Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in the US:
Chief of Mission: Yao Charles KOFFI
Embassy: 2424 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: 202-797-0300

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: Phillip Carter III
Address:01 B.P. 1712, Abidjan 01, Cote d'Ivoire.
Telephone: [225] 22-49-4000; Telex, 23660
Fax: 22-49-4323


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Côte d'Ivoire
U.S. Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire


FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-COTE D'IVOIRE RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Cote d'Ivoire (then called Ivory Coast) in 1960 following its independence from France. A coup in 1999 ushered in several years of coup attempts, disputed elections, rebellions, and attempts at reunification. In 2011, a new president was formally inaugurated after a period of fighting brought on by the incumbent's refusal to cede power following 2010 elections.

U.S.-Ivoirian relations have traditionally been friendly and close. The United States participates in the international effort to assist Cote d'Ivoire in moving beyond its decade-long crisis, providing more than a quarter of the funding for the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire. The U.S. Government’s overriding interests in Cote d’Ivoire have long been to help restore peace, encourage disarmament and reunification of the country, and support a democratic government whose legitimacy can be accepted by all the citizens of Cote d’Ivoire.

U.S. Assistance to Cote d'Ivoire

U.S. assistance aims to support multi-ethnic participation in the democratic process in lieu of violence and separation; enhance capacity of national, provincial, and local governmental institutions, the media, and civil society leading to better governance and increased public confidence in the democratic process; support electoral and follow-on activities; increase respect for the rule of law and human rights; and address the HIV/AIDS epidemic through expanded access to prevention, care, and treatment services.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Cote d'Ivoire is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Cote d'Ivoire include plastics, machinery, oil, agricultural products, vehicles, and iron and steel products. U.S. imports from Cote d'Ivoire include cocoa, oil, rubber, wood, and cashew nuts. U.S. firms have made investments in oil and gas, banking, cocoa, and international courier services. The United States has a trade and investment framework agreement with the West African Economic and Monetary Union, of which Cote d'Ivoire is a member.

Cote d'Ivoire's Membership in International Organizations

Cote d'Ivoire and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire is Phillip Carter III; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Cote d'Ivoire maintains an embassy in the United States at 2424 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007; tel: 202-797-0300.

More information about Cote d'Ivoire is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Cote d'Ivoire Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Cote d'Ivoire Page
U.S. Embassy: Cote d'Ivoire
History of U.S. Relations With Cote d'Ivoire
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics (see Ivory Coast)
Export.gov International Offices Page
Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions Page
Library of Congress Country Studies (see Ivory Coast)
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for the Ivory Coast check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (XOF) Africaine Franc
Electrical 220 Volts
Telephones Country Code 225, City Code Abidjan 2+5/7D



Clothing: Summer clothing is appropriate year round. Umbrellas and light raincoats are useful during the rainy season.

Customs: Visas are required for entry to Cote d'Ivoire and neighboring West African countries. Airport visas are not available. If no Ivorian representation exists in the country where the visa is sought, it may be applied for at a French embassy or consulate.

Health: The incidence of disease in Cote d'Ivoire is higher than in the United States. Health risks can be minimized by proper immunizations, food preparation, and strict sanitary practices. Tapwater is not potable. Malaria prophylaxis is a must and should be taken before and during a visit to Cote d'Ivoire.

Telecommunications: Local phone service is adequate. International calls can be dialed directly to the United States and many other countries. It is sometimes easier to make an international call than to reach local or in-country numbers. Cote d'Ivoire is 5 hours ahead of eastern standard time.

Transportation: Air Afrique has two flights per week direct from New York to Abidjan. European carriers provide once-weekly flights as follows: British Air, London/Abidjan; Iberia, Madrid/Abidjan; Swiss Air, Zurich/Geneva/Abidjan; Sabena, Brussels/Abidjan. In addition, Air Afrique and UTA provide daily service from Paris to Abidjan. Air Ivoire serves the country's principle cities, and small planes are available for charter. Air fares are expensive. Daily railroad passenger service is available between Abidjan and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Most Abidjan roads are paved. An excellent network of roads links virtually all major towns. All unpaved roads are dusty during the dry season and slippery during the rainy season. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential for trips into the more isolated areas. Third-party liability insurance is mandatory. Metered taxis, whose fares are relatively low, and rental cars, which are expensive, are available.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Currency....Should Be Declared On Arrival

Tobacco....200 Cigarettes or 100 Cigarillos or 25 Cigars or 250 grams of Tobacco

Liquor.......1 Bottle of Wine; 1 Bottle of Spirits

Perfume....0.5 Litre of Eau de Toilette and 0.25 Litres of Perfume

Cameras....1 still / 1 movie

Film............Reasonable for Personal Use

Agriculture items...Refer Psgr To Consulate

Gifts............Reasonable Amount

Prohibited items:
Sporting guns may only be imported under licence. Duty must be paid on video cameras, which may be imported for personal use only. A deposit must be paid on entry and is refundable on departure. Limits are placed on certain other personal effects; contact the Consulate prior to departure.



Back to Top