Photo: Edison McCullen, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

West Africa · Country guide

Côte d’Ivoire

A buzzing Abidjan, colonial Grand-Bassam and rainforest full of chimpanzees.

Flag of Côte d’Ivoire
Capital
Yamoussoukro (largest city: Abidjan)
Region
West Africa
Languages
French
Currency
West African CFA franc
Best time to visit
Nov to Mar

Travel advice: some regions are off-limits. Check your government’s advice for the exact areas before you book.

Côte d’Ivoire is one of West Africa’s most dynamic countries. Abidjan has the restaurants and nightlife, Grand-Bassam’s old colonial town is a UNESCO site, and Taï National Park protects one of the last big blocks of West African rainforest. The far north borders are off-limits under most advisories.

Did you know? Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest producer of cocoa.

Travel advice: Parts of the country are off-limits under most government travel advice. Check your government’s advice before booking.

Known for

  • Abidjan’s skyline and food scene
  • Grand-Bassam’s colonial quarter
  • The basilica at Yamoussoukro
  • Taï National Park

Did you know?

Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest producer of cocoa.

Before you go

  • Visas: rules depend on your passport and change often. Check Côte d’Ivoire’s official immigration website and see our visa guide.
  • Health: see a travel clinic about vaccines and malaria. Read our health guide.
  • Safety: read your government’s current travel advice for Côte d’Ivoire.

Plan your trip

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Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Côte d’Ivoire?

Yamoussoukro (largest city: Abidjan).

What currency does Côte d’Ivoire use?

West African CFA franc.

What languages are spoken in Côte d’Ivoire?

French.

When is the best time to visit Côte d’Ivoire?

Nov to Mar.

Have you been to Côte d’Ivoire?

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