A volcano erupted on White Island, New Zealand on 9 December 2019. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Updates are available from the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
Call 180.
Call 185.
Call 170 or 110 or 111.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Côte d'Ivoire overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Côte d'Ivoire overall due to the high risk of civil unrest and the high levels of violent crime. See Safety
Reconsider your need to travel to Dix-Huit Montagnes, Haut-Sassandra, Moyen-Cavally and Bas-Sassandra.
Reconsider your need to travel to:
These areas have security issues caused by local tensions and the presence of armed militias. See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
In 2016, 18 people died in a terrorist attack at Grand Bassam, near Abidjan. After recent attacks in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, there's a higher risk of attacks in Côte d'Ivoire.
Attacks can be random and occur in places foreigners visit.
To protect yourself from terrorism, stay alert and follow the advice of local authorities.
If an attack occurs, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Domestic political tensions sometimes lead to violent protests and strikes. Since 2017, current and former members of the Ivorian armed forces have led these demonstrations.
Near the Liberian border, local tensions and the presence of armed militias are causing security issues. This includes in:
Since June 2012, cross-border attacks by militia have occurred near the borders with Liberia and Ghana. UN peacekeepers and Ivorian military forces have died in these attacks.
To avoid violence and protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
Armed robbery and violent crime are common. This includes attacks on businesses and restaurants.
Some robbers reportedly wear military uniforms.
Armed robbers (coupeurs de route) have attacked travellers on:
Attacks occur at any time.
Pedestrians have been attacked and robbed while walking:
To protect yourself from violent crime:
Be aware of your personal security, particularly in:
HIV/AIDS is common in Côte d'Ivoire. You're at risk of infection if you're a victim of a violent crime.
Get urgent medical advice if you're a victim of violent crime, including rape.
Commercial and internet fraud often originates in West African countries. Some victims who then travel to those countries are killed.
Criminals who run these scams may:
As part of this scam, they may also:
Fake internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes also operate from some African countries. These scams typically start with a relationship through an internet dating site or chat room.
Your friend or prospective marriage partner will then ask you to send money to help them travel to Australia.
In some cases, the relationship will then end with very little chance of recovering any money.
In other cases, you may be lured to Africa to meet the person. When you arrive, you may be kidnapped, assaulted or robbed.
If you're a victim of a financial scam, get legal advice.
Don't to travel to Africa to get your money back.
Credit card fraud is common. Keep your card in sight when paying for something.
More information
Swimming is dangerous due to strong coastal currents.
Severe weather can cause flooding during the rainy seasons.
Roads may be impassable during these periods.
Rainy seasons are:
To protect yourself from severe weather:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Côte d'Ivoire. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
The rate of HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) infection is high. Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.
Yellow fever (Department of Health) is widespread in Côte d'Ivoire. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Malaria (World Health Organization) and other tropical diseases are common.
To protect yourself from diseases spread by insects:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
Waterborne, foodborne and other diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're pregnant, discuss travel plans with your doctor. Consider deferring non-essential travel to Zika-affected areas.
Get medical advice if you develop a fever or diarrhoea.
Health facilities outside of Abidjan are very limited.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for the use of illegal drugs can include jail.
More information:
Same-sex relationships are legal.
However, public displays of affection between members of the same sex can be an 'offence against public decency'. Penalties include fines and jail terms of up to two years. Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
It's illegal to take photos near sensitive sites, including:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Côte d'Ivoire.
Take care not to offend.
Dual nationality isn't recognised in Côte d'Ivoire.
If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
More information:
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
You need an exit permit from the National Museum to take art objects from Côte d'Ivoire.
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health).
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The currency is the West African CFA Franc. Abidjan has many ATMs, but they may not be reliable.
ATMs are rare outside of Abidjan. Plan ahead to make sure you have enough cash for your trip.
To drive in Côte d’Ivoire, you need:
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
The road system is generally good. Conditions are worse outside of Abidjan. Roads may be impassable in the rainy season.
Dangers include:
You're four times more likely to die in a car accident in Côte d'Ivoire than in Australia.
Armed robbers (coupeurs de route) carry out attacks on highways. See Safety
To stay safe on the road:
More information:
Piracy occurs in coastal waters off West Africa.
Check piracy reports issued by the International Maritime Bureau.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call (+225) 20 2587 88, for police and other emergencies.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Call (+225) 20 22 16 33 or (+225) 20 22 16 87.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Côte d'Ivoire.
You can get consular help at:
Immeuble Trade Centre
23 Avenue Nogues
Le Plateau
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: (+225) 20 300 700
Fax: (+225) 20 300 720
Email: abdjn@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/cotedivoire
2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments
Accra, Ghana
Phone: +233 302 216400
Fax: +233 302 216410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
Twitter: @AusAmbGHA
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.