Travel Vaccines and Advice for Cote d’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire (also known as Ivory Coast) is a nation that has a prosperous history due to its production of cocoa. Despite its economic success, Ivory Coast has a history of political turmoil. There remains tension between different ethnic groups and political parties in the country.
The capital city of Cote d’Ivoire is Abidjan (though that is a recent change), the largest city in the country. Cote d’Ivoire’s other major cities include Bouake, Daloa, and Korhogo.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Cote d’Ivoire?
Do I Need a Visa for Cote d’Ivoire?
What Is the Climate Like in Cote d’Ivoire?
How Safe Is Cote d’Ivoire?
Pottery and Mountains in Cote d’Ivoire
What Should I Take To Cote d’Ivoire?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Cote d’Ivoire
Do I Need Vaccines for Cote d’Ivoire?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cote d’Ivoire. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cote d’Ivoire: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June)
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Cote d’Ivoire |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Dengue, malaria and chikungunya are all present in Cote d’Ivoire. Ensure you have repellent and netting. Antimalarials may also be recommended.
Yellow fever, another mosquito-borne disease, is present in Cote d’Ivoire. Proof of vaccination is required for entry.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa for Cote d’Ivoire?
A visa is required for all travel to Cote d’Ivoire. Passports must have at least six months validity. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the country. If you do not have proof of vaccination, you may be vaccinated on site, quarantined or returned to your previous location.
Cote d’Ivoire Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cote d’Ivoire? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Cote d’Ivoire and GOV.UK
What Is the Climate Like in Cote d’Ivoire?
Ivory Coast has three main climates. Equatorial is along the southern coasts. A tropical climate permeates the midlands. Finally, the north has is semi-arid.
Seasons tend to stay the same. Fall is warm and dry, winter is hot and dry and the summer is hot and wet season.
How Safe Is Cote d’Ivoire?
Cote d’Ivoire is under a threat of terrorist activity with the last attack occurring in 2016. Although the country is not a hub for terrorism, it is in an area where terrorist activity is a threat.
The country’s army and police are in a transitional phase right now and may not be properly trained for their jobs. Stay away from any political demonstrations or protests.
Do not travel outside of major cities. Rural areas are hard to reach in Cote d’Ivoire and you will not be protected.
If you are travelling in a large city, you should dress modestly and not show signs of wealth. Tourists that are perceived as wealthy are often targets for robberies and carjackings.
Pottery and Mountains in Cote d’Ivoire
Another popular tourist attraction is Cote d’Ivoire are its mountains. The most popular mountain to visit in the country is Mount Neinkoue, which is over 150 metres tall. The mountain is a popular destination due to its lush forests and dense wildlife. It’s also a part of Tai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In recent years, Tai National Park has also become a popular spot for ecotourism. The government hopes that the opportunity for ecotourism will improve the chimpanzee population. The average camping trip here usually lasts three days.
Other animals include pygmy hippopotamus, leopards, and tree pangolins.
Tai National Park has been found to be home to chimpanzees that carry the Ebola virus. Practice extreme caution.
What Should I Take To Cote d’Ivoire?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Cote d’Ivoire:
- Breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the often warm and humid weather.
- Shoes for hiking, if you plan to hike.
- Mosquito repellent and clothing that covers bare skin to prevent mosquito bites.
- diarrhoea can be common among travellers. It’s always best to be prepared with a traveller’s diarrhoea kit.
- Modest clothing for visits to smaller towns or villages.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Cote d’Ivoire
If you are in Cote d’Ivoire and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Abidjan
Ambassade de Grande-Bretagne, Cocody Quartier Ambassades
Impasse du Belier, Rue A 58, 01 BP 2581 Abidjan 01
Abidjan
01 BP 2581
Côte d’Ivoire
Telephone: +225 2244 2669
Emergency Phone: +44 (0)1908 516 666
Fax: (+225) 2248 9548
Email: British.Embassy.Abidjan@fco.gov.uk
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