan. Unless the credit card transaction is electronically performed in view of the individual, travelers are strongly discouraged from using their credit cards in paper transactions.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately both to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy. If you are the victim of a crime in Cote d'Ivoire, immediately report the crime to local police and contact the U.S. Embassy at 2021-0979, extension 6000. The staff of the Consular Section can assist you in a number of ways, such as finding appropriate medical care, contacting family members or friends, and explaining how funds can be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can also help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney, if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs Home Page at http://travel.state.gov.

BUSINESS FRAUD: Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. While such fraud schemes in the past have been largely associated with Nigeria, they are now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Cote d'Ivoire. The scams pose a danger of grave financial loss. Typically, these scam operations begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country. A series of "advance fees" must then be paid in order to conclude the transaction; for example, fees to provide legal documents or to pay certain taxes. In fact, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees. One common variation of this scheme involves individuals claiming to be refugees or other victims of various western African conflicts (notably Sierra Leone) who contact U.S. citizens to request their help in transferring large sums of money out of Cote d'Ivoire. Another typical ploy has persons claiming to be related to present or former political leaders who need assistance to transfer large sums of cash. Other variations include what appear to be legitimate business deals requiring advance payments on contracts. Sometimes, perpetrators manage to induce victims to provide bank account and credit card information and financial authorization that allow them to drain the accounts and incur large debts against the victim's credit. In many instances, victims have lost their life savings.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud is common sense — if a proposition looks too good to be true, it probably is. Any unsolicited business proposal originating from Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, or any other source, should be carefully checked and researched before any funds are committed, any goods or services are provided, or any travel is undertaken. One common indicator of a possible scam is the phone number provided to the scam victim; legitimate businesses and offices should be able to provide fixed telephone numbers, while scams typically use only cell phone numbers. In Cote d'Ivoire, all cell phone numbers start with the number zero.

To date, the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan is unaware of any scam victim who has been able to recover money lost through these scams. The Department of State's brochure “Advance Fee Business Scams” is available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov. Single copies are available at no charge by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: In Abidjan, privately-run medical and dental facilities are adequate but do not fully meet U.S. standards. Good physician specialists can be found, though few speak English. Pharmacies are well-stocked with medications produced in Europe, though newer drugs may not be available. Medical care in Cote d'Ivoire outside of Abidjan is extremely limited.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of 50,000 dollars (US). Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Chloroquine resistant P. falciparum malaria is a severe form of the disease that is found in many parts of western Africa, including Cote d'Ivoire. Because travelers to Cote d'Ivoire are at high risk for contracting malaria they should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam - tm), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone - tm), as well as other protective measures to prevent insect bites, such as the use of insect repellent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalaria drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarials, please see the CDC Travelers' Health website at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Cote d'Ivoire is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of public transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Automobile accidents are one of the greatest threats to the well-being of Americans in Cote d'Ivoire. Night driving is particularly hazardous due to poorly lit roads and vehicles. Direct or indirect requests for bribes from the police and other security officials are commonplace, especially at highway checkpoints and near Abidjan's airport.

For additional general information about road travel in Cote d'Ivoire, please see the U.S. Embassy's web site at http://usembassy.state.gov/abidjan/wwwusafety.doc. For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_roadsafety.html.

AIR TRAVEL: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Cote d'Ivoire's civil aviation authority as Category 2 –- not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Cote d'Ivoire's air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, the Ivorian air carriers currently flying to the U.S. will be subject to heightened FAA surveillance. No additional flights or new service to the U.S. by Cote d'Ivoire's air carriers will be permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by an air carrier from a country meeting international safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. In addition, DOD does not permit its personnel to use air carriers from Category 2 countries for official business except for flights originating from or terminating in the United States. Local exceptions may apply. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

Airline travel in western Africa is routinely overbooked; schedules are limited, and airline service is of varying quality. Passengers should get the required seat reconfirmation stamped on the ticket, ensure that they have emergency funds for food and lodging in the event of unexpected delays, and arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Ivorian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Cote d'Ivoire are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposes of the PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18.

Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.

Americans who are arrested in Cote d'Ivoire for any reason should request that the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan be notified immediately at 2021-0979, extension 6000.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Cote d'Ivoire's customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information, please call (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found here.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Cote d'Ivoire are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Cote d'Ivoire. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, you'll make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in Abidjan at 5 Rue Jesse Owens, mailing address 01 B.P. 1712, Abidjan 01, Cote d'Ivoire, telephone (225) 20-21-09-79, consular fax (225) 20-22-45-23, central fax (225) 20-22-32-59; website: http://usembassy.state.gov/abidjan. Check the website for American Citizen Services hours; for emergencies, a duty officer is available at all times.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 6, 2004 to update the sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety & Security, Crime, Criminal Penalties, Customs Regulations, Children's Issues and Registration/Embassy Location.