The ocean currents along the coast are extremely strong and treacherous and have resulted in numerous drownings each year. A passport is required. There are honorary consulates for Cote d'Ivoire in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. Overseas inquiries should be made at the nearest Cote d'Ivoire embassy or consulate. Travelers may encounter road blocks, armed military personnel, and vehicle searches.
Many medicines are unavailable.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven to be useful. Crime in Abidjan has increased over the past several years and is now at a critical level. Carjacking and house break-ins are frequent, and are often targeted at expatriate residents who are seen to be wealthy.