All non-CEFA citizens wishing to visit the Ivory Coast are required to obtain a visa before traveling. You must also be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months after the duration of your stay and a certificate of vaccination for yellow fever. Tourist visas are valid for a maximum of three months and costs vary. You can apply for a visa at any Ivory Coast embassy.

Health and Safety

Being one of the more developed and once wealthiest countries in West Africa, Ivory Coast boasts good healthcare facilities that are up to international standards. However, services can be expensive. It is best to obtain medical and travel insurance before arriving in the country. Some diseases that you might want to get shots for include bilharzia, hepatitis B and E, meningitis, cholera, measles, and rabies. A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Precautions against HIV/AIDS are also recommended.

Safety is a big issue when traveling to the Ivory Coast. Periodic political unrest still plagues the country, which has just recently experienced its biggest uprising to date. It is best to check with your local government for warnings before and during travel as some regions are considered out of bounds for travelers due to the threat of violent attacks and terrorism. While here, you should always be vigilant about petty crime, which is mostly initiated by unemployed youth. Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded places and neighborhoods.