Travelers carrying tool boxes or full-size electronic devices, such as computers, may experience difficulty clearing customs. Laptop computers currently pose no entry problem. 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. Armed criminals have used force when faced with resistance.
Travelers displaying jewelry and carrying cameras are especially at risk.
Travelers have found it useful to carry limited amounts of cash and only photocopies of key documents. The De Gaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges, which cross the lagoon in Abidjan, are considered dangerous for pedestrians even during daylight hours. Many hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and supermarkets provide security guards to protect clients and their vehicles. For additional information on consular affairs and related questions, including Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets, please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs Homepage.