←All destinations
Travel Guide
Visiting Cote d'Ivoire
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.
Avoid Some Regions
UK FCDO: Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Updated 2026-01-30
Discover
Top Attractions in Cote d'Ivoire
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
Completed in 1989 and consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1990, this Roman Catholic basilica in Yamoussoukro holds the Guinness World Record as the largest church on earth, surpassing St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in floor area. Its dome rises 158 metres above the surrounding savannah, and the interior can hold 18,000 worshippers, with the esplanade accommodating up to 300,000. Italian marble, French stained glass, and a colonnaded facade inspired by St. Peter's Square make it an arresting architectural landmark.
UNESCO World Heritage
Grand-Bassam
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012, Grand-Bassam's historic quarter preserves the planned layout of a late-nineteenth-century colonial port, with distinct zones for commerce, administration, European housing, and the African N'zima quarter. Colonnaded porticoes, shuttered windows, wide verandas, and gardens line streets that have changed little since the colonial era. The town stands as a rare and tangible record of the social and architectural history of French West Africa.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Cote d'Ivoire. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Cote d'Ivoire.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 185 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Côte d’Ivoire see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police110
Ambulance185
Fire180
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cote d'Ivoire
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Cote d'Ivoire page at Yoogo.
Cote d'Ivoire uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), shared with several other West African nations. Cash is the primary means of payment throughout the country. ATMs are available in Abidjan but less reliable elsewhere. Cards are accepted at larger hotels and international restaurants in the capital.
Abidjan and main tourist areas are relatively stable, though petty crime including robbery and bag-snatching is common in the city, particularly at night. Some western and northern border areas carry elevated risk. The country experienced significant political violence in 2010 to 2011 and tensions can resurface around elections. Check your government's current travel advisory before visiting.
Abidjan has an extensive bus and minibus network (gbaka and woro-woro). Taxis are widely available in the capital but negotiate fares in advance. Long-distance buses and shared taxis connect major cities. Domestic flights serve Yamoussoukro, Bouaké, and other regional centres. Road quality varies considerably outside Abidjan.
The dry season from November to March is the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity and less rainfall. The south has two dry seasons (November–March and July–August) and two wet seasons. The north has a single long dry season from November to April. Temperatures are warm to hot year-round.
French is the official language. Dioula (Jula) serves as a widely understood trade language across much of the country. Over 60 indigenous languages are spoken. English is rarely used outside international organisations and some hotels.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and meningitis vaccinations are also advised. Healthcare outside Abidjan is limited. Comprehensive medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a modest amount for good service is welcome. Guides and drivers appreciate a gratuity.
Orange, MTN, and Moov are the main mobile operators. Coverage is good in Abidjan and main cities but patchy in rural areas. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available. Wi-Fi is offered at larger hotels in Abidjan.
Ivorian culture values warmth, ceremony, and respect. Always greet people before starting a conversation, and greetings are expected to be extended and reciprocal. Dress modestly outside beach and resort areas. Respect the diversity of religious practices; the country has a significant Muslim population in the north and Christian population in the south, and religious sensitivities should be observed.