Clothing: Summer clothing is appropriate year round. Umbrellas and light raincoats are useful during the rainy season.

Customs: Visas are required for entry to Cote d'Ivoire and neighboring West African countries. Airport visas are not available. If no Ivorian representation exists in the country where the visa is sought, it may be applied for at a French embassy or consulate.

Yellow fever vaccination is required. Ivorian officials abroad generally verify that immunizations have been obtained before issuing an entry visa. Since immunization requirements may change, it is prudent to check the latest information before traveling.

Health: The incidence of disease in Cote d'Ivoire is higher than in the United States. Health risks can be minimized by proper immunizations, food preparation, and strict sanitary practices. Tapwater is not potable. Malaria prophylaxis is a must and should be taken before and during a visit to Cote d'Ivoire.

Telecommunications: Local phone service is adequate. International calls can be dialed directly to the United States and many other countries. It is sometimes easier to make an international call than to reach local or in-country numbers. Cote d'Ivoire is 5 hours ahead of eastern standard time.

Transportation: Air Afrique has two flights per week direct from New York to Abidjan. European carriers provide once-weekly flights as follows: British Air, London/Abidjan; Iberia, Madrid/Abidjan; Swiss Air, Zurich/Geneva/Abidjan; Sabena, Brussels/Abidjan. In addition, Air Afrique and UTA provide daily service from Paris to Abidjan. Air Ivoire serves the country's principle cities, and small planes are available for charter. Air fares are expensive. Daily railroad passenger service is available between Abidjan and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Most Abidjan roads are paved. An excellent network of roads links virtually all major towns. All unpaved roads are dusty during the dry season and slippery during the rainy season. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are essential for trips into the more isolated areas. Third-party liability insurance is mandatory. Metered taxis, whose fares are relatively low, and rental cars, which are expensive, are available.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, April 1990.