Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Côte d’Ivoire, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Côte d'Ivoire’s road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Côte d’Ivoire is provided for general reference only. Serious traffic accidents, one of the greatest threats to U.S. citizens in Côte d’Ivoire, occur regularly in Abidjan and throughout the country. Unsafe road conditions, unskilled drivers, and poorly maintained and overloaded vehicles create hazardous driving conditions. Speed limits, lane markings, and signals are not respected, and drivers do not yield for pedestrians or bicyclists. Drive defensively, watch out for public transportation vehicles that stop and start without warning, and be especially cautious at intersections because traffic lights often malfunction. If you drive at night, beware of vehicles without headlights or taillights, and pedestrians and bicycles along the roadside. In case of an accident, do not move your vehicle until a police officer tells you to do so. However, if there is no other vehicle to take the injured to a hospital, or if you believe your life is in danger from others at the site of the accident, go to the nearest hospital or police station.

Abidjan has a poor public transportation system; if you choose to travel by bus despite the risks, the “Express” line is believed to be the safest and most reliable. In Abidjan, taxis are readily available and inexpensive (metered, but possibly rigged; you may be able to negotiate a better rate). They are, however, poorly maintained and notorious for not respecting the rules of the road. There have been reports of robberies in metered or orange taxis, though widely thought to be the most secure form of public transportation. Communal taxis (“woro-woros”), used only within the limits of each commune, are not metered and are dangerous. Do not use local vans ("Gbaka") because they are frequently involved in accidents. Always travel in groups and avoid driving on roads outside of Abidjan at night.

While carjacking incidents are not as frequent as in other high-crime cities, they do occur, including vehicles with diplomatic plates. The Embassy recommends that motorists drive with doors locked and windows closed at all times. While stopped in traffic, allow enough room between your car and the one in front to maneuver out if needed. Before getting into your car, look around to see if there is anyone paying unusual attention and, if someone appears to be watching do not go to your vehicle, get assistance instead. If confronted, remain courteous and calm and, if threatened, do not resist. Please report any incident to the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan.

Emergency services such as ambulance service (SAMU) exist in Abidjan and larger towns, but such service is unreliable. Call 185 or 2244-5553. In smaller towns, there is usually no ambulance service available, but ambulances may be dispatched from larger towns.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Côte d’Ivoire, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Côte d’Ivoire’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.