Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today,
Côte d'Ivoire
November 10, 2004
This Travel Warning is being issued to update U.S. citizens on the current violence that is occurring in Cote d'Ivoire and to alert them to ongoing safety and security concerns. Because of the on-going violence and the unsettled security situation, the Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and all eligible family members of U.S. Embassy personnel. The Department urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to Cote d'Ivoire. The airport is closed to commercial traffic. Land routes to the Ghanaian border remain open but it is too dangerous at this time to cross the border by road. This supersedes the Travel Warning of November 6, to reflect the Embassy's authorized departure status.
On November 4, 2004, government forces launched aerial attacks on cities in northern Cote d'Ivoire controlled by New Forces. The attacks resulted in the deaths of Ivorians and non-Ivorians. The situation remains volatile and there is the risk of conflict throughout the country. Cell phone and landline telephone communication with the northern New Forces-held city of Bouaké is intermittent and electrical service has been cut since November 4, prompting a cutoff of water in many areas.
There have been numerous and on-going violent incidents in Abidjan that have been directed against people of non-Ivorian appearance, specific diplomatic missions, and foreign military and international peacekeeping operations. Anti-foreign attacks have resulted in deaths and serious injuries to persons and property. Individuals have been pulled from vehicles, businesses and schools entered, and families harassed.
On November 10, the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and all eligible family members. U.S. citizens who remain in Cote d'Ivoire despite this Travel Warning should consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Cote d'Ivoire and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or Canada or 1-317-472-2328 from overseas.
The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan may close temporarily for general business from time to time to review its security posture. American citizens visiting or resident in Cote d'Ivoire are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy by calling (225) 20-21-09-79, by fax at (225) 20-22-45-23, or by completing a registration form on-line at https:// travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp.
American citizens in Cote d'Ivoire who are in need of assistance should contact the embassy by calling (225) 20-21-09-79.
For additional information, call the Overseas Citizens Services call center at 888-407-4747 and consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Cote d'Ivoire, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. Please see also the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement.
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