Travelling to Ivory Coast or Guinea?
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) now advises against all but essential travel to the western regions of Dix-Huit Montagnes, Haut-Sassandra, Moyen-Cavally and Bas-Sassandra, in particular the area to the west of Duékoué up to the border with Liberia. Seek professional local advice before embarking on any travel to these areas.
Security in the Ivory Coast
The security situation in Abidjan can deteriorate at short notice. There have been reports of violence and shootings in Abidjan since August 2012. Foreigners have not been targeted as yet.
Although the risk of a return to the levels of conflict experienced between December 2010 and May 2011 is low, you should constantly review your personal security arrangements and take professional security advice. Keep up to date with local developments through the local media and local contacts. Keep a stock of food and water, avoid all demonstrations and adopt a low profile, particularly at night.
Crime
There is a risk of crime in Abidjan, including violent crime, car-jackings, armed break-ins to private residences, hold-ups in the street, and stealing from cars. Weapons circulate freely. Such incidents are not common, but they do occur. Avoid using public transport, or walking around after dark.
There have been reports of westerners being robbed at gunpoint on the main road from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro. Most armed robberies occur at night though some incidences have happened during daytime. You should be vigilant and drive with doors locked.
There is a risk that demands will be made for bribes if you attempt to drive across the two bridges over the lagoon in Abidjan at night.
Scams in West Africa
Scam artists can assume the false identity of a foreign national (sometimes British) working and living in West Africa. The criminals then establish an on-line relationship with their victims which, in time, usually results in a request for money. In some instances the impostor will inform their foreign victim that they have been hospitalised or arrested and need money quickly. In other cases foreigners have come to West Africa to meet the person with whom they have been in contact only to be kidnapped and become the victim of financial extortion.
If you receive a claim that an on-line associate whom you have never met is in difficulty in Côte d’Ivoire, be very wary before becoming involved in transferring any money. Treat with considerable caution any requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet who lives in West Africa.
Terrorism
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, so be aware as you move around.
Diseases
Ebola
An outbreak of Ebola virus has been confirmed in south-eastern Guinea. If you travel to this region you should follow the health advice issued by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, maintain strict standards of hygiene and avoid eating bushmeat.
So far, there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in the Ivory Coast.
Cases of meningitis have been detected in northern and central regions of the Ivory Coast. 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. You should ensure you have the relevant vaccinations and take the appropriate prophylaxis.
RPS recommends that you register with your Embassy and warden network in Abidjan, so you are aware of any updates.
Contact [email protected] for any further travel information.
Thanks to the FCO for their advice. For more information follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cote-d-ivoire/safety-and-security