Please see FAQ section below for information on considerations for travel for U.S. citizens.
Last updated: 12/16/2020
Country-Specific Information:
- Since the start of the pandemic, Côte d’Ivoire has reported 21,717 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (21,335 recovered, 133 deceased, 249 active) within its borders, as of December 15.
- A State of Emergency remains in effect. Social distancing and a reduction in non-essential movements are encouraged, though not enforced.
- Domestic and international airlines are offering limited commercial flight services.
- Primary and secondary schools, as well as universities, are open.
- Restaurants, maquis, bars, night clubs, cinemas, and entertainment venues in the greater Abidjan area (defined to include Dabou, Azagule, Bingerville, Grand-Bassam, Bonoua, and Assinie) are open and expected to follow social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
- Travel from the greater Abidjan area to and from the rest of the country is permitted.
- Face masks/cloth face coverings remain mandatory in public in the greater Abidjan area, including in vehicles.
- Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions, are advised to remain at home.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes.
- Land and maritime borders remain closed, while incoming and outgoing air travel is authorized. Cargo shipments never ceased.
- All travelers departing from, arriving in, and transiting through Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (FHB) are required, in addition to following all health measures related to COVID-19, to fill in an Air Travel Declaration Form (Déclaration de Déplacement par Voie Aérienne – DDVA) and pay the fees online at https://deplacement-aerien.gouv.ci/#/.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes. Effective September 24, 2020, all inbound and outbound airline travelers are required to present negative COVID-19 PCR test results dated no more than seven (7) days before arrival/departure.
- For outbound travelers, only results from testing sites approved/endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene will be accepted. Information on testing procedures and locations is available online at https://deplacement-aerien.gouv.ci/#procedure.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes. Temperature checks for all arriving and departing passengers at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (FHB) are conducted using thermal cameras.
- U.S. citizens can request visa renewals/extensions at Sûreté Plateau in Abidjan (+225-20-32-02-89) or apply for residency at the National Identification Office (https://www.carteresident.ci/English/index.html).
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? No.
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No.
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No.
- At this time, arriving passengers are encouraged to quarantine at home for two weeks and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. The rules for quarantine may change at any time with minimal notice.
COVID-19 Testing:
- U.S. citizens can receive a COVID-19 PCR test at one of the official testing locations in the greater Abidjan area, as well as in Bouaké, Korogho, Abengourou, Gagnoa, and San Pedro. Appointments are not required. Individuals in Cote d’Ivoire can call 101, 119, 125, or 143 for more information about COVID-19 testing or to speak with a local health official.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes.
- Is public transportation operating? Yes.
- Face masks/cloth face coverings remain mandatory in public in the greater Abidjan area, including in vehicles.
Fines for Non-Compliance: (if applicable)
- Commercial and taxi drivers who fail to comply with COVID-19 health measures can face a prison sentence of 10 days or a fine of CFA 50,000.
Consular Operations:
- American Citizens Services: routine services resumed on September 30
- Visa Services: limited appointments for students/exchange visitors, and emergency and mission-critical only
Local Resources:
- Residents in Cote d’Ivoire who are ill can call 143, 101, 125, or 119 to speak with a local health official.
- Updates from the Ivoirian government and its response to COVID-19 may be found online at http://www.gouv.ci/
- Follow U.S. Embassy Abidjan on Facebook and Twitter
Other Links:
- COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Cote d’Ivoire Country Information and Travel Advisory page
Ask a COVID-19 Question
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I do if my passport has expired and I need to travel?
You should make an appointment to obtain a new passport at the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan by visiting our webpage for Passport Services. Limited-validity emergency passports may be issued for individuals who have urgent travel or other compelling needs to replace their expired identification documents. Travelers will generally be asked to provide a flight reservation before an appointment for an emergency passport is granted. Note that French and Belgian authorities will not accept U.S. emergency passports for entry into their countries, but will accept them for connections to onward flights to the United States.
Do the Presidential Proclamations restricting travel apply to me and my family?
The Presidential Proclamations suspending arrival by those who have been physically present in or transited China, Iran, the Schengen Area, the UK, Ireland and Brazil still remain in effect, but do not apply to U.S. citizens nor to lawful permanent residents (LPR). Additional exceptions are made for certain family members of U.S. citizens or LPRs including: spouses, children (under the age of 21), parents (provided that his/her U.S. citizen or LPR child is unmarried and under the age of 21), and siblings (provided that both the sibling and the U.S. citizen or LPR are unmarried and under the age of 21). More details on the current proclamations and all exceptions are available on the Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/presidential-proclamation-coronavirus.html.
On April 22, President Trump signed a proclamation suspending entry into the United States of certain immigrants who present risk to the U.S. labor market during the economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak. The proclamation went into effect on April 23 for a period of 60 days, unless continued by the President. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and those holding valid immigrant visas on the effective date of the Proclamation, are not subject to the proclamation.
On June 22, President Trump signed an additional proclamation suspending entry into the United States of certain immigrants and nonimmigrants who present a risk to the U.S. labor market following the coronavirus outbreak. The proclamation extends the suspension of entry for certain immigrants described above (Presidential Proclamation 10014) through December 31, 2020. The new restrictions imposed by the proclamation on nonimmigrant visa holders (in the H-1B, H-2B, L and certain J categories) went into effect on June 24 and expire on December 31, 2020, unless continued by the President. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPR), and aliens who are or were inside the United States or those holding valid nonimmigrant or immigrant visas on the effective date are not subject to the proclamation.
Do I need to be tested for COVID-19? Will I be quarantined when I return to the U.S.?
There are no federal restrictions or testing requirements for U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) entering the United States, however outbound airline travelers are required to present negative COVID-19 PCR test results dated no more than seven (7) days before departing Cote d’Ivoire. Airlines servicing Cote d’Ivoire may also require proof of negative COVID-19 test results. If you are planning to visit or travel through France, check the website of the U.S. Embassy in France as well as the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for information on restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and health information. Rules enforced by countries you may transit are subject to change with minimal notice and you should regularly check with the local authorities on their latest guidelines while planning and before commencing travel.
In the United States, state, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine rules upon arrival. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state, territorial, tribal and local health department where you are, along your route, and where you are going. Prepare to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel.
I already had a flight booked which was cancelled. What should I do?
You are encouraged to reach out to your airline to request a refund/credit for the unused portion.
What happens if I fall ill with COVID-19?
If you are in Cote d’Ivoire and fall ill with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 – fever, cough, shortness of breath – please self-isolate immediately. You can call the Ivorian government hotline at 143, 110, 125 or 119. You may also wish to call your primary care physician, if available. In an emergency, go to a hospital and self-identify immediately as a potential COVID-19 case.
A message from Ambassador Bell to U.S. citizens in Côte d’Ivoire on COVID-19 (English):
Un message de l’Ambassadeur Bell aux citoyens américains en Côte d’Ivoire à propos du COVID-19 (Français):
