Update on travel to the Ivory Coast

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to the western regions of Dix-Huit Montagnes, Haut-Sassandra, Moyen-Cavally and Bas-Sassandra. See the map here for exact locations.

There have been a number of shootings around Abidjan since August 2012. Attacks happen mainly at night and the targets have usually been the police and military. Further incidents can’t be ruled out. and violent crime can occur at any time. Be particularly vigilant and take care when travelling by road, especially at night. 

There is a general threat from terrorism. Following French military intervention in Mali, there is a possibility of retaliatory attacks targeting Western interests in the region. You should be vigilant, if you fall into this category of traveller.

Health

Cases of meningitis have been detected in northern and central regions of Côte d’Ivoire. The affected districts are Boundiali, Bouna, Ferke, Korhogo, Seguela and Tengrela in the North and Bandama Valley region in the central part of the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health agencies are supporting local authorities to control the spread of the disease.

Yellow fever, cholera, and measles cases have been reported in the Abidjan area since the start of 2011. Falciparum malaria is also endemic. RPS advises that speak with a travel doctor and ensure you take appropriate medication prior to travel.

Please contact us at [email protected] for more information on travel to the Ivory Coast. For more information from the FCO please see this link https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cote-d-ivoire

Photo: Courtesy of FCO