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Before you go to Côte d’Ivoire: what to know

Must know

  • Apply and pay for an e-visa at least 10 working days before travel; approved applicants collect it at Abidjan airport. Carry a yellow fever certificate.
  • Cards work in major hotels and some restaurants and shops. ATMs are available in Abidjan and major cities; carry cash outside them.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Apply and pay for an e-visa at least 10 working days before travel; approved applicants collect it at Abidjan airport. Carry a yellow fever certificate. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Online arrival forms and permits

Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, snedai.com ↗, diplomatie.gouv.ci ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Cards work in major hotels and some restaurants and shops. ATMs are available in Abidjan and major cities; carry cash outside them.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

Coastal rains are usually May–July and October–November; central and northern patterns differ.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • February: Feb: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • March: Mar: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • April: Apr: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • May: May: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • June: Jun: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • July: Jul: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • August: Aug: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • September: Sep: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • October: Oct: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • November: Nov: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.
  • December: Dec: Regional rain calendars differ; use a forecast for your destination.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cs.mfa.gov.cn ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.