Abidjan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Abidjan.
Healthcare System
Abidjan has the best healthcare facilities in Côte d'Ivoire, with a mix of public hospitals and private clinics. Private facilities generally offer better standards and are preferred by expatriates and tourists. Public hospitals can be overcrowded and under-resourced, though some provide adequate emergency care.
Hospitals
Recommended facilities for tourists include Polyclinique Internationale Sainte Anne-Marie (PISAM), Hôpital Américain, and Polyclinique Les Grâces. These private facilities accept international insurance and have emergency departments. Many doctors are French-trained.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (pharmacies) are widely available throughout Abidjan, marked with green crosses. Many medications available in Western countries can be found, though some may require prescriptions. Counterfeit medications exist, so use reputable pharmacies in established areas. Some pharmacies operate 24-hour services on rotation (pharmacies de garde).
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended and often required by hotels and tour operators. Medical care must often be paid upfront, making insurance essential for reimbursement.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Ensure routine vaccinations are current; yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and checked at entry
- Consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records accessible
- Private clinics may require cash or credit card payment before treatment
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, public transportation, and tourist sites. Thieves often work in groups to distract victims.
Armed robberies can occur, particularly at night or in isolated areas. Incidents have been reported involving motorcyclists (motos) targeting pedestrians or vehicles stopped in traffic.
Road safety is a significant concern due to poor road conditions in some areas, aggressive driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and limited street lighting. Accidents are common, particularly at night.
Malaria is endemic in Abidjan year-round. Other diseases include dengue fever, yellow fever, typhoid, and waterborne illnesses. Mosquito-borne diseases are particularly prevalent during rainy seasons.
Traveler's diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses are common due to different sanitation standards and water quality issues.
Political demonstrations and labor strikes occur periodically and can turn violent. Security forces may use tear gas or force to disperse crowds.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Taxi drivers, especially at the airport or tourist areas, quote inflated prices or claim meters are broken. Some take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
Scammers impersonating police or immigration officials demand to see documents and then claim violations requiring immediate fines paid in cash.
Scammers develop online relationships and eventually request money for emergencies, travel, or business opportunities. Abidjan is known as a hub for such scams.
Individuals approach tourists offering unsolicited help, tours, or directions, then demand payment or lead victims to shops where they receive commissions on overpriced goods.
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to capture card information and PIN numbers, later using this data to withdraw funds or make purchases.
Fake listings on booking sites or individuals claiming to represent hotels take advance payments for non-existent or misrepresented accommodations.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separate from originals
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Carry a charged mobile phone with local emergency numbers saved
- Learn basic French phrases as English is not widely spoken
- Keep some cash in small denominations in multiple locations
- Maintain situational awareness and trust your instincts
Transportation
- Use reputable taxi companies or hotel-arranged transportation
- Avoid shared taxis (woro-woro) and motorcycle taxis if unfamiliar with the city
- Don't travel alone at night; use groups or trusted transportation
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when driving
- Avoid displaying valuables visible through car windows
- Be cautious at traffic lights where bag snatching can occur
- Plan routes in advance and avoid unfamiliar areas after dark
Accommodation
- Stay in reputable hotels in safer neighborhoods like Plateau, Cocody, or Marcory Zone 4
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passport, and excess cash
- Verify hotel security measures (guards, secure entry, room safes)
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify through reception
- Keep emergency contact information and hotel cards accessible
- Choose accommodations with 24-hour reception
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours only
- Carry minimal cash and use hotel safes for excess
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
- Use money belts or concealed pouches for important items
- Have small bills ready for taxis and small purchases
- Notify banks of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash separate from daily spending money
Health Precautions
- Take antimalarial medication as prescribed before, during, and after visit
- Use mosquito repellent containing at least 30% DEET
- Drink only bottled water (check seals are intact)
- Avoid ice in drinks unless from trusted sources
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Ensure yellow fever vaccination is current (required for entry)
- Bring basic medical supplies including anti-diarrheal medication
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas and hotels
- Ask permission before photographing people or religious sites
- Respect local customs and Islamic practices during Ramadan
- Learn and use basic French greetings (bonjour, merci)
- Avoid political discussions and criticism of government
- Be patient as service may be slower than Western standards
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (10% in restaurants)
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Keep your embassy contact information readily accessible
- Download offline maps before traveling to areas with poor connectivity
- Learn emergency French phrases for medical or safety situations
- Have hotel address written in French for taxi drivers
- Keep phone charged and carry a portable charger
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Abidjan safely but should take additional precautions. Street harassment and unwanted attention are relatively common, though usually verbal rather than physical. Solo women travelers may attract more attention and should be prepared for comments or approaches. Traveling with companions, dressing modestly, and projecting confidence can help minimize unwanted interactions.
- Dress modestly; avoid revealing clothing, especially outside tourist areas and hotels
- Consider wearing a wedding ring (real or fake) to deflect unwanted attention
- Avoid walking alone at night; use reputable taxis or hotel transportation
- Book accommodations in safer neighborhoods like Plateau or Cocody
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention or offers
- Don't feel obligated to be polite to persistent harassers; walk away confidently
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Keep phone charged and accessible for emergencies
- Avoid sharing too much personal information with strangers
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Be cautious in bars and clubs; watch your drinks and don't accept drinks from strangers
- Use women-only areas in hotels or accommodations when available
- Consider hiring female guides through reputable agencies
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal in Côte d'Ivoire, but there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex relationships are not recognized, and discrimination is not prohibited by law.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not assume hotels or services will be LGBTQ+-friendly; research carefully
- Be cautious about sharing personal information regarding sexuality
- Use dating apps with extreme caution as they may be used to target LGBTQ+ individuals
- Consider safety over authenticity when interacting with locals
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel groups for advice specific to Abidjan
- Have emergency contacts for your embassy readily available
- Be prepared for potentially uncomfortable questions about marital status or relationships
- If harassed, do not engage; remove yourself from the situation and seek help from hotel or embassy
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for visiting Abidjan. Medical facilities often require upfront payment before treatment, and medical evacuation to Europe or South Africa may be necessary for serious conditions, costing tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance also protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, theft, and other unforeseen circumstances common in developing countries.