Country Profile - Ivory Coast ( Côte d’Ivoire )

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are standard.

Communications: International telecommunications are available in major towns/centres.

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 225. Outgoing international code: 00.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network. Network operators include Orange Côte D’Ivoire (website: www.orange.ci) and Loteny Telecom (website: www.telecel.net).

Internet: ISPs include Aviso, Africa On Line and Globeaccess. Public access is available at Internet cafes in Abidjan.

Fax: Facilities are available at some major hotels, but are not yet widespread.

Post: Airmail to Europe takes up to 2 weeks. Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1200 and 1430-1800.

Press: All newspapers are in French. The main dailies include Fraternité Matin, Ivoir ‘Soir and Le Jour.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Passport/Visa

PASSPORTS: Passports valid for 6 months after intended length of stay required by all except nationals of Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Togo holding national ID cards.

VISAS: Required by all except the following:

(a) nationals of other ECOWAS countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Congo (Rep), Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo) for stays of up to 3 months;

(b) nationals of Andorra, Chad, Monaco, Morocco, Seychelles, Tunisia and Vatican City for stays of up to 3 months;

(c) transit passengers leaving on the same or first connecting flight within 12 hours provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Types of visa and cost: Prices vary according to nationality. Prices given are for UK nationals. Tourist, Business and Transit: £35 (single-entry); £45 (multiple-entry).

Validity: 3 months.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements: Tourism: (a) Valid passport. (b) One application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Evidence of hotel booking or faxed letter of invitation from a Côte d’Ivoire resident. (e) Return ticket or travel itinerary. (f) Stamped, self-addressed, registered envelope for return of passport (if applying by post). (g) Fee. Business: (a)-(g) and, (h) Fax from home company confirming financial responsibility for the applicant and an invitation letter faxed from Côte d’Ivoire.

Note: (a) A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year of age. (b) In addition to a valid visa, nationals of the following countries need an authorisation from the Ministry of Security, and should obtain it in plenty of time: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cambodia, Chile, China (PR), Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, Jordan, Korea (Dem Rep), Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Vietnam and Yemen.

Working days required: 3.

Money

Currency: CFA (Communauté Financiaire Africaine) Franc (CFAfr) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFAfr10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFAfr250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Côte d’Ivoire is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.

Currency exchange: Currency can be exchanged at the airport as well as at main banks and hotels.

Credit & debit cards: American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted; Visa and Diners Club have more limited use. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.

Travellers cheques: These are accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the CFA Franc against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Currency restrictions: The import of local currency is unlimited. The export of local currency is limited to amounts up to the value of CFAfr10,000. The import of all foreign currency other than Euros must be declared. The export of foreign currency is limited to amounts up to the equivalent of CFAfr25,000 or the amount imported and declared on arrival. There is no restriction on the re-export of unused travellers cheques and letters of credit.

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1500.

Duty Free

Duty Free: The following goods may be imported into Côte d’Ivoire by passengers over 15 years of age without incurring customs duty:

200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco or 100 cigarillos; 1 bottle of wine; 1 bottle of spirits; 0.5l of toilet water and 0.25l of perfume.

Restricted items: Duty must be paid on video cameras, which may be imported for personal use only. A deposit must be paid on entry and is refundable on departure. Limits are placed on certain other personal effects; contact the Consulate prior to departure.

Public Holidays

Public Holidays: Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Feb 2 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 2 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). May 20 Ascension. May 31 Whit Monday. Aug 7 Independence Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 12 Lailat al Miraj (Ascent of the Prophet). Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 9 Day of Mourning. Nov 14-16 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Nov 15 Peace Day. Dec 7 Félix Houphouët-Boigny Remembrance Day. Dec 25 Christmas. Jan 1 2005 New Year’s Day. Jan 21 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Mar 28 Easter Monday. Apr 21 Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). May 1 Labour Day. May 5 Ascension. May 16 Whit Monday. Aug 7 Independence Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 1 Lailat al Miraj (Ascent of the Prophet). Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Nov 3-5 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Nov 9 Day of Mourning. Nov 15 Peace Day. Dec 7 Félix Houphouët-Boigny Remembrance Day. Dec 25 Christmas.

Note: (a) Holidays that fall on a Sunday are often observed on the following day. (b) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2 to 10 days, depending on the region. For more information see the World of Islam appendix.

Health

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from all countries.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Côte d’Ivoire. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix for more information.

3: Immunisation against typhoid is usually advised.

4: Malaria risk (and risk of other insect-borne diseases) exists throughout the year in the whole country, including urban areas. The malignant falciparum form is prevalent. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. A weekly dose of mefloquine is the recommended prophylaxis.

Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic and hepatitis A and E are widespread. Meningitis risk is present depending on area visited and time of year. Sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) is reported. There is a high incidence of HIV/Aids.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: Health care facilities in the main towns are up to international standards; medical insurance is essential.

Travel – International

Note: Travellers are currently advised against all non-essential and tourist travel to Côte d’Ivoire (with the exception of Abidjan if the business is essential). For further advice they should contact their local government travel advice department.

AIR: Airlines serving Côte d’Ivoire include Air Afrique, Air Burkina, Air France, Egyptair, Kenya Airways, KLM and South African Airways. Côte d’Ivoire has a shareholding in Air Afrique.

Approximate flight times: From Abidjan to London is 6 hours, to New York is 12 hours.

International airports: Abidjan (ABJ) (Félix Houphouët-Boigny) is 16km (10 miles) (website: www.aeria.ci) southeast of Abidjan (travel time – 25 minutes). Buses, taxis and coaches are available to the city. Airport facilities include duty-free shop, restaurant, shops, banks/bureaux de change, post office and car hire (Avis).
Yamoussoukro (ASK) (San Pedro) has been upgraded to international standard.

Departure tax: CFAfr3000 for African destinations and CFAfr5000 for all other departures.

SEA: There are no regular passenger sailings but cargo liners provide limited accommodation for passengers travelling from Europe.

RAIL: There are two through-trains with sleeping and restaurant cars from Abidjan to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) daily (travel time – 25-27 hours). Those intending to travel should be aware that the Burkina Faso rail network is under constant threat of closure because of financial difficulties, check with the appropriate authorities before finalising arrangements.

ROAD: There are road links of varying quality from Kumasi (Ghana) and from Burkina Faso, Guinea and Liberia and Mali. Borders close at night. Bus: Frequent services operate to Accra (Ghana) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). There is a service approximately once a week to Bamako (Mali); the journey can be very long (36-96 hours). Bush taxis also operate on these routes.

Travel – Internal

AIR: Air Ivoire (VU) (website: www.airivoire.com) operates regular internal flights from Abidjan to all major towns.

Departure tax: CFAfr800.

RAIL: The Abidjan–Ouagadougou railway is one of the most efficient in Africa and runs trains daily from Abidjan to Bouaké and Ferkessédougou. Children under 4 years of age travel free. Children aged between 4 and 9 pay half fare.

ROAD: Côte d’Ivoire has a good road system by West African standards, with 68,000km (42,250 miles) of roads, 5600km (3480 miles) of which are surfaced. Petrol stations are frequent except in the north. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: Small private buses and bush taxis operate throughout the country; they are comfortable and efficient. There are also larger coaches for the longer journeys. Taxi: These are available in main cities. Car hire: Cars may be hired in Abidjan, main towns and at the airport. Documentation: Insurance is compulsory for the driver, as is an International Driving Permit.

URBAN: Extensive bus and boat services are operated in Abidjan by SOTRA on a two-tiered fare structure. Taxis are usually red and metered; rates are doubled from 0000-0600.

Travel times: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Abidjan to other major towns in the Côte d’Ivoire.

	Air	Rail
Abengourou	0.35	-
Agboville	-	2.00
Bondoukou	1.20	-
Bouaké	1.20	6.00
Bouna	1.20	-
Boundiali	2.35	-
Daloa	1.00	-
Dimbokro	-	4.00
Gagnoa	0.50	-
Guiglo	2.15	-
Korhogo	1.30	-
Man	0.50	-
Odienne	2.20	-
San Pedro	1.00	-
Sassandra	0.45	-
Seguela	1.20	-
Tabou	1.20	-
Touba	1.00	-
Yamoussoukro	0.30	-

Accommodation
Hotels and restaurants are expensive in the larger towns. There are several hotels of international standard in Abidjan. In general, there is a choice between luxury, medium-range and cheaper accommodation in the larger towns. In all cases it is advisable to book in advance. For further information, contact the Office Ivoirien du Tourisme et de l’Hôtellerie (see Contact Addresses section). Grading: Hotels are graded from 1 to 5 stars.

Sport & Activities
Watersports: There are many swimming pools in main centres and hotels, particularly in Abidjan and the surrounding coastal resorts. All along this stretch of coast there is a dangerous deep current and all but the strongest swimmers should stay near the shore. Local advice should be taken. There is good coastal and river fishing. Red carp, barracuda, mullet and sole can all be caught from the shores of the lagoons. Sea trips can be organised through travel agencies to catch sharks, swordfish, bonito and marlin. Boats and instructors are available in Abidjan, where water-skiing facilities are also available.

Wildlife: The national parks are largely inaccessible for visitors without their own vehicles. Local guides are necessary and easily available. The largest and oldest national park is Comoë National Park, where lions, waterbucks, hippopotami and other animals can be observed. A landing strip nearby facilitates access.

Hiking: Although much of Côte d’Ivoire has been deforested, there is good hiking in the west near Man (nicknamed the ‘city of 18 mountains’). A guide is necessary for longer walks.

Other: Most major centres have a golf course. In Abidjan there is a course at the Hôtel Ivoire on the Riviera. Many hotels have tennis courts.

Social Profile

Food & Drink: Abidjan and other centres have restaurants serving French, Italian, Caribbean, Lebanese and Vietnamese food. There is a growing number of African restaurants catering for foreigners. Traditional dishes are kedjenou (chicken cooked with different vegetables and sealed in banana leaves), n’voufou (mashed bananas or yam mixed with palm oil and served with aubergine sauce) and attieké (cassava dish). The best area for spicy African food is the Treichville district of Abidjan. The blue pages of the Abidjan telephone book have a special restaurant section. There are no restrictions on drinking.

Nightlife: There are nightclubs in most major centres. Abidjan is the most lively area with its hotels and lagoon-side tourist resorts. There are also theatres, casinos and bars. Traditional entertainment is offered in some hotels.

Shopping: In the markets, hard bargaining is often necessary to get prices down to reasonable levels. Special purchases include wax prints, Ghanaian kente cloth, indigo fabric and woven cloth, wooden statuettes and masks, bead necklaces, pottery and basketware.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1430-1830, Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1900.

Special Events: For a full list of festivals and other special events to be held in Côte d’Ivoire, contact the Embassy, Consulate or the Office Ivoirien du Tourisme et de l’Hôtellerie (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Côte d’Ivoire in 2004:

Feb Festival of Masks, Man Region. Mar Bouaké Carnival. Apr Fête du Dipri, Gomon. Nov 14-16 Eid el-Fitr (End of Ramadan), nationwide. Dec 7 National Day Celebrations.

Social Conventions: One of the most striking features of Côte d’Ivoire, distinguishing it from many other African countries, is the extreme ethnic and linguistic variety. The size of each of the 60 groups – which include the Akar, Kron, Nzima, Hone, Voltaic and Malinke peoples – varies widely and the area they occupy may cover a whole region. With very few exceptions every Ivorian has a mother tongue which is that of the village, along with traditions, family and social relations within their ethnic group. French has become the official language of schools, cities and government and therefore has an influence on lifestyle even at a modest level. Handshaking is normal. Tropical lightweight clothes are essential, a light raincoat in the rainy season and a hat for the sun. Casual wear is widely acceptable but beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Ties need only be worn for formal occasions. Small tokens of appreciation, a souvenir from home or a business gift with the company logo are always welcome. Normal courtesies should be observed and it is considered polite to arrive punctually for social occasions. There are no restrictions on smoking. Snakes are regarded as sacred by some ethnic groups. Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants include a service charge in the bill; if not, 15 per cent is acceptable.

Climate

Climate: Dry from December to April, long rains from May to July, a short dry season from August to September, short rains in October and November. In the north the climate is more extreme – rains (May to October) and dry (November to April).

Required clothing: Tropical lightweights; warmer clothing for evenings.