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The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Cote d'Ivoire. U.S. citizens who reside in or travel to Cote d'Ivoire should monitor conditions carefully, maintain situational awareness, and pay very close attention to their personal security. While the security situation has improved since the post-electoral crisis that ended May 2011, the potential for civil unrest remains. Security conditions could change quickly and without warning. This Travel Warning updates U.S. citizens on the current security situation in Cote d'Ivoire, replacing the Travel Warning of April 23, 2012.

This year there have been several serious security incidents in the southwestern and southeastern regions of Côte d'Ivoire. For example, in June, UN peacekeepers were attacked in the Tai region; in August, there were attacks on a local police station in Yopougon and a military camp in Akouedou; and in October, there was an attack on a powerplant in Abidjan as well as a military checkpoint and police office in the town of Bonoua. While neither U.S. citizens nor U.S. interests were targets in these incidents, the U.S. Embassy in Cote d'Ivoire recommends that all U.S. citizens take appropriate steps to maintain a high level of vigilance and security awareness.

If you are planning travel to Cote d'Ivoire, particularly to destinations outside of Abidjan, you should consult the U.S. Embassy or your host organization for the most recent security assessments of the areas to which you plan to travel. Official U.S. Embassy personnel must obtain approval for travel within the neighborhoods of Abobo and Yopougon and outside of Abidjan, including travel to western Cote d’Ivoire. The Embassy's ability to assist you in an emergency outside of Abidjan may be limited.

Crimes, such as muggings, robbery, burglary, and carjacking, pose risks for foreign visitors in Abidjan and around the country. You should take precautions when stopped in heavy traffic or at road blocks due to the threat of assault and/or robbery, and avoid travel outside Abidjan after dark to minimize risk. Additionally, the generally poor road conditions are also a factor in driving after sunset. Local law enforcement authorities have limited capacity to respond to emergencies.

The U.S. Embassy instructs its staff to avoid large gatherings, crowds, demonstrations, and political events. You are reminded that even demonstrations and/or political events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. You are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or political events.

U.S. citizens traveling and residing in Cote d’Ivoire are urged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the most up-to-date security information. By enrolling, you make it easier for the Embassy to contact you in case of emergency.

For further information, consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Cote d'Ivoire and the Worldwide Caution, both located on the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. You can also download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Android market to have travel information at your fingertips.

The Embassy is located at 01 B.P. 1712 Abidjan 01 Cote d’Ivoire. If you have questions or concerns about safety or related issues, you are encouraged to contact the consular section at the Embassy by sending an email message to AbjAmcit@state.gov. The Embassy Consular’s section can be reached by telephone at 225-22-49-45-94 and emergency after-hours telephone at 225-22-49-44-50.