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Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire travel guide for Britons

Britons must secure an e‑visa before traveling to Côte d'Ivoire; the visa is mandatory for any stay and is obtained online. A valid yellow‑fever vaccination certificate is also required on entry.

Updated Sep 20262 min read
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Key facts

Visa required
e‑visa pre‑approval needed
Vaccination
Yellow‑fever card required
Currencycheck
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Plug type
C and E, 220 V 50 Hz
Tipping
5–10 % in restaurants, not expected in maquis

Entry requirements for UK citizens

Apply for an electronic visa (e‑visa) through the Côte d'Ivoire immigration portal before departure. The e‑visa is valid for tourism, business or transit and must be printed and presented on arrival.

A valid yellow‑fever vaccination certificate is compulsory; bring the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV).

  • Passport: at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages.
  • Visa fee: approx US$100 (≈ £80) – check current rate.
  • Processing time: usually 3–5 business days.

British diplomatic representation

The United Kingdom does not have an embassy in Côte d'Ivoire; the nearest is the British High Commission in Accra, Ghana.

  • High Commission, Accra – address and phone: check gov.uk.
  • Emergency consular assistance: +44 20 7946 1234 (UK) – check.

Estimated cost of a trip (GBP)

A 7‑day itinerary (3 nights Abidjan, 2 nights Grand‑Bassam, 2 nights Assinie) typically costs:

Flights from London: £600–£900 round‑trip (economy).

Accommodation: £30–£70 per night for mid‑range hotels.

Meals: £10–£20 per day.

Transport (taxis, hired driver): £150 total.

Visa fee: £80 (approx).

Overall budget: £1,300–£1,800 per person.

  • Budget travelers can reduce accommodation to £20/night and meals to £5‑10.

Flight time and time difference

Direct flights from London to Abidjan (ABJ) take about 6 hours 30 minutes. No daylight‑saving change; Côte d'Ivoire is UTC+0 year‑round, same as UK in winter and one hour behind in summer.

Electrical plugs and voltage

Use Type C or E two‑pin plugs, 220 V, 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use UK Type G plugs.

Tipping etiquette

Tipping is not expected in informal eateries (maquis). In restaurants, leave 5–10 % of the bill if service is not included.

Emergency contacts

Police: 110 / 111 / 170

Fire: 180

Medical (SAMU): 185

Questions people ask

Do Britons need a visa for Côte d'Ivoire?

Yes. UK citizens must obtain an e‑visa before arrival; the visa can be applied for online and printed for presentation at the airport.

How much does a trip to Côte d'Ivoire cost in GBP?

A typical 7‑day trip costs between £1,300 and £1,800, covering flights, mid‑range accommodation, meals, transport, visa fee and basic expenses.

Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Côte d'Ivoire?

The UK does not have an embassy in Côte d'Ivoire; the nearest British High Commission is in Accra, Ghana, providing consular assistance.

What plug type should I bring?

Côte d'Ivoire uses Type C and E plugs (220 V, 50 Hz). Bring a suitable adapter for UK Type G plugs.

Is tipping expected?

Tipping is not customary in maquis; in restaurants, a 5–10 % tip is appreciated if service is not included.

Verify with the official source

Draft, not field-verified

Rules, fees, schedules and prices change. Verify with the official source (the government, embassy, operator or venue) before you book or travel.

Deep dive

Every source; changeable facts are marked check

Sources

Ask about Côte d'Ivoire

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