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TRAVEL REPORT
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 10 has been updated (rainstorms).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Côte d’Ivoire

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travellers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country and maintain a high level of security awareness at all times.

Although the security situation is relatively stable, Côte d’Ivoire is still recovering from a political crisis which began in 2002, divided the country and resulted in civil war. Despite the signing of the Ouagadougou Peace Accord (OPA) in 2007, an agreement that ended widespread violence, the country has experienced sporadic episodes of unrest. Increasingly difficult economic conditions, the lack of progress in implementing the OPA clauses and underlying and unresolved tensions – often related to ethnic issues -  remain a concern. In this fragile socio-political context, the potential for sudden deterioration of law and order exists.

Presidential elections, scheduled for November 2009, have been postponed to a later date. Demonstrations over the electoral process, some of which turned violent, have been taking place since early February 2010. Canadians are strongly advised to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.

Canadians in Côte d'Ivoire should monitor local news reports for updates on safety and security risks and political developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are invited to register with the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan (see Section 5 below) or with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (call collect 613-996-8885).

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the following areas:

North of Bouaké

Ongoing tensions along the line that divided the country into two politically opposed factions during the civil war continue to pose a risk. The integration of former rebel soldiers into the national army is a slow and difficult process. Communal and ethnic tensions also persist and have resulted in sporadic episodes of unrest in the northern territories. Canadians considering travel to this area should carefully plan their journey and have security precautions in place. Permission from authorities is required prior to undertaking travel to some northern areas.

Western provinces

The border areas with Liberia, along the western provinces of Dix-Huit Montagnes and Moyen-Cavally are particularly insecure. The region is volatile and the presence of armed militias and the lack of proper security forces patrols increase the risk to travellers. Highway robberies and carjackings have been reported.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. 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. Canada will assist Canadians 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 the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can 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 are high.

Crime

Criminal activity is the main threat to travellers’ safety and security in main urban and densely populated areas. In Abidjan and other cities in the country, travellers can be the target of petty crime such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft from vehicles. Petty criminals do not hesitate to use force when faced with resistance and armed robberies and assaults with violence have reportedly increased. Motorcyclists have been known to grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians.

Home invasions and armed carjackings are increasingly common. Luxury and four-wheel-drive vehicles are frequently targeted. Travellers should keep vehicle doors locked at all times as thieves open doors of stopped vehicles and grab valuables.

There is a heightened risk of serious crimes after dark and it is advised to stay in hotels or in residences once night falls.

General safety information

Travellers should avoid showing signs of affluence or carrying large sums of money. Valuables and bags should be kept out of sight, particularly at night. Schedules and travel patterns should be varied.

Canadians should avoid the districts of Treichville, Adjame, Abobo and Yopougon. They should also refrain from crossing the main bridges to and from Le Plateau on foot as pedestrians have been assaulted even during the day. Travellers should not walk alone after business hours in Le Plateau business district.

Canadians should carry certified photocopies of identification and their travel documents.

Tourist facilities are limited outside Abidjan and may be affected by heavy rains during the rainy season and periodic power shortages.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country. For more information on overseas scams and their impact on the security of Canadians, see our Global Issues page.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Ivorian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Côte d’Ivoire. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa before arrival. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Dual nationality

Although dual nationality is recognized in Côte d’Ivoire, dual nationals are considered Ivorian citizens and are subject to local laws without regard to the other nationality. This may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

Visas

Tourist visa – required
Business visa – required
Student visa – required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - ABIDJAN, Embassy of Canada
Address: Immeuble Trade Centre, 23 avenue Nogues, Le Plateau, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Postal Address: P.O. Box 4104, Abidjan, 01, Côte d'Ivoire
Tel.: 225 20 30 07 00
Fax: 225 20 30 07 20
E-Mail: abdjn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/cotedivoire

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 by dialing 00 11 00 from a stationary phone and selecting the "Collect Call" option.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

This country is in the area referred to as the African meningitis belt (which extends from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east), a region where meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale. Outbreaks most often occur during the dry season (December to June). To obtain information and health recommendations, please refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers use personal protective measures against mosquito bites to prevent getting dengue fever. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue. People experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities

Medical facilities and supplies in Abidjan are relatively good but can be expensive. Medical facilities outside large cities are limited. Air evacuation is sometimes the only option when faced with a medical emergency in remote areas.

Diseases

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including polio, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis) are prevalent in Côte d’Ivoire, with more serious outbreaks occuring from time to time. Travellers are reminded that travel to tropical and sub-tropical climates poses a risk for food-borne and water-borne gastrointestinal disease. Travellers are advised to use good personal hygiene practices and take all necessary precautions; boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Visitors should avoid small stalls preparing local foods (maquis) unless they are familiar with the establishments.

Canadians should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

Malaria

In Côte d’Ivoire, malaria is endemic and of the most dangerous type, plasmodium falciparum. Travellers are advised to seek medical advice on the use of a preventive treatment before visiting the country and to take personal protective measures against insect bites, including using an insect repellent and mosquito nets.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Homosexual activity is tolerated but should not be demonstrated in public or cause public disorder.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road travel

The road system, although deteriorating, is relatively good in the southern part of country around the capital . Poorly lit roads and vehicles make driving at night hazardous. Road regulations are not well respected and serious accidents are frequent.

Although overland travel is possible, checkpoints and roadblocks are frequent and can congest traffic. Police and army checkpoints are common, particularly after dark, and armed security forces may search vehicles and demand money (directly or indirectly). Travellers should always carry identification and vehicule documents.

Carjackings, and even busjackings, occur. In the west, bandits, referred to locally as “coupeurs de route” [highway robbers], sometimes set up false roadblocks with intent to steal vehicles and other valuables.

Vehicles stopped in heavy traffic or at roadblocks can be targeted by smash and grab thieves or armed robbers, despite nearby police presence. Doors should be locked and windows shut at all times.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Public transportation

Public transportation is not adequate in Abidjan. The “Express” is the only recommended bus line. Although taxis are available, they are generally in poor condition. Travellers should insist that the meter be turned on and should pay only the indicated price. Informal taxis (“woro-woros”) and buses (“Gbaka”), used in Abidjan and in remote areas, are dangerous and not recommended.

Air travel

The Abidjan airport is located 17 km away from Abidjan’s business district. Major hotels provide a shuttle service to and from the airport. It is best to make prior arrangements for this service. There is a risk of baggage theft. Valuables and electronic equipment should be securely locked in hand luggage. Custom and police authorities regularly inspect luggage or arriving passengers, sometimes using their position to extort travellers of valuables.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

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Currency

The currency is the African Financial Community franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and some stores. Credit card and bank card fraud is frequent in Côte d’Ivoire. Traveller's cheques in U.S. dollars or euros and bank cards are accepted only in large banks in Abidjan.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

- In the southern coastal region, the rainy seasons occur from May to August and October to November.

- In the central and north-central region, the rainy seasons extend from mid-July to mid-October and mid-March to mid-May.

- In the north, the rainy season is from July to November, and a harmattan wind blows down from the Sahara between December and February.

Severe rainstorms can cause sudden flooding and mud slides, interrupt essential services, and delay overland travel. Canadians are advised to exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

TIPS FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS TO CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Recognizing a Business Scam

The Canadian Embassy (located at Immeuble Trade Centre, 23 avenue Nogues, Le Plateau, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire), along with many other embassies, frequently handles "scam" cases. Business people, many of them experienced in overseas transactions, have lost thousands of dollars to these scams. Occasionally, persons who have gone to Côte d'Ivoire to "finalize" such deals have been threatened or assaulted. Local police and other officials have not provided assistance to those caught up in scams.

Caution should be exercised when contemplating any business transaction involving Côte d'Ivoire. The scams range from attempts to engage business people in fictitious money-transfer schemes to fraudulent solicitations to supply goods in fulfilment of non-existent Côte d'Ivoire government contracts. The scams are very sophisticated and may take victims to staged meetings, often held in borrowed offices at Côte d'Ivoire government ministries or at overseas locations. The persons involved do their research and can often provide plausible, but non-existent, orders written on seemingly genuine government stationery, complete with official stamps and seals.

Côte d'Ivoire business scams are not always easy to recognize, and any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully scrutinized and checked with the Commercial section of the Canadian Embassy. There are, nevertheless, some indicators that are warnings of a probable scam. Look out for:

Any offer of a substantial percentage of a large sum of money to be transferred into your account in return for your "discretion" or "confidentiality";

Any deal that seems too good to be true;

Requests for signed and stamped blank letterhead or invoices, or for bank account information;

Requests for urgent air shipment, accompanied by an instrument of payment whose genuineness cannot immediately be established;

Solicitation letters claiming that the soliciting party has personal ties to senior Côte d'Ivoire officials;

Requests for advance payment in U.S. dollars, in advance of transfer taxes or incorporation fees;

Statements that your name was provided to the soliciting party either by someone you do not know or by a "reliable contact";

Promises of advance payment for services to be provided to the Côte d'Ivoire government;

Claims that a Côte d'Ivoire visa is not necessary or that arrival in Côte d'Ivoire should be overland from a neighbouring country;

Resistance by Côte d'Ivoire partners to your checking in with the Canadian Embassy in Abidjan;

Any offer to supply oil; and

Any offer of a charitable donation.

These indicators are some of the most common hallmarks of Côte d'Ivoire scam operations. The list is not all-inclusive as scam operators are constantly weaving new elements into their schemes. The best rule to follow is that any unsolicited business proposal originating from Côte d'Ivoire or involving Côte d'Ivoire be carefully checked before any funds are committed, before any goods or services are provided, or before any travel is undertaken.

How Do the Scams Work?

Côte d'Ivoire business scams are confidence schemes, designed to exploit the trust you develop in your Ivoirian partner and defraud you of goods, services, or money. The scams are flexible, and operators adapt them to take the greatest advantage of the target.

Solicitation letters received in Canada may sometimes originate in countries neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire (i.e. Benin or Nigeria), in Europe, or in North America; however, you may be requested to visit Côte d'Ivoire to finalize the deal.

Here is a brief description of some of the most common schemes:

Money Transfer: The operator claims to have a large sum of money, usually millions of dollars, that needs to be transferred to a "safe" bank account abroad. The Central Bank of Nigeria is often, though by no means always, mentioned. You, as the bank account owner, are promised a percentage of the huge sum, just for allowing the use of your account. You may be asked to provide blank, signed invoices, letterhead, and bank account information, or to send money for transfer taxes. Some businesses have found their accounts looted by the persons to whom they sent account information.

Fraudulent Order: The operator usually places a small order, paying with a genuine cashier's cheque drawn on a foreign bank. The operator then places another, somewhat larger order, again paying with a genuine instrument. Then you receive an order by courier. Your Ivorian partner urgently needs a large quantity of your product air-shipped. Confident in your partner, you ship, but this time the cashier's cheque (which looks the same) is a forgery. Experienced business people usually require full payment in advance of shipment or an irrevocable letter of credit confirmed by a reputable international bank.

Charitable Donation: The operator offers to make a donation to your organization, asking for bank account information (see Money Transfer, above). Then the operator loots the account or asks for advance payment of a fee to ensure conversion of local money into dollars.

Contract: The operator claims to have a Côte d'Ivoire government contract and needs your company's expertise to carry out the job. The operator scams you by collecting thousands of dollars in "fees" before you can do business.

Crude Oil: The operator claims to have an allocation of crude oil to sell. Sometimes the operator claims to be working on behalf of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Then come demands for various fees to supply you with the crude; of course, you never get your cargo. Businesses lacking experience with Nigeria's petroleum industry should approach with great caution any proposal involving crude oil sales.

Business Opportunity: The operator convinces you to explore a business opportunity by visiting Côte d'Ivoire. Once you arrive, the operator takes charge of your life, trying to keep you from contacting friends, family, or the Canadian Embassy in Abidjan. By various means, sometimes including violence or threats of violence, the operator extracts money from you. This type of scam becomes particularly dangerous for a victim who has entered Côte d'Ivoire without a valid Côte d'Ivoire visa, issued by a Côte d'Ivoire Embassy, or Consulate.

All travellers MUST have a visa prior to arrival in Côte d'Ivoire and must pass through immigration formalities upon entry into the country. Letters addressed to immigration officials have no validity.

Visa Card Scams: A Canadian company receives an order for standard equipment. The Ivorian company pays for the goods by Visa credit card. The Canadian company receives proper authorization from the bank or financial institution, but shortly after, the true owner of the Visa credit card objects to the purchase and claims the card has been compromised by persons unknown. Unfortunately, the Canadian company has already shipped the goods by air and suffers a financial loss.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Africa and Middle East Trade Division
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0G2

Ask for the Commercial Officer responsible for Côte d'Ivoire at (613) 944-4000. If you already have a contact name, you can also fax your request at (613) 996-9709.

Embassy of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
9 Marlborough Avenue
Ottawa, ON, K1N 8E6
Tel.: (613) 236-9919
Fax: (613) 563-8287

Commercial Crime Branch
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0R2
Tel.: 613-991-4331
Fax: 613-993-4299

PhoneBusters National Call Centre
P.O. Box 686
North Bay, ON
P1B 8J8
Tel.: 1 888 495-8501 or 705-495-8501
Fax: 1 888 654-9426 or 705-494-4755
Website: http://www.phonebusters.com/

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