Côte d'Ivoire travel guide

Getting there

Abidjan's Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport is the main gateway, with good connections across Africa and to Europe. Road borders link the country to Ghana, Liberia, Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso.

Best time to visit: Dec–Mar – the main dry season.

Tougher months: May-June – the heaviest rains of the year on the coast, with flooding possible in Abidjan.

Weather by month in Abidjan

• 31°J
• 32°F●
• 32°M●
• 32°A●●
• 31°M●●●
• 29°J●●●
• 28°J●
• 27°A●
• 28°S●
• 29°O●●
• 30°N●●
• 30°D●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Africa/Abidjan. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 23 of 198 other passports can enter Côte d'Ivoire without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 175 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 0 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Ivory Coast (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-02-18). Read the advisory.

Source and more: Côte d'Ivoire travel facts on RoamSun

Stay

Most trips to Côte d'Ivoire are based around Abidjan, Grand-Bassam or Yamoussoukro. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$35–55 for a backpacker and US$90–170 mid-range, per person.

Source: RoamSun Côte d'Ivoire page · Browse hotel guides

Connect

Plug types: C, E. Voltage: 220 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +225.

Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.

Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun

Do

• Abidjan (Coast · economic capital): A buzzing lagoon city of skyscrapers on the Plateau, lively markets and legendary nightlife.
• Grand-Bassam (Coast · colonial heritage): A UNESCO-listed historic town with crumbling colonial architecture and beaches.
• Yamoussoukro (Centre · political capital): Home to the giant Basilica of Our Lady of Peace and wide, quiet boulevards.
• Assinie (East coast · beaches): Palm-lined beaches and lagoon resorts near the Ghana border.
• Man (West · mountains & masks): Green mountains, waterfalls, liana bridges and a strong mask-dancing tradition.
• Taï National Park (Southwest · rainforest): A UNESCO-listed rainforest famous for chimpanzee research and rich biodiversity.
• Korhogo (North · Senufo culture): The cultural heart of Senufo country, known for crafts and painted Korhogo cloth.
• Sassandra (Southwest coast · fishing town): A laid-back old port with beaches, a river estuary and colonial remains.

Things to do

• Walk colonial Grand-Bassam. Stroll among faded French-era mansions in the UNESCO-listed first colonial capital.
• Marvel at the Basilica in Yamoussoukro. Stand beneath the enormous dome of one of the largest churches in the world.
• Party in Abidjan. Dance to coupé-décalé and zouglou in the maquis and clubs of Treichville, Marcory and Cocody.
• Relax on Assinie's beaches. Laze on a sandy strip between lagoon and ocean, the favourite weekend escape of Abidjan residents.
• Cross a liana bridge near Man. Venture into the western mountains to see bridges woven from forest vines and climb the Dent de Man.
• Trek in Taï National Park. Search for chimpanzees and pygmy hippos in one of West Africa's last great primary rainforests.
• Watch artisans in Korhogo. See Senufo weavers, woodcarvers and painters creating traditional crafts in the north.
• Eat attiéké and garba. Try fermented cassava couscous with grilled fish or fried tuna from a street stall.

Source: full Côte d'Ivoire guide on RoamSun

Eat and drink

• Attiéké – fermented cassava couscous with grilled fish
• Alloco – fried ripe plantain
• Garba – attiéké with fried tuna, a street favourite
• Kedjenou – slow-cooked spicy chicken stew

Source: RoamSun Côte d'Ivoire guide

Money and safety

Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: About 10% in restaurants is appreciated.

Emergency numbers: 110 or 111 police · 180 fire · 185 ambulance.

• The currency is the West African CFA franc; euros are the easiest currency to exchange.
• ATMs are common in Abidjan and larger towns, and cards are accepted at bigger hotels and supermarkets.
• Abidjan and the main tourist areas are generally safe, but watch for pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night.
• Check your government's latest travel advice, particularly for the northern border regions.

Source: RoamSun Côte d'Ivoire facts