Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.

After a decade of political instability, which culminated in the post‘electoral crisis of 2010‘2011, calm is now being restored in Côte d’Ivoire. The security situation has improved nationwide, although armed attacks still occur sporadically in some areas, especially near the border with Liberia. Crime remains the principal threat to travellers’ security.

Border with Liberia (see Advisory)

Although the number of incidents has decreased significantly in the last two years, armed attacks, aimed mainly at positions of the Republican Forces of Côte d’Ivoire, still occur along the border with Liberia.

Increased threat of attacks and kidnappings

In 2013, the French military assisted the Malian government in efforts to repel armed rebels. Terrorist groups in the region declared their intention to increase attacks and kidnappings targeting Westerners. While the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali has been supporting the transitional authorities in stabilizing the region since July 2013, citizens of countries supporting the intervention are still at particular risk, but all travellers should exercise increased vigilance in the region.

Abidjan

You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in the neighbourhoods of Treichville, Adjamé, Abobo and Yopougon, due to the risk of theft and mugging.

Refrain from crossing the Charles de Gaulle and Houphouët-Boigny bridges on foot, as pedestrians have been assaulted there, even in broad daylight. Do not walk in Le Plateau business district at night once offices and shops have closed.

Be vigilant at night in neighbourhoods where nightclubs, restaurants and maquis (small, local clandestine restaurants) are found (such as in Zone 4). Armed robberies, carjackings and assaults have been reported there.

Crime

Criminal activity is the main threat to your safety and security in Côte d’Ivoire. In Abidjan and other cities in the country, you could be the target of petty crime such as pickpocketing or purse snatching. Petty criminals do not hesitate to use force when faced with resistance. Burglaries, break-ins and violent assaults are also frequent, as is car theft. Luxury and four-wheel drive vehicles are particularly targeted. Keep your vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed at all times.

Crime increases significantly after dark; be especially careful after sundown and avoid travel late at night.

Highway robbers

Armed bandits (coupeurs de route or highwaymen) sometimes strike along the country’s highways. They erect barricades to stop vehicles and rob passengers. Although this phenomenon has become much less common, incidents are regularly reported along primary and secondary roads. These bandits are active mainly at night, but attacks also occur in broad daylight.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and large gatherings have the potential to degenerate into violence or deadly stampedes. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Road travel

Côte d’Ivoire has a fairly good road system. A new two-lane highway links Abidjan and Yamoussoukro. Main roads are generally paved, but the remainder are not. Although the road system is generally in good condition, several stretches of road are still full of potholes and are buckled in places.

Road accidents are common, due to poor road conditions, excessive speeds and careless driving. Drive defensively at all times and respect speed limits.

When a vehicle is stopped in heavy traffic, doors should be locked and windows closed at all times. You should always carry your identification and vehicle documents. It is recommended that you avoid travelling after nightfall, owing to poorly lit roads and the risk of accident or holdup.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is inadequate in Abidjan and is not recommended. Buses are overcrowded and although taxis are available, they are generally in poor condition and their drivers are reckless. If you must absolutely take a taxi, you should either insist that the meter be turned on and pay only the indicated price, or negotiate the fare in advance. There have been incidents of taxi passengers being robbed or assaulted by drivers, so be very cautious. Do not allow the driver to pick up any other passengers on the way to your destination, as this may be a prearranged scheme to attack or rob you. Avoid using informal taxis (woro-woros) and buses (gbaka) on the road in Abidjan.

Airport

Major hotels provide a shuttle service to and from the airport; it is best to book this service in advance. There is a risk of baggage theft at the airport, so valuables and electronic equipment should be securely locked in hand luggage. All incoming passenger luggage is X-rayed before it leaves the terminal, and customs and police officials regularly inspect luggage after it has been X-rayed.

See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Beaches

Swimming at the seaside, especially in Grand Bassam, is dangerous and strongly advised against, even for excellent swimmers. Coastal ocean currents are powerful and dangerous. Many people drown each year.

Piracy

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

General safety information

Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying jewelry and large sums of cash. Valuables and bags should be kept out of sight. It is also recommended that you vary your schedules and travel patterns. Carry certified photocopies of your identification and travel documents.

fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country. Victims of fraud or cybercrime originating from Côte d’Ivoire can report it to Plateforme de lutte contre la cybercriminalité. See our Overseas Fraud page for more information on scams abroad.