Welcome to Cote d’Ivoire

For those intrepid travelers who make the journey to Cote d’Ivoire, there are countless surprises that await. There are beach resorts and national parks, soaring mountains and misty rain forests.

In the UNESCO World Heritage city of Grand-Bassam, colonial-era architecture rubs elbows with Parisian-style mansions. In Tai National Park, endangered pygmy hippopotamuses, colobus monkeys and chimpanzees live unfettered and free. Despite its past problems, Cote d’Ivoire has its eyes firmly on a modern future, yet all while maintaining its own personality and charm.

Unique Facts

• Cote d’Ivoire is the world’s leader producer of cocoa beans.
• The largest church building in the world – The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, at 323,000 square feet – is in Yamoussoukro, the capital of Cote d’Ivoire.
• Mount Nimba is one of the lushest mountains in the world, covered with dense forest and rich flora and fauna where Ivory Coast meets Guinea and Liberia.
• There are two capitals of Cote d’Ivoire: Yamoussoukro, the political capital, and Abidjan, the economic capital and largest city.
• The region was once called the “teeth coast,” due to its extensive ivory trade.

Language

Cote d’Ivoire’s official language is French.

When To Go

The best time to go to Cote d’Ivoire is November to May.

Airports

Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Cote d’Ivoire: Measles, routine vaccinations and Yellow Fever. Most travelers should receive the Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B, Cholera, Meningitis and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and E. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

West African CFA Franc

Getting Around

Use extreme caution if driving in Cote d’Ivoire, Do not drive outside major cities after dark. Accidents are common and visibility is poor. Carjacking is common.

The public transportation system is poor in Abidjan. The “Express” line bus is the safest and most reliable. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive. Avoid communal taxis, or woro-woros.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Abidjan
Cocody Riviera Golf,
01 BP 1712 Abidjan 01
Côte d’Ivoire
Telephone: +(225) 22-49-40-00
Emergency After-HoursTelephone: +(225) 22-49-44-50
Fax: +(225) 22-49-42-02
AbjAmcit@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Regional Tourism Department
Rte De Abidjan
Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
Tel: +225 30 64 08 15

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 111
Fire: 180
Ambulance: 185

Safety and Security

The crime rate is high in Cote d’Ivoire. Crimes include armed carjackings, robberies and home invasions. Use caution when visiting Abidjan’s Abobo, Adjame, Angre, Koumassi, Marcory and Yopougon districts, as well as the Plateau, Treichville and Zone 4 neighborhoods. It is advised that visitors carry identification at all times to minimize risk of harassment at police checkpoints.