Business Customs

French is the official language of Côte d’Ivoire. Business correspondence, catalogs and advertising materials prepared in French are essential and readily understood by potential buyers. Business cards or "cartes de visite" are widely used. Members of the expatriate community or those who have received their schooling abroad frequently use academic titles and degrees. U.S. business people ordinarily use their firm's name and their title translated into French.

As a rule, business customs in Côte d’Ivoire are similar to but perhaps more formal than customs in the United States. Ivoirian managers in large commercial enterprises tend to follow a western-style business dress code comparable to those in any large U.S. city. Tropical weight suits and clothing are appropriate throughout the year and an umbrella is essential during the June to August rainy season.

Many businesses close during the month of August for vacation. Additionally, most businesses and shops close for lunch from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Banks are open until 4:00 PM on weekdays.

Travel Advisory

Please refer to the link listed below for the Department of State's current Consular Information Sheet on Cote d'Ivoire

The link below is for the Department of State's travel warning for Cote d'Ivoire

Visa Requirements

American citizens do not need a visa to enter or depart Côte d’Ivoire if their visit is for less than ninety days. However, a valid U.S. passport and international health certificate showing current yellow fever cholera immunization is required for entry into Côte d’Ivoire. All visitors should ensure Ivoirian officials at port of entry stamp their passport.

A long-term visa (Visa de Long Sejour) is required for business people, tourists and diplomats if the visit will exceed ninety days. Visas are issued by the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire, 3421 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, Tel: 202-797-0300, fax: 202-387-6381. Visas may be for either single or multiple entries and must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the company represented by the traveler. If the visa expires while in Côte d’Ivoire, it is necessary to apply for renewal at the Sureté Nationale.

Residents who travel out of Côte d’Ivoire will need a "visa de sortie et de retour" before they travel. There is a CFAF 20,000 fee for a re-entry visa. They are issued by the Sureté Nationale and can be obtained with a copy of a residence permit. Visitors departing after a visit of less than 90 days (verified by the entry stamp in the passport) do not require this visa.

For further information on visas and foreign entry requirements, please use the following internet resources:

• State Department Visa website
• Foreign entry requirements(provided State Department)
• U.S. Embassy in Abidjan

American citizens who expect to work and reside in Côte d’Ivoire for an extended period of time must apply for a residency certificate (Certificat de Residence) at the police station, as well as a residency card (Carte de Sejour) at the Office Nationale d'Identifcation. The following will be required in support of residency certificate and residency card applications:

• Valid passport
• Completed application form (the residency certificate and residency cards require different applications)
• Photos and fingerprints (only for the residency card)
• Statement by the applicant regarding his/her activities in Côte d’Ivoire
• A fee of CFAF 500 (approximately US $1) for the residency certification
• A fee of CFAF 300,000 (approximately US $600) for the residency card

It is also a good idea to register with the U.S. Embassy before or upon arrival. Registration can be done via internet.

Telecommunications

There are over 230,000 telephone subscribers in Côte d’Ivoire, most located in metropolitan Abidjan. Cote d'Ivoire Telecom, the former state owned company sold to France Telecom in 1997, saw its legal monopoly on fixed line operations end in 2004. A de facto monopoly still exists until the National Assembly approves Cote d'Ivoire's new telecommunications regulations. Cote d'Ivoire Telcom services include: mobile radio telephone, telex, telegraph and facsimile services, and an X.25 based packet switched network for large data communications applications and the MINITEL directory.

Other added-value service companies are operating in the telecommunications sector. Paging services are available through a private local company. Cellular and other wireless services are also available from private carriers. Ivoirian government authorities rank high the connection of the country to the information highway. Since May 1996, full internet connectivity on a commercial basis has been made available. In 1997 an eleven member council, the Conseil National des Autoroutes de l’information (CNAI) was established to advise the Ivoirian government on issues related to Internet development in the country.

Recently, Arobase Telecom, an Ivoirian telecommunications company with a capital base of CFAF 1,000,000,000 (approximately US $2,000,000), has been building national fiber rings. Arobase offers integrated high-speed internet access and telecommunications services to business customers in Abidjan and San Pedro.

Transportation

Air

Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport in Abidjan is the main airport of Côte d’Ivoire. In terms of passenger and freight volume, the airport is one of the largest in the region. In 2004, the airport served more than 815,000 passengers and handled over 14,000 tons of freight. International airlines providing service to Abidjan include: Air France, Kenya Airways, SN Brussels, and South African Airlines. In 1999, the management of the Abidjan airport was awarded to Aeroport International d’Abidjan (AERIA) for a 15-year management contract, which also included a USD 20, million renovation to be completed by 2004. Renovations were started, but halted due to the political situation. Total investments for this airport are expected to amount to Franc CFAF 25 billion. Upon completion of the renovation, the airport will be equipped with a public hall with more than two dozen state-of-the-art check-in stations, restaurants, shops, duty-free shopping, travel services, tour-operators, departure lounges with telescoping jetways for boarding planes, and an improved transit lounge.

The twenty-five domestic and regional airports have the capacity to be served by Air Ivoire, the former national airline, which was privatized. The other international airports, located in Yamoussoukro and Bouaké, do not receive regular passenger flights.

Overland Transport

Côte d’Ivoire has over 43,000 miles of roads of which 3,750 miles are primary roads and 3,666 miles are paved secondary roads. An ordinary passenger car can access all major cities via paved roads. Gasoline stations are readily available. Fuel prices are regulated but subject to an automatic cost-based formula and range from 70 cents per liter for regular gasoline to 49 cents per liter for diesel fuel.

There is an external rail line that runs to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, approximately 1,025 miles from Abidjan. The company that runs the railway, SITARAIL (Societe International de Transport Africaine par Rail), has made investments to improve the line over the past five years. In general, despite the red tape, large shipments can be accommodated within and external to Cote d'Ivoire. However, due to the political situation, all transportation between the north and south and of the country is becoming increasingly difficult. For example, since the political crisis began in 2002, SITARAIL has lost many contracts for oil and gas shipments that were destined for the northern region and for neighboring countries such as Mali.

Ports

Côte d’Ivoire has two major seaports at Abidjan and San Pedro. Freight traffic in 2004 for the port of Abidjan totaled over 17 million tons, of which over 50 percent were petroleum products. For the same time period, the port of San Pedro, used mostly for timber and other agricultural products, totaled over one million tons in freight traffic. Ninety percent of international trade is through sea transportation. While the Port of Abidjan is one of the most modern in West Africa, it is, unfortunately, not one of the most productive. The main problem is paperwork-related delays caused by customs and the freight handling system. Use of a freight forwarder (transitaire) is mandatory. Over the past two years, freight rates from the United States decreased due to bulk service provided by Lykes Lines and Maersk Lines. However, after the events of November 2004, rates spiked due to increased insurance premiums. These premiums will likely remain in place until the country is reunified.

Currently there are no national shipping companies in Côte d’Ivoire. Recently, the Ivoirian government signed an agreement with a Ducth/British consortium to build an extended port area including an industrial zone of 162 hectares for more than CFAF 200 billion.

Public Transportation

If you plan to spend a week or more in Abidjan, you may wish to hire a car and driver for transportation around the city. Inquire about these services through the concierge at your hotel. It is possible to find English-speaking drivers.

Buses: It is not advisable to use the city buses for reasons of safety, security and reliability.

Taxis: City taxis (orange or red in color) are reasonably- priced, numerous, and available on the main streets and boulevards in most sections of the city, day or night. All are metered and none are air-conditioned. Rates are doubled (legally) between midnight and 5:00 AM. Some taxi drivers may not speak much French and may not know the city as well as one would expect. Before taking a taxi, check to see if the driver really knows where you want to go. Visitors should note that the charge for service from the airport is a flat rate, and the taxi driver will not use the meter. The base rate is CFAF 2,500, plus extras. Check if your hotel has an airport shuttle, as this can be the most convenient means of transport to and from the airport.

Language

French is the official language of Côte d’Ivoire. Business correspondence, catalogs and advertising materials prepared in French are essential and readily understood by potential buyers. English is a second language for some people, but do not assume that English is understood.

Health

A valid U.S. passport and international health certificate showing current yellow fever immunization is required for entry into Côte d’Ivoire. Otherwise, the traveler risks being subjected to inoculation at the point of entry, which is highly inadvisable. Inoculation against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, and typhus are also recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised. Travelers are also advised to keep a copy of their passports on their person at all times.

The climate in Côte d’Ivoire is generally hot and humid. It is advisable to take precautions to avoid excessive fluid loss and dehydration from perspiration. Increased intake of non-alcoholic beverages is advised, as well as use of loose-fitting, cotton clothing. Excessive sun exposure should be avoided. Côte d’Ivoire is less than five degrees from the equator and the sun is intense. Sunburn will occur rapidly. Always use sunblock with UVA and UVB protection (minimum SPF 30) when visiting the beach. Also, the ocean beaches near Abidjan are extremely dangerous because of treacherous surf and rip tides. The undertow has swept good swimmers out to sea. Pools at the large hotels are filtered, cleaned regularly, and safe to swim in.

Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended in all regions of Côte d’Ivoire, including the cities, and all countries of West Africa. Mefloquine (Lariam) weekly or doxycycline daily is the most effective. At least two doses of mefloquine should be taken prior to arrival in Côte d’Ivoire. Doxycycline may be started the day prior to arrival. Prophylatic medications should be taken for four weeks after departure. Another option for malaria prophylaxis is a new drug called Malarone. It is expensive and must be taken daily, starting one day before arrival but has the advantage of only needing to be continued for one week after departure. No matter which option is selected it should be combined with use of insect repellents during evening hours. For further information on malaria visit the Center for Disease Control website

Water and ice at the major hotels (Hotel Ivoire, Hotel Sofitel, Hotel Tiama, Novotel and Golf Hotel) are considered safe for consumption since these hotels have their own purification plants. Water and ice served in other establishments should be avoided. (Freezing water into ice cubes is not sufficient to kill amoeba and giardia parasites.) Bottled water (AWA is the locally bottled brand) is widely available and safe to drink. Avoid eating uncooked vegetables (salads), as these are frequently contaminated with amoebas and other infectious agents. Uncooked vegetables may be eaten if they have been soaked in a diluted solution of Clorox (one tablespoon in a gallon of water) or potassium permanganate for 15 minutes. Meat should always be thoroughly cooked. Fresh fish and shrimp are generally safe. Pasteurized milk and milk products from sealed cartons or bottles are safe to consume, as are imported cheeses, butter, cream, and ice cream that have been adequately stored.

Sexually transmitted diseases have a high prevalence in the local population. In 2003, it was estimated that approximately seven percent of the adult population is infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and of that, approximately 33 percent of prostitutes are infected with HIV. Secondary infections, such as tuberculosis, are on the rise. Tuberculosis skin tests should be done after long stays in Côte d’Ivoire.

There are a large number of “polycliniques” in Abidjan, the largest and probably best being the Polyclinique Internationale de Sainte Anne Marie (PISAM). PISAM is located between the downtown district, Plateau, and the Hotel Ivoire in Cocody. It has a 24-hour emergency room, a five-bed intensive care unit, CT scanner, and five sterile operating suites. There is a large staff of medical specialists affiliated with the hospital, most of whom have had some medical training in France. Radiology equipment was provided by a supplier from the U.S. on an EXIM bank insurance guarantee program.

Unfortunately, while there are ambulances that will eventually respond to a medical emergency including a motor vehicle accident, the quality of pre-hospital emergency care is poor. Injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident represent your greatest health risk while staying in Abidjan.

Local pharmacies are well stocked with medications manufactured primarily in Europe. Prices of medications are generally cheaper than in the United States. However, supplies sometime vary and it is strongly recommended you bring a good supply of any medications you take regularly.

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

January 1 / New Year's Day
January Tabaski**
March / Easter Monday**
May 1 / Labor Day
May 5 / Ascension Day
May / Pentecost Monday**
August 7/ Independence Day
August 15/ Assumption Day
October 24/ Martyrs days
November 1/ All Saint's Day
November 15/ National Peace Day
November/ Day after the Night of Destiny**
December 7/ Houphouet-Boigny Day
December / End of the holy month of Ramadan/Muslim year**
December 25/ Christmas Day

**Business travelers should verify the dates of these holidays prior to undertaking their trip. These holidays vary from country to country and depend on the sighting of the moon. Business establishments are normally closed on public holidays in Côte d’Ivoire.

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

Free entry is permitted of necessary wearing apparel and personal effects that are proved to have been in personal or household use by the traveler and are not for sale, and of instruments and tools for professional use. No customs and entry duty is required for visitors carrying portable computers and laptops and cellular telephones for their own use. Cellular telephones work under the GSM 900 standard. Users of GSM cellular telephones only need a connection to the existing local network, which can be effected inexpensively with prepaid cellular cards. U.S. cellular telephones without international roaming agreements will not work in Cote d'Ivoire. Integrated SIM cards cannot be swapped out of cellular telephones for Ivoirian cards. It is advisable to check with local phone companies regarding cellular phone compatibility.

All other goods, including tobacco and alcoholic beverages, whether imported for personal use or sale, are subject to duty.

Travelers deciding to import any vehicle (including trailers or cycles) or other goods intended for their use, convenience or comfort, but not for consumption, must deposit at the time and place of importation a sum equal to the duty that would be imposed. Simultaneously, a claim for temporary exemption should be presented. The vehicle or goods must then be exported at the end of the stipulated period. These conditions also apply to articles imported for exhibition or demonstration and subsequent re-export. If the prescribed conditions are not met, the visitor will be liable for the full duty of the vehicle or goods imported. A guarantee may be made by an authorized organization, however, in which case no deposit is required. The organization thereby assumes the liability for the duty if the vehicle or goods are not re-exported within the prescribed period.

Web Resources

-- The Department of State provides travel information to all countries, including Cote d'Ivoire:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1094.html
http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov

-- U.S. Embassy in Abidjan