Latest revision as of 06:18, 27 October 2018

Currency to display:

1 Visiting Ivory Coast
2 Entering Ivory Coast with a Car or Motorbike
3 Driving in Ivory Coast
4 Gas price in Ivory Coast and Diesel price in Ivory Coast
5 Safety and Security Considerations
6 Camping in Ivory Coast
7 Navigation
8 Special Overland Travel interests
9 Vehicle Maintenance
10 Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Ivory Coast
11 References
12 Helpful External links

Visiting Ivory Coast[edit]

Ivory Coast is a spectacular country with a lot to offer. The beaches are second in the world to none.

Entering Ivory Coast with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: March 2017

Travel Visa for Ivory Coast[edit]

Generally the Ivorian visa is obtained via www.snedai.ci - go online, follow the instructions for a visa at the embassy that is near you and make an appointment. The visa is biometric normally. The visa is 60€ or local equivalent, multiple entry and valid for 90 days.

Alternatively get a Visa Touristique d'Entente which will cover Cote d'Ivoire too

The Embassy in Bamako Mali will issue the visa, though they ask for a signed letter from the hotel you are staying at and a few other strange things. Expect to pay CFA60,000.00 XOF for one month single entry, CFA90,000.00 XOF for two months and progressively getting higher the more you ask for. The Embassy in Cornaky (Guinea) will issue the visa (wear shoes at the embassy). They will ask for a hotel reservation and a motivation letter why you want to visit Ivory Coast (there is a small office in the first street right hand out of the embassy who can make this for a few euro’s. Additional copy of pasport, copy of visa Guinea, copy health vaccinations. Official it takes 72hours but we got it in 5 hours.

Required Paperwork[edit]

Passport of registered owner.
Drivers license of registered owner.
Original vehicle registration.
Proof of vehicle insurance - they might not ask for it, but it’s better to have it.
(OPTIONAL) Carnet de Passage

(no copies are required)

Process at border[edit]

Get yourself stamped in at immigration.
Go to Douanes to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the vehicle registration the officer will write out a 'Vignette Touristique' (Passavant), valid for two months.
If you are at a small border, they might only issue a hand-written 'Vignette Touristique' (Passavant), you have to go to a major city to get a computerized version.
If you have a Carnet de Passage, you don't need the Passavant.

Cost of entry[edit]

It is FREE to take a vehicle into the country, expect to be asked to pay for the 'Vignette Touristique' (all vehicles will probably be asked whether or not they have a Carnet) up to CFA50,000.00 XOF

When given hassle to pay, threaten to call (or do call/text) this number for the ANTI-CORRUPTION TEAM in Cocody, Abidjan: +225 01 01 36 45 (keep the first 0 in the number!)

Permitted length of stay[edit]

Up to two months

Extension of stay[edit]

Need to leave the country after two months, there aren't any extensions to the Vignette Touristique

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

If you can find somewhere safe to lock up and leave your vehicle then leaving it in Cote d'Ivoire is entirely possible provided that the Vignette Touristique will still be valid on your return. This includes exiting the country via the International Aiport at Abidjan

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

Hand in your Vignette Touristique to Douanes.
Get yourself stamped out at immigration.

All should be free, do not pay for this.

Driving in Ivory Coast[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Ivory Coast[edit]

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon

Lonely Planet: Costa D'avorio, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nig...
by D. Else, A. Newton, J Williams, M. Fitzpatrick, Mi...
From $click on Amazon

Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon

Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon

Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon

Travel insurance for Ivory Coast[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Liability insurance is required, police might ask to see it.
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'Carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

Expect to pay CFA10,000.00 XOF to CFA20,000.00 XOF per vehicle per month, depending on engine size and vehicle age (newer costs more)

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

In most towns you will find an insurance company, ask for 'agence d'assurance'

Driving license[edit]

Anything from your home country will be accepted.

Driving side of road[edit]

Right.
RHD vehicles are allowed but ensure you have correct paperwork, because it’s a good chance for bribery.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

You need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

Main highways are good pavement, without potholes, especially those recently built. The freeway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro might be the best road in West Africa, you can easily travel at 130km/h
Minor dirt roads are frequently horrible, especially in towns. Lots are impassable in the rainy season.
Always watch out for potholes on sealed roads - they can be HUGE, and hitting them fast will be very, very bad.

Road signs[edit]

Distances to the next major town are usually shown on the side of highways, and big intersections sometimes have signs.

Toll roads[edit]

The freeway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro is an expensive toll road - you pay CFA1,250.00 XOF 2 or 3 times to drive the length. Other highways have sporadic tools for CFA500.00 XOF One of the three bridges across the lagoon in Abidjan is a toll bridge. For normal vehicles it costs CFA500.00 XOF to cross either way. Be prepared with small change as they do not accept CFA bills larger than 2000 CFA. Be prepared to have exact change to pay for all peage (toll booths) as there is a shortage of small coins and bills in the country and they often don't have change.

Bribery in Ivory Coast[edit]

Bribery is common, so keep your wits about you. Be polite, and don’t pay. See the bribery tips page for general advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

There are many checkpoints and random stops where Police will check all your paperwork. Don't pay.

Traveling with pets[edit]

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas price in Ivory Coast and Diesel price in Ivory Coast[edit]

Last updated: September 2018

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade	Price
Unleaded (called Essence	CFA620.00 XOF per Liter
Diesel (called Gasoil)	CFA610.00 XOF per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

All towns have stations, all stations always have gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Seemed to be no problem with quality.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night is not recommended due to armed ambushes, hazards on the road, vehicles without lights and extremely bad roads.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Vehicles are safe enough on the street during the day, secure overnight parking is recommended elsewhere, particularly the larger towns.

Special driving considerations[edit]

As in all of West Africa, expect hazards on the road around every turn - animals, children, pot holes and speed bumps!

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Ivory Coast[edit]

There are a few campsites in Ivory Coast, and a few hotels allow camping. Expect to pay between CFA2,000.00 XOF and CFA5,000.00 XOF per person per night.
Wildcamping is possible in Ivory Coast, especially in rural areas. Try to camp away from villages unless you don't mind lot of attention and lot of demand for ‘Cadeaux’ which means gift. If you do camp in a town, ask the Chief of the village for permission first (he will always say yes).

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

Drinking water is generally not considered safe to drink for visitors who are not used to it outside of Abidjan. In Abidjan it should be no problem.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Ivory Coast

National Geographic Traveler: Germany, 4th Edition
by Michael Ivory
From $13.99 on Amazon

Ivory Coast (michelin National Maps)
From $11.19 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Ivory Coast[edit]

Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.

Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Ivory Coast[edit]

iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Toyota Global Dealer Locator
Land Rover International Dealer Locator
Mercedes Benz International (select country on bottom right)
Jeep International site locator

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Ivory Coast[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.

Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 =Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
-''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+Ivory Coast is a spectacular country with a lot to offer. The beaches are second in the world to none.
 =Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
-'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">March 2017</span>'''
-==Required Paperwork==
+==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
-''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+Generally the Ivorian visa is obtained via www.snedai.ci - go online, follow the instructions for a visa at the embassy that is near you and make an appointment.  The visa is biometric normally.  The visa is 60€ or local equivalent, multiple entry and valid for 90 days.
+Alternatively get a Visa Touristique d'Entente which will cover Cote d'Ivoire too
+The Embassy in Bamako [[Mali]] will issue the visa, though they ask for a signed letter from the hotel you are staying at and a few other strange things. Expect to pay <price cost="60000" currency="XOF" /> for one month single entry, <price cost="90000" currency="XOF" /> for two months and progressively getting higher the more you ask for.
+The Embassy in Cornaky (Guinea) will issue the visa (wear shoes at the embassy). They will ask for a hotel reservation and a motivation letter why you want to visit Ivory Coast (there is a small office in the first street right hand out of the embassy who can make this for a few euro’s. Additional copy of pasport, copy of visa Guinea, copy health vaccinations. Official it takes 72hours but we got it in 5 hours.
+==Required Paperwork==
+* Passport of registered owner.
+* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
+* Original [[vehicle registration]].
+* Proof of [[vehicle insurance]] - they might not ask for it, but it’s better to have it.
+* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]]
+(no copies are required)
 ==Process at border==
-<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
+* Get yourself stamped in at immigration.
-{{visa_country}}
+* Go to Douanes to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the [[vehicle registration]] the officer will write out a 'Vignette Touristique' (Passavant), valid for two months.
-''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+* If you are at a small border, they might only issue a hand-written 'Vignette Touristique' (Passavant), you have to go to a major city to get a computerized version.
+* If you have a [[Carnet de Passage]], you don't need the Passavant.
 ==Cost of entry==
-''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+It is FREE to take a vehicle into the country, expect to be asked to pay for the 'Vignette Touristique' (all vehicles will probably be asked whether or not they have a Carnet) up to <price cost="50000" currency="XOF" />
+When given hassle to pay, threaten to call (or do call/text) this number for the ANTI-CORRUPTION TEAM in Cocody, Abidjan: +225 01 01 36 45 (keep the first 0 in the number!)
 ==Permitted length of stay==
-''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+Up to two months
 ==Extension of stay==
-''Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.''
+Need to leave the country after two months, there aren't any extensions to the Vignette Touristique
 ==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
-''Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.'' <br />
+If you can find somewhere safe to lock up and leave your vehicle then leaving it in Cote d'Ivoire is entirely possible provided that the Vignette Touristique will still be valid on your return.  This includes exiting the country via the International Aiport at Abidjan
-''Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.''
 ==Exiting with a vehicle==
-''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+* Hand in your Vignette Touristique to Douanes.
+* Get yourself stamped out at immigration.
-=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=
+All should be free, do not pay for this.
-==Insurance requirements==
-''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
-==Cost of insurance==
+=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=
-''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+==Recommended books for Overlanding in {{PAGENAME}}==
+{{guide_books_country}}
-==Where to purchase insurance==
+==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==
-''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+{{Travel insurance country}}
+==Vehicle insurance requirements==
+Liability insurance is required, police might ask to see it. <br/>
+If you travel through more west African countries get a 'Carte Brun' which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost.
+==Cost of vehicle insurance==
+Expect to pay <price cost="10000" currency="XOF" /> to <price cost="20000" currency="XOF" /> per vehicle per month, depending on engine size and vehicle age (newer costs more)
+==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
+In most towns you will find an insurance company, ask for 'agence d'assurance'
 ==Driving license==
-''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+Anything from your home country will be accepted.
 ==Driving side of road==
-''State the side of the road to drive on. i.e. Left or Right.<br />
+Right. <br/>
-(also state if a vehicle with a steering wheel on the opposite side can be legally driven)''
+RHD vehicles are allowed but ensure you have correct paperwork, because it’s a good chance for bribery.
 ==Mandatory items in vehicle==
-''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+You need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.
-(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
 ==Roads==
 ===General Road quality===
-''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+Main highways are good pavement, without potholes, especially those recently built. The freeway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro might be the best road in West Africa, you can easily travel at 130km/h <br/>
+Minor dirt roads are frequently horrible, especially in towns. Lots are impassable in the rainy season. <br/>
+Always watch out for potholes on sealed roads - they can be HUGE, and hitting them fast will be very, very bad.
 ===Road signs===
-''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+Distances to the next major town are usually shown on the side of highways, and big intersections sometimes have signs.
 ===Toll roads===
-''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+The freeway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro is an expensive toll road - you pay <price cost="1250" currency="XOF" /> 2 or 3 times to drive the length. Other highways have sporadic tools for <price cost="500" currency="XOF" />
+One of the three bridges across the lagoon in Abidjan is a toll bridge. For normal vehicles it costs <price cost="500" currency="XOF" /> to cross either way. Be prepared with small change as they do not accept CFA bills larger than 2000 CFA.
+Be prepared to have exact change to pay for all peage (toll booths) as there is a shortage of small coins and bills in the country and they often don't have change.
 ==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
-''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+Bribery is common, so keep your wits about you. Be polite, and don’t pay. See the [[bribery tips]] page for general advice.
 ==Checkpoints==
-''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+There are many checkpoints and random stops where Police will check all your paperwork. Don't pay.
 ==Traveling with pets==
@@ Line 72: / Line 103: @@
 =Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
-'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">(last updated date)</span>'''<br />
+'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">September 2018</span>'''<br />
 <!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
@@ Line 82: / Line 113: @@
 ! Price
 |-
-| Unleaded
+| Unleaded (called Essence
-| <price cost="0.00" currency="USD" unit="galUS" />
+| <price cost="620" currency="XOF" unit="liter" />
 |-
-| Diesel
+| Diesel (called Gasoil)
-| <price cost="0.00" currency="USD" unit="galUS" />
+| <price cost="610" currency="XOF" unit="liter" />
 |-
 |}
 ==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
-''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+All towns have stations, all stations always have gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that. <br/>
-''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
 ==Gas and Diesel Quality==
-''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+Seemed to be no problem with quality.
-''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
 =Safety and Security Considerations=
 ==Driving at night==
-''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+Driving at night is not recommended due to armed ambushes, hazards on the road, vehicles without lights and extremely bad roads.
 ==Vehicle parking==
-''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+Vehicles are safe enough on the street during the day, secure overnight parking is recommended elsewhere, particularly the larger towns.
-''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
 ==Special driving considerations==
-''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+As in all of West Africa, expect hazards on the road around every turn - animals, children, pot holes and speed bumps!
-''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
 ==Security advisories and information==
@@ Line 115: / Line 143: @@
 =Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
-''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+There are a few campsites in Ivory Coast, and a few hotels allow camping.
-''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+Expect to pay between <price cost="2000" currency="XOF" /> and <price cost="5000" currency="XOF" /> per person per night. <br />
-''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+Wildcamping is possible in Ivory Coast, especially in rural areas. Try to camp away from villages unless you don't mind lot of attention and lot of demand for ‘Cadeaux’ which means gift. If you do camp in a town, ask the Chief of the village for permission first (he will always say yes).
 ==Camping guide books==
@@ Line 123: / Line 151: @@
 ==Drinking water==
-''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+Drinking water is generally not considered safe to drink for visitors who are not used to it outside of Abidjan. In Abidjan it should be no problem.
-''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
 =Navigation=
@@ Line 130: / Line 157: @@
 Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 {{paper_maps_country}}
 ==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
-Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>
+* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
-Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
+* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
 <al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
 ==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
+* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
 ''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
 =Special Overland Travel interests=
 ''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
-==Travel Guide Books==
-<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
-{{guide_books_country}}
 =Vehicle Maintenance=

Difference between revisions of "Ivory Coast"