We assess that there is a continuing heightened risk of retaliatory attacks against government and Western targets in Cote d?Ivoire following the French intervention in the conflict in Mali in January 2013. Terrorist groups in the region have declared their intention to increase attacks and kidnappings targeting Westerners. Such attacks could take place at any time, including at locations frequented by Westerners.

The current instability in West and North Africa has increased the threat of terrorist attack in regional countries such as Cote d?Ivoire. Terrorists are active throughout the region and pose a significant security threat. A large number of foreigners have been kidnapped in the region in recent years. Some have been killed and many others remain in captivity.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers .

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Côte d?Ivoire at this time because of the unpredictable security environment and risk of crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

You should avoid protests and demonstrations throughout Côte d?Ivoire as they may become violent without warning.

There were serious clashes between supporters of President Ouattara and and Gbagbo in May 2011 in which about 100 people were estimated to have been killed.

The security situation has improved significantly since President Alassane Ouattara was sworn in on 6 May 2011, and the arrest of former President Laurent Gbagbo on 11 April 2011. However, violence could flare up again at short notice.

In June 2012 several alleged militia attacks resulted in numerous casualties in the western region, including seven United Nations peacekeepers and nine other people who were killed near the town of Tai close to the Liberian border.

On 19 July 2012, there were violent attacks in the western towns of Duekoue and Nahibly, including at an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Nahibly.

In August 2012, there was a series of attacks in Abidjan resulting in a number of deaths. The attacks mainly targeted police and military installations. Further attacks are possible.

The security situation in the regions of Dix-Huit Montagnes and Moyen-Cavally regions in western Côte d?Ivoire, bordering Liberia, remains unstable because of inter-communal tensions and the presence of armed militias in those regions.

There have been cross border attacks in areas bordering Liberia and Ghana since June 2012. Australians in Côte d?Ivoire should avoid travelling to the Liberian border and exercise particular caution in areas near the Ghanaian border. Monitor local media for developments.

There is a high risk of violent crime throughout Côte d?Ivoire. Car and bus-jackings are common and checkpoints and roadblocks may be encountered. When driving you should ensure that doors are locked, windows are up and valuables are kept out of sight. You should avoid confrontations with police and security forces. Armed robbery is common, including of businesses and restaurants. Some robbers have been reportedly wearing military uniforms.

We advise you not to walk across the De Gaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges in Abidjan as pedestrians have been attacked and robbed even during the day. The risk of being a victim of crime increases at night. Snatch-and-run robberies and pickpocketing occur, especially in crowded areas.

Due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

Commercial and internet fraud: Commercial and internet fraud often originates in West African countries. Victims have been defrauded and those who travel to the originating country have had their lives endangered. Some victims have been killed. Criminals have been known to seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas in which to transfer large sums of money (as a donation or for a percentage of the amount involved). They may also provide fake cashier cheques for 'urgent' shipments of large quantities of goods, request sizeable fees for a fake government contract and extort money from individuals they have convinced to travel to Africa for a business opportunity. If you are a victim of a financial scam, we advise you to get legal advice and not to travel to Africa to seek restitution as there is a risk of physical harm from the perpetrators. Our information on International Financial Scams provides more detail on these types of scams.

Some Australian citizens have also been defrauded or had their lives endangered by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating from West African countries. These scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Once a virtual relationship develops, the victim is asked by their friend or prospective marriage partner to send money to enable travel to Australia. Once the money has been received, the relationship is usually terminated and any chance of recovering the funds is highly unlikely. In some instances, foreigners who have travelled to Africa to meet their friend or prospective marriage partner have been kidnapped and held to ransom.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find out the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Cote d?Ivoire. Australian currency is generally not an acceptable means of foreign exchange in west Africa.

Access to cash through banks and ATMs is not always reliable.

Credit card fraud is common, be sure to keep your card in sight when making purchases.

Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our air travel page for information about aviation safety and security.

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Côte d?Ivoire and you should take care not to offend.

Ivorians by birth who have acquired Australian citizenship will be regarded as Ivorian by local authorities. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Ivorian dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We recommend you travel on your Australian passport at all times.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Flooding can occur during the rainy seasons. Roads may become impassable during these periods. In southern coastal regions, the rainy season occurs from May to August and October to November. In the central and north-central region, heavy rain can occur during July to October and March to May. The rainy season is from July to November in the north.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children page.