Cote d'Ivoire: Authorities are easing COVID-19-related domestic and international travel restrictions as of March 28 /update 35

Event

Authorities in Cote d'Ivoire are easing COVID-19 domestic and international restrictions as of March 28. The requirement to wear a facemask in outdoor spaces has been lifted; wearing a facemask remains mandatory in enclosed spaces and during large gatherings. Vaccinated individuals attending ceremonies and shows are no longer required to present a negative antigen test. Travelers to Cote d’Ivoire presenting proof of full vaccination will not be required to show a negative PCR test result upon arrival. Vaccinated travelers departing Cote d'Ivoire are exempt from PCR testing if the country they are traveling to does not require it as an entry health document.

Domestic Measures
Authorities are enforcing hygiene and social distancing measures. Most businesses, including hotels, bars, and other entertainment facilities, are open. Large gatherings have resumed with the approval of local authorities. Unvaccinated individuals without proof of a negative test may be barred from entering select public and private places depending on the epidemiological situation; it remains unclear whether authorities enforce the measure.

International Travel Restrictions
Land and sea borders are reportedly closed to regular commercial passenger travel, but cargo and freight transport are still operating.

Permitted arrivals will need to complete a travel form (Declaration de Deplacement par Voie Aerienne, DDVA) and pay XOF 2,000. Unvaccinated passengers must present proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure. All incoming air travelers from countries with confirmed Omicron variant cases are subject to monitoring by health authorities for five days after their arrival.

Travelers leaving Cote d'Ivoire will have to complete the DDVA. Unvaccinated travelers will have to pay XOF 25,000 for a PCR test, and present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than two calendar days before departure from the country. To ensure receipt of test results within 48 hours from the time of sampling, Air Cote d'Ivoire (HF) recommends that travelers seeking a COVID-19 test arrive at an approved testing center before 10:00. Both the test result and the travel form must be presented upon boarding.

Both arriving and departing passengers may be screened at the airport.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage (French)
Official Government Website
Travel Form (Declaration de Deplacement par Voie Aerienne)