Cote d'Ivoire: Authorities ease COVID-19-related international travel restrictions for inbound travelers as of Nov. 7 /update 36

Event

Authorities in Cote d'Ivoire are easing COVID-19-related international travel restrictions for inbound travelers as of Nov. 7. Domestic and outbound international travel restrictions remain in place. As of Nov. 7, inbound and outbound travelers to Cote d'Ivoire presenting proof of full vaccination will not be required to complete a travel form (Declaration de Deplacement par Voie Aerienne, DDVA).

Domestic Measures
Authorities are enforcing hygiene and social distancing measures. Wearing a facemask remains mandatory in enclosed spaces and during large gatherings. 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.

Travelers to Cote d'Ivoire presenting proof of full vaccination will not be required to show a negative PCR test result upon arrival. Unvaccinated passengers must present proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Unvaccinated travelers will need to complete a travel form (Declaration de Deplacement par Voie Aerienne, DDVA) and pay XOF 2,000. All incoming unvaccinated air travelers will be subject to mandatory rapid antigen testing 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. 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 DDVA travel form must be presented upon boarding.

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)