Côte d’Ivoire Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Côte d’Ivoire due to crime, terrorism, unrest, health, and piracy in nearby waters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Abidjan. U.S. government employees working in Côte d’Ivoire are not allowed to drive outside major cities at night and require two-car convoys for official travel outside of coastal and major north/south highways. U.S. citizens are advised to take the same precautions.

Crime

Crime continues to be a concern in Côte d’Ivoire. Violent crime, including carjacking, robbery, and home invasion, is common in some areas. Local police often lack resources to respond to serious crimes. Stay aware of your surroundings in urban areas and crowded markets. Police roadblocks may be present throughout the country, and though not common recently, unofficial roadblocks may be encountered in some locations.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Borders with Burkina Faso and Mali

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• within 40km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali
• Northern Zanzan and Savanes provinces
• Comoé National Park

This is due to an increased risk of terrorist attacks and kidnaps by terrorists based in the Sahel region, which includes Burkina Faso and Mali.

Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the border with Liberia owing to the risk of serious violence by local militias.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Côte d’Ivoire.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Côte d’Ivoire

Terrorist attacks in Côte d’Ivoire cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals such as:

• beach resorts
• hotels
• cafés and restaurants
• major sporting events

The main threat in Côte d’Ivoire is from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and other al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliated groups, including al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). JNIM is mainly active in the northern border areas, including the Comoé National Park in the north-east, but attacks could occur anywhere, including major towns and cities such as Abidjan.

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

This section has safety advice for regions of Côte d’Ivoire. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice.

Borders with Burkina Faso and Mali

FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali. There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks and kidnaps by terrorists based in the Sahel region, which includes Burkina Faso and Mali.

Northern provinces

FCDO also advises against all travel to:

• Northern Zanzan and Savanes provinces
• Comoé National Park

See Safety and security for details about terrorism risks in Côte d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the border with Liberia. This is due to the risk of clashes between local militias and security forces. Fatal clashes have taken place in and around this area in the past. If you travel to this area, seek professional security advice locally.

Risk level

Côte d’Ivoire - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Côte d’Ivoire due to crime.

Regional risks

Borders with Mali and Burkina Faso - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to within 50 km of the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, due to the risk of terrorist activity.

Border with Liberia - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the following regions, within 25 km of the border with Liberia, due to crime, insecurity and recurrent inter-community conflicts:

• Cavally
• San Pedro
• Tonkpi

Region bordering Liberia

Inter-community land conflicts occur regularly and result violent clashes.

Regions bordering Mali and Burkina Faso

There is a continued risk of terrorist activity due to the presence of armed groups and militias in the northern border areas. There could be clashes between armed groups and security forces.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs regularly throughout the country.

During your stay in Côte d’Ivoire:

• ensure that your personal belongings are secure at all times, including your passport and your other travel documents
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• avoid carrying large sums of cash

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs regularly, especially at night, in big cities including Abidjan. Incidents include:

• burglary
• assault
• car thefts, especially of luxury cars and four-wheel drive vehicles
• carjacking
• street hold ups

During your stay:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• avoid going out after dark
• be wary of people walking behind you
• lock your car doors and windows at all times
• avoid confrontation
• if attacked, don’t resist

科特迪瓦现有橙色（高风险）地区3个，其他地区均为黄色（中风险）。

具体如下:

一、橙色地区：孔格、泰希尼、布纳共3个省。外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往科特迪瓦上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使馆取得联系。

二、黄色地区：其他地区。外交部提醒在科特迪瓦其他地区的人员也要加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。