£1 F CFA 755
Today
6:30 pm
Same time as you
Travel warning
There's a serious risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in northern areas near the borders, including national parks, making those regions too dangerous for travel.
Weather & climate
Weather in Cote d'Ivoire
Cote d'Ivoire
32°
Overcast
Thu
27°
32°
Fri
27°
32°
Sat
27°
33°
Sun
27°
31°
Mon
27°
31°
Tue
27°
32°
Wed
27°
30°
SPF level in Cote d'Ivoire
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Cote d'Ivoire
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to enter Cote d'Ivoire.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.
Apply and pay for an e-visa online at least 10 working days before you travel.
You must have a certificate to prove you have had a yellow fever vaccination.
You can collect your approved e-visa on arrival at Abidjan airport.
Good to know:
You can take up to 500,000 West African CFA francs in cash into Cote d'Ivoire but must declare any foreign currency.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering.
Safety in Cote d'Ivoire
Tips when travelling
Cote d'Ivoire is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
There is a risk of armed robberies on private cars driving on main roads in the west of the country, even during the day.
Attacks could occur in places like beach resorts, hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
To prevent street crime, avoid walking after dark and use taxi apps or pre-arranged taxis instead of public transport.
In case the police stop you while driving, always carry your UK licence, an international driving permit, and your car registration documents.
You must carry your original passport as the police will not always accept copies.
Bonus tips:
Driving standards are poor and the number of fatal road accidents is high, especially outside the capital.
Beware of unofficial roadblocks set up by armed bandits, mainly on quiet secondary roads.
More information
Driving in Cote d'Ivoire
A UK driving license is accepted. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Cote d'Ivoire drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Cote d'Ivoire
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance to cover the cost of any medical treatment you may need. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation.You should consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information and advice before travelling.
It's crucial to prioritize your health when visiting Côte d'Ivoire. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required. Malaria is prevalent, so take precautions. Seek medical advice on recommended vaccinations and preventative measures before your trip.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in larger establishments in cities, but cash is still preferred and essential in smaller towns and rural areas.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Cote d'Ivoire
Tipping is not obligatory in Côte d'Ivoire, but it is appreciated for good service. Tips are usually given in cash.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or round up the bill
Taxi
Round up to the nearest 100-500 XOF
Hotel Porter
500-1000 XOF per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
500-1000 XOF per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile phone plans. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Côte d'Ivoire. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 5000 XOF (~£6.50)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Cote d'Ivoire
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, some cafes, and restaurants in major cities. Coverage can be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more reliable internet access, especially when traveling outside major cities.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
111
Ambulance
185
Fire
180
Save 111 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Cote d'Ivoire
Country code
+225
To call the British Embassy in Abidjan, you would dial 00 225 20 31 66 00.
To make international calls, dial the exit code, then the country code, and finally the local number.
UK Embassy
British Embassy Abidjan
Immeuble Avant-Garde, 9ème étage, Avenue Nanan Yamoussa, Plateau, Abidjan
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.