From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: y
Date: 29 Dec 1992 12:41:22 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Cote d'Ivoire
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Cote d'Ivoire - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in Abidjan at 5 Rue 
Jesse Owens; the mailing address is 01 B.P. 1712, Abidjan, Cote 
d'Ivoire; the telephone number is (225) 21-09-79 and the fax number 
is 22-32-59.  

Country Description:  Cote d'Ivoire is also known as the Ivory 
Coast.  It is a developing West African nation.  Tourism facilities 
in the capital city of Abidjan include some luxury hotels.  Other 
accommodations, especially outside the capital, may be limited in 
quality and availability.

Entry Requirements:  U.S. citizens are required to have passports.  
A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days.  If a longer 
stay is anticipated, a visa is required.  Visa applications and 
further information on entry requirements can be obtained from the 
Embassy of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, 2424 Massachusetts Avenue 
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 797-0300.  There are 
honorary consulates for Cote d'Ivoire in Los Angeles, San Francisco 
and Phoenix.

Areas of Instability:  Because of the civil war in neighboring 
Liberia, the Liberia/Cote d'Ivoire border region is unsettled and 
potentially dangerous.  Road blocks, armed military personnel, and 
vehicle searches may be encountered.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Cote d'Ivoire are 
adequate in Abidjan but may be limited elsewhere.  Not all medicines 
are available.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash 
payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always 
valid outside the United States.  Supplementary medical insurance 
with specific coverage has proved to be useful.  Additional health 
information can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's 
international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Street crime of the "grab and run" variety, 
as well as pickpocketing in crowded areas, has increased.  Robbery, 
burglary and automobile theft are common offenses.  Armed criminals 
have used force when faced with resistance.  Travelers displaying 
jewelry and carrying expensive cameras are particularly at risk.  
Travelers have found it useful to carry limited amounts of cash and 
only photocopies of key documents.  It is particularly dangerous to 
visit the Treichville area or the Plateau business district in 
Abidjan after dark.  The DeGaulle and Houphouet-Boigney bridges, 
which cross the lagoon in Abidjan, are dangerous areas for 
pedestrians, even in the daytime.  However, many hotels, 
restaurants, nightclubs and supermarkets provide security guards to 
protect clients and their vehicles. Useful information on 
safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while 
traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A 
Safe Trip Abroad."  It is available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Laws regarding possession or transportation of 
drugs are strictly enforced.  

Driving Hazards:  Automobile accidents are one of the greatest 
threats to the well-being of Americans in Cote d'Ivoire.  Night 
driving is particularly hazardous due to poorly lit roads and 
vehicles.  Direct or indirect requests for bribes from the police 
and other security officials are commonplace, especially at highway 
checkpoints and near Abidjan's Port Bouet airport. 

In-Country Travel:  Airline travel in West Africa is routinely 
overbooked, schedules are limited, and airline assistance is of 
varying quality.  Prudent passengers  get the required seat 
reconfirmation stamped on the ticket; ensure they have emergency 
funds for food and lodging in the event of unexpected delays; and 
arrive at the airport at least two hours before scheduled departure 
time.

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington D.C. 20402.  It contains general information on travel in 
the region.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security in Cote d'Ivoire.

 No. 92-139


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