Safety in Ivory Coast: A Guide to a Smooth Relocation

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Côte d’Ivoire, a West African country experiencing rapid economic growth, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expatriates seeking new professional opportunities and rich cultural diversity.

However, before settling in, it’s crucial to fully understand essential security considerations to ensure a peaceful expatriation.

Whether in Abidjan or other cities across the country, it’s important to adopt certain safety practices while respecting local customs.

In this article, we offer a series of practical tips and key information to help you navigate this vibrant country safely.

Côte d’Ivoire Destination: A Safe Choice for Expatriates?

Côte d’Ivoire attracts many expatriates with its economic dynamism, cultural richness, and tropical climate, but security remains a central concern when choosing to settle there.

Aspect	Key Information
Security Index	Improved from 6.8 in 2011 to 1.2 in 2025, showing significant enhancement due to government efforts and strengthened security measures.
Political Stability	The country experiences tense electoral periods, but authorities implement numerous preventive measures, especially during elections (enhanced security around polling stations, increased police presence).
Security Measures for Expatriates	Mandatory residence permit, registration with local authorities, secured residences (guarding, video surveillance), recommended caution in certain neighborhoods and regions.
Specific Risks	– Frequent pickpocketing and snatch thefts in some urban areas – Terrorist threat (especially in the north and near borders) – Cybercrime risk (“brouteurs” scammers) – Road accidents and assaults following traffic incidents – Land conflicts in border regions
Safe Neighborhoods in Abidjan	Cocody, Les Deux-Plateaux, Marcory, Zone 4 (Biétry), Riviera: residential areas preferred by expatriates for their safety, proximity to amenities, and international atmosphere.
Areas to Avoid	Treichville, Adjamé, Abobo, Yopougon (more frequent thefts, increased vigilance recommended), as well as certain border regions (San Pedro, Cavally, Tonkpi, Guémon, north near Mali/Burkina Faso and west near Liberia).
Cultural Adaptations	Respect for local customs, discretion in political debates, vigilance in gathering places, caution during online financial transactions, integration through participation in community and associative life.

Expatriate Testimonials and Perceptions:

Many expatriates consider daily life in Abidjan “generally safe” in residential areas and that major risks mainly concern petty crime and cybercrime.

They emphasize the importance of cultural adaptation: “Here, you need to learn to show respect for customs and traditions, be vigilant without being paranoid. Integration largely happens through social and community life.”

Some testimonials:

• “I feel safe in Cocody, the neighborhood is quiet, neighbors are attentive. You just need to avoid certain nighttime travel or busy areas in the evening.”
• “Police checks are frequent but reassuring. You quickly adapt to the local way of doing things, while maintaining basic caution.”

Statistics and Practical Recommendations:

• The national security index has been divided by five in fifteen years, reaching 1.2 in 2025.
• Authorities have established reporting platforms for cybercrime and strengthened police presence in sensitive areas.
• Embassies recommend avoiding all non-essential travel near borders and limiting nighttime outings.

Integration and Security Tips for Expatriates:

• Prefer residential neighborhoods with security guards.
• Register with local authorities upon arrival.
• Respect local customs and avoid political debates in public.
• Stay regularly informed through media and follow embassy recommendations.
• Use official platforms to report any abuse or incident.

Côte d’Ivoire offers expatriates an attractive living environment, provided they adopt appropriate vigilance and prioritize safe neighborhoods and habits.

Tips to Protect Your Daily Life in Côte d’Ivoire

List of practical tips to enhance your daily security:

• Prefer recognized and secure transportation methods (official taxis, ride-sharing services, hotel shuttles) and avoid walking or driving at night.
• Travel with windows closed and doors locked, never leave visible items in the vehicle.
• Carry only photocopies of important documents (passport, ID card), keep originals in a safe place.
• Avoid wearing valuable items (jewelry, watches, large sums of cash) and adopt discreet attire to avoid attracting attention.
• Remain vigilant in public places (markets, stations, maquis, restaurants, ATMs).
• Stay informed about risk areas (Mali borders, Burkina Faso, Dix-Huit Montagnes, Moyen-Cavally) and regularly consult security alerts.

Urban Travel Precautions Table

Situation	Recommended Precaution
Car travel	Doors locked, windows closed, route planned in advance
Taxi use	Choose official taxis, avoid shared taxis
Walking at night	Avoid, prefer daytime travel
Public places	Keep belongings close, monitor your surroundings
Demonstrations/gatherings	Stay away, avoid crowds

Strategies to Enhance Home Security

• Install alarm systems or video surveillance.
• Light the surroundings of the house and reinforce access points (doors, windows).
• Regularly communicate with neighbors to organize collective watch and stay informed about local incidents.
• Do not open the door to strangers and verify visitors’ identities.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers handy: police, fire department, ambulance.

Additional Measures List

• Subscribe to appropriate local or international health insurance.
• Know emergency numbers: Police (170), Fire Department (180), Ambulance (185).
• Integrate into the local community: participate in neighborhood life, interact with residents, join support groups or networks.
• Learn about local customs and rules to better adapt and strengthen your support network.

Adopting discreet behavior, staying informed, and building relationships with the local community are essential to ensure your safety and well-being in daily life in Côte d’Ivoire.

Adopting Best Practices for Enhanced Security

Familiarizing yourself with your neighborhood in Côte d’Ivoire is essential: this helps identify main routes, businesses, police stations, medical centers, and better understand the social and security environment. Knowing local emergency numbers (police, fire department, ambulances) ensures quick response when needed.

Subscribing to security alerts and joining an expatriate group offer several advantages:

• Quick access to reliable information about security and local life.
• Opportunity to exchange practical tips and integrate more easily.
• Support in case of incidents or urgent questions.

Precautions for Daily Security:

• Avoid any ostentatious displays of wealth (jewelry, valuable watches, large cash amounts, visible electronic devices) to limit risks of theft or assault.
• Always lock doors and windows, even when at home, to prevent intrusions, and never leave valuables in plain sight, even in a vehicle.
• Prefer using reputable transportation services (ride-sharing services, recognized taxi companies, expatriate recommendations) rather than getting into unknown or unmarked taxis.

Precaution	Main Advantage
Joining an expatriate group	Access to a support network and updated information
Subscribing to security alerts	Receipt of official information and real-time instructions
Using reliable transportation	Reduced risk of assault or fraud
Locking doors/windows	Securing home against burglaries

Digital Vigilance:

• Be wary of online solicitations, especially frequent scams (so-called “brouteurs” phenomenon).
• Limit sharing personal information on social media (location, photos, habits), which can be exploited for malicious purposes.
• Prefer secure websites for any online transactions and never share banking details with unverified contacts.

Health:

• Subscribe to international health insurance covering hospitalization and repatriation is essential, as medical costs can be high and access to quality care varies.
• Ensure vaccinations are up to date (particularly yellow fever, required for entry), and consider other recommended vaccines (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, etc.).

Essential Tips for Safe Expatriation in Côte d’Ivoire:

• Maintain discreet attire and behavior.
• Keep digital copies of important documents.
• Always remain vigilant, especially at night or when traveling outside urban centers.
• Regularly check security situation updates through official channels and expatriate networks.

Warning: Neglecting these recommendations can expose you to increased risks of theft, assault, or health problems. Adapting your behavior and habits is an essential condition for successful expatriation in Côte d’Ivoire.