Country guides
Africa
Electricity
The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Plug types in use are round pin attachment plugs or round pin plugs and receptacles with a male grounding pin.
Language
The official language of Ivory Coast is French but more than 60 native dialects are spoken.
Money
The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is nominally divided into 100 centimes, though centime denominations are not in circulation. The currency is pegged at a fixed rate to the euro. ATMs are abundant in Abidjan, though their reliability can vary and they are much less common outside the city. Travellers are advised to carry sufficient cash, especially when moving beyond urban areas. International credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted at major hotels and well‑established restaurants.
Tipping
A service charge is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, though a tip of 10 to 15 percent would be appreciated. Taxi drivers usually expect 10 percent.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Ivory Coast. It's also a good idea to be vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and meningococcal disease, especially if travelling between December and June. As mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika can occur, using a reliable insect repellent is recommended. To stay well, visitors should drink only bottled or treated water, and boil milk if it's not from a sealed container. It's best to avoid unpasteurised dairy, ensure meat is well cooked and served hot, and wash or peel fruit and vegetables. While healthcare in Abidjan is generally good, it can be basic in more remote areas. Private care is available but can be costly, so travellers are encouraged to have medical insurance that includes cover for emergencies and evacuation if needed.
Safety
The political situation in Ivory Coast can be unpredictable, and demonstrations may occur without warning. Travellers should avoid large gatherings and stay alert in public spaces. While most visits are safe, incidents such as muggings, carjackings, and robberies can happen, particularly in Abidjan. Pedestrians are advised to avoid crossing lagoon bridges on foot. Police and military checkpoints are common, so carrying identification and cooperating respectfully is important. The northern and western regions near the borders with Liberia, Mali, and Burkina Faso may be less stable, so extra caution is advised. On arrival at Abidjan airport, travellers may encounter touts. Public buses can be overcrowded and poorly maintained. Metered orange taxis and pre-booked transfers are generally the safest transport options.
Local customs
Visitors should avoid taking photographs near military or government buildings, including airports, bridges and official installations, as this is not permitted. Ivory Coast has strict laws around illegal drugs, and offences such as possession or trafficking can result in serious penalties, including fines and prison sentences. Religion is an important part of daily life, so showing respect for local customs and practices is appreciated. Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but public displays of affection between same-sex couples may not be well received. There is no legal recognition for same-sex partnerships and limited legal protection for LGBT individuals. While many people are welcoming, attitudes can vary, so LGBT travellers are advised to be discreet and sensitive to the local context.
Doing business
In the Ivory Coast, business tends to be fairly formal and French is commonly used in meetings, though interpreters are available when needed. Showing respect through proper greetings, such as offering a handshake to each person present, is appreciated. Lightweight suits made of breathable fabrics are suitable year-round given the climate. Punctuality is valued, and working hours typically run from around 7.30am to 12pm, resuming at 2.30pm until about 6pm during weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturday mornings.
Duty free
Travellers to Ivory Coast are permitted to bring in duty-free one of the following tobacco allowances: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 25 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. They may also bring one litre of wine and one litre of spirits, along with up to 500 millilitres of eau de toilette and 250 millilitres of perfume. Any currency equivalent to €10,000 or more must be declared upon arrival.
Communications
The country code for Ivory Coast is +225. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is available in hotels and restaurants in Abidjan, but may be harder to find in rural parts of the country.
Passport & Visa
All foreign travellers to Ivory Coast must carry proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and the necessary documentation for their next destination. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Most visitors must obtain an e-Visa before travelling, which is applied for online and collected on arrival at Abidjan Airport. Although not always strictly enforced, it's strongly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity beyond the date of departure. Travellers should be aware that immigration officers may interpret or apply entry requirements at their discretion.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required to enter Côte d'Ivoire.
British citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required to enter Côte d'Ivoire.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required to enter Côte d'Ivoire.
Australian citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required to enter Côte d'Ivoire.
South African citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required to enter Côte d'Ivoire.
Irish citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required to enter Côte d'Ivoire.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required to enter Côte d'Ivoire.