Ivory Coast Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Ivory Coast.
Healthcare System
Ivory Coast's healthcare system is a mix of public and private facilities, with quality varying significantly between urban and rural areas. Abidjan has the best medical facilities in the country, including several private clinics that meet international standards. Outside the capital, healthcare infrastructure is limited and medical supplies may be scarce.
Hospitals
For tourists, private clinics in Abidjan are recommended: Polyclinique Internationale Sainte Anne-Marie (PISAM), Polyclinique Farah, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Treichville. These facilities can handle most routine medical needs but may require cash payment upfront. Always verify your insurance coverage before treatment.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (pharmacies) are widely available in cities and are generally well-stocked with common medications, including French and generic brands. Many medications available by prescription in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter. However, counterfeit medications are a concern, so use reputable pharmacies in major cities. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and often required by accommodations. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to Europe, as serious conditions cannot be adequately treated locally. Most facilities require payment upfront, so insurance that allows direct billing or provides rapid reimbursement is valuable.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit including any prescription medications you need, as specific brands may not be available
- Bring copies of prescriptions with generic drug names in case you need refills
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation coverage of at least $100,000 USD
- Keep contact information for your embassy and insurance provider easily accessible
- Consider bringing oral rehydration salts for treating diarrhea
- Private clinics in Abidjan may require cash payment or credit card before treatment, even in emergencies
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are common in crowded areas, markets, and public transportation. Thieves often work in groups and target distracted tourists.
Armed robberies can occur, particularly at night and in isolated areas. Criminals may target vehicles stopped at traffic lights or in congested areas. Motorcycle-borne thieves (sometimes called 'coupeurs de route') operate in some areas.
Road accidents are a significant risk due to poor road conditions, lack of street lighting, aggressive driving, overloaded vehicles, and motorcycles weaving through traffic. Many vehicles are poorly maintained and traffic laws are irregularly enforced.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, and other waterborne/foodborne illnesses are common risks. Tap water is not safe to drink, and food hygiene standards vary considerably.
Malaria is endemic throughout Ivory Coast year-round, with high transmission rates. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases are also present.
Political demonstrations and strikes occur periodically, particularly in Abidjan. While usually peaceful, they can turn violent and may disrupt transportation and services.
Northern border regions, particularly near Burkina Faso and Mali, face security threats from armed groups, banditry, and occasional terrorist activity. Kidnapping risk exists in these areas.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Taxi drivers, especially at the airport or tourist areas, may quote inflated prices to foreigners or claim the meter is broken. Some may take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
Individuals posing as police or officials may stop travelers and demand to see documents, then request bribes for alleged violations or threaten arrest. Some may claim your documents are invalid.
Someone approaches offering to be a helpful guide or friend, then leads you to shops where they receive commission, demands payment for 'services,' or leads you to isolated areas where accomplices rob you.
Use ATMs inside banks during business hours; cover the keypad when entering your PIN; check for suspicious devices on card slots; be aware of people standing too close; notify your bank immediately if your card is compromised
Unofficial money changers offer better rates than banks but may use sleight of hand to short-change you, provide counterfeit notes, or switch money during the transaction.
Some hotels or guesthouses add unexpected charges, claim prices are higher than advertised, or charge for services that should be included.
Individuals develop online or in-person romantic relationships with travelers, then request money for emergencies, travel, or business opportunities. Some may work with accomplices to create elaborate scenarios.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Security
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep their contact information accessible
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separately from originals
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, cameras, or large amounts of cash
- Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
- Keep hotel room doors and windows locked, even when inside
- Use hotel safes for valuables and important documents
- Avoid discussing travel plans or accommodation details with strangers
Transportation
- Use registered taxis or hotel-arranged transportation; avoid shared taxis with strangers
- Avoid all travel after dark outside major cities
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving, especially in traffic
- Don't pick up hitchhikers or accept rides from strangers
- Be cautious at checkpoints; have documents ready but don't hand over originals unless necessary
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and photograph any existing damage
- Avoid motorcycle taxis (zémidjans) when possible due to safety concerns
- Plan routes in advance and inform someone of your travel plans
Health Precautions
- Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel
- Get vaccinated for yellow fever (required for entry), typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and meningitis
- Start malaria prophylaxis before arrival and continue as directed
- Carry a basic medical kit with antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, and pain relievers
- Avoid contact with animals to prevent rabies exposure
- Don't swim in freshwater lakes or rivers due to schistosomiasis risk
- Seek medical attention immediately for any fever, as it could indicate malaria
- Practice safe food and water hygiene consistently
Money and Valuables
- Carry only the cash you need for the day; leave excess in hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry small denominations of CFA francs for minor purchases
- Keep emergency cash in a separate, secure location
- Be discreet when accessing money or making purchases
- Photocopy credit cards and keep records of card numbers separately
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for important items
Cultural Awareness
- Learn basic French phrases; English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Dress modestly, especially outside coastal resort areas
- Ask permission before photographing people, religious sites, or government buildings
- Respect local customs and Islamic practices in Muslim-majority areas
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Remove shoes when entering homes if invited
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting; left hand is considered unclean
- Be patient with different concepts of time; punctuality varies
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Keep your phone charged and carry a portable charger
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Learn emergency phrases in French
- Keep a list of important phone numbers written down in case your phone is lost
- Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
- Consider a satellite phone or emergency communication device if traveling to remote regions
- Stay connected to local news sources for updates on security situations
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Ivory Coast safely with appropriate precautions. While sexual assault is less commonly reported than in some destinations, women may experience verbal harassment, unwanted attention, and occasional inappropriate behavior, particularly in urban areas. Solo women travelers should exercise additional caution, especially after dark. The level of attention varies by location, with coastal resort areas generally more accustomed to foreign women travelers than rural areas.
- Dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees, especially outside beach resort areas
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use trusted transportation services
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; ignore catcalls rather than engaging
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deter some unwanted attention
- Stay in reputable hotels with good security
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers; watch your drink being prepared
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone
- Connect with other travelers or join group tours for certain activities
- Keep your phone charged and accessible
- Be aware that some men may interpret friendliness as romantic interest
- In taxis, sit in the back seat and keep doors locked
- Consider joining women's travel groups or forums for current advice from other female travelers
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Ivory Coast, and there are no specific laws criminalizing homosexuality. However, there are also no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be cautious about discussing LGBTQ+ topics with locals unless you know them well
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; some international hotels in Abidjan may be more welcoming
- Be aware that dating apps may be used to target LGBTQ+ individuals for robbery or extortion
- Don't assume that Western attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights are shared locally
- Consider joining international LGBTQ+ travel groups for support and information
- Have a cover story prepared if asked about your relationship with a same-sex travel companion
- Be cautious about trusting strangers, as LGBTQ+ travelers can be targeted for scams
- Know the location of your embassy and keep their contact information accessible
- Consider the risks carefully before traveling as an openly LGBTQ+ individual
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Ivory Coast due to limited healthcare infrastructure, high medical evacuation costs, potential security incidents, and the risk of trip disruptions. Medical facilities capable of handling serious conditions are scarce, making medical evacuation to Europe a real possibility for major health issues. The cost of emergency evacuation can exceed $100,000 USD. Additionally, political instability, strikes, and civil unrest can disrupt travel plans. Comprehensive insurance provides crucial financial protection and access to assistance services.