Ivory Coast

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance

CLIMATE

There are three main climatic regions, the coast, the forest and the savannah. The greatest rainfall (80 to 120 inches) and the small range of average temperature, 73°F-80°F (23°C to 26.6°C) occur in the coastal region, which has a long dry season from December to April, followed by the great rains in mid May to mid July. The short dry season is from mid-July to October and the little rains in October and November. In the central forest region, rainfall is high (53 to 100 inches), humidity continuous, and the season less clearly marked. The earlier, shorter dry season (November to mid-March) is followed by a short wet season (mid-March to mid-May), a short dry season from mid May to mid July and the great rains for mid July to mid November. Temperatures reach their maximum in the northern savannah at between 90°F-94°F (32°C -24.4°C) minimum is around 14°C (57°F). There is a long wet season from June to October, and the dry season extends six or seven months.

Climate Chart for Abidjan

For today's weather forecast see     CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all except for nationals from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Tunisia, and USA. Passports must be valid for at least least months after your proposed departure date.

We advise you to check the latest visa requirements with your local embassy of representative prior to your departure.

Details of Tourist Offices and Embassies located around the world

MONEY

Official Currency:    CFA (Communauté financière africane) Franc=100 centimes.
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

All the major Credit Cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques can be readily exchanged at banks and are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Monday to Friday:- 09:30-13:00 and 14:00-17:30

LOCAL TIME

Ivory Coast has the same time as GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:	International Flights Click for flights from Europe with KLM - Flights from Europe Domestic Flights Air Ivoire operates a domestic service connecting Abidjan, Bouaké, Bouna, Korhogo, Man, Odienné and San Pedro run by
Rail:	Trains travel between Abidjan, Bouaké and Ferkesssédougou several times a day and the service is a of the best in Africa.
Public Transport:	All the major towns are connected by a good bus and taxi service.
Self Drive / Car Hire:	The Africa Guide's recommended Map Ivory Coast - Sheet map  (Maps Worldwide) Published by Institut Geographique National (IGN) - Series Countries and Cities of the World, Full colour Other Maps & Atlases for Sale
	The majority of the roads are sealed and in good condition. There are very few problems during the heavy rains. Traffic drives on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence and insurance is required.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

ELECTRICAL POWER

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Ivory Coast, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.