Cote d'Ivoire
Last update 27 January 2025Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Avoid non-essiential travel (Do not travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have an embassy in Abidjan. The country is serviced by the Embassy in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja
Address: Bulgarian Embassy – Abuja; No 10 Euphrates str, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Maitama, Abuja
Telephone: +234096724359
Working hours: 09:00 – 12:30 every working day
Consular Office
Telephone: +2 340 967 099 86
Е-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/nigeria
The Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in Rome is accredited to Bulgaria.
Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire in Rome
Office: 00161 Roma, Via Guglielmo Saliceto, 6-8-10
Telephone: +3906 44 23 11 29, +3906 44 26 09 11;
Fax: +3906 44 29 25 31
Working hours: 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:00
E-mail: [email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of France in Sofia
Address: 1504 Sofia, 29 Oborishte St.
Telephone: +3592 965 1100
Fax: +3592 965 1120
Working hours: 09:00 – 13:15; 14:45 – 18:15
E-mail: [email protected]
Consular Department
Address: Sofia, 21A Oborishte St.,
Telephone: +3592 965 11 00
Fax: +3592 965 11 71
Working hours: 09:00 – 12:30; 15:00 – 18:00
Visa Office: 09:00 – 11:00
E-mail: [email protected]
General information
Security level:
It is advisable not to travel to the country except in emergencies.
The situation outside the capital Abidjan is out of control. Avoid places with large crowds.
Cases of robbery attacks are widespread.
The situation in the capital Abidjan and in the country could deteriorate rapidly.
Bulgarian citizens travelling to Côte d'Ivoire or staying for an extended period of time should constantly take care of their personal security and follow the advice of safety professionals. They should have food and water supplies, avoid crowds in public places and political demonstrations.
Abidjan is a high-risk city in terms of crime in the form of violent acts, carjackings, armed invasions of private homes, arrests on the street, thefts from vehicles.
Different types of weapons are distributed freely.
There is a general threat of terrorist acts. Attacks can be expected in areas close to the border with Mali.
There is a high level of risk with regard to European foreigners, including Bulgarian citizens, from individuals motivated by the military actions in Iraq and Syria.
Healthcare:
The condition and service in hospitals does not meet the European standards.
Increasing number of HIV-positive. Malaria is endemic.
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccines you may contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country. Yellow fever vaccine is administered at the following regional health inspectorates: Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate; Varna RHI; Burgas RHI; Pleven RHI; Plovdiv RHI; Blagoevgrad RHI and Ruse RHI.
Recommended vaccines and personal hygiene advices:
Particular attention to personal hygiene!
Specifics of the local legislation:
It is forbidden to photograph military sites and objects of strategic importance. Local residents can be photographed only upon their consent.
The possession, use and transfer of drugs is a serious offence and can lead to lengthy imprisonment and heavy fines.
Customs requirements:
There are no restrictions on the import of local and foreign currency which has to be declared. It is recommended that you carry either euro, checks or credit cards. Valuables shall be declared.
The export of foreign currency is permitted up to amounts whose equivalent in local currency does not exceed 300 thousand francs or is within the declared amount on entry into the country. There are no restrictions on the export of goods.
Road traffic:
When entering the country by car at the border, it is compulsory to take out insurance for the duration of your stay in the country. Bulgarian citizens are advised to refrain from any travel in the areas of the 18 Mountains (Dix-HuitMontagnes), Haut-Sassandra, Moyen-Cavally, Bas-Sassandra and especially west of Duékoué, to the border with Liberia, due to the risk of serious violence by local militias.
Practical advice:
Religions have a strong influence on life in Côte d'Ivoire, where there is a tradition of respect for the faith of others. Bulgarian citizens should always respect local beliefs and religious traditions and not cause conflict by their actions.
Carefully wash the fruits and vegetables you eat.
Use only bottled water.
Local currency:
The local currency in Côte d'Ivoire is the CFA-Franc.
Travel papers and visas
An international passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country. Since 20 September 2010 the collection of biometric data for the issuance of a visa is mandatory.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory upon entry into the country.
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccines you may contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country. Yellow fever vaccine is administered at the following regional health inspectorates: Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate; Varna RHI; Burgas RHI; Pleven RHI; Plovdiv RHI; Blagoevgrad RHI and Ruse RHI.
Consular service
Certifications and legalizations
In order to be valid in Bulgaria and to serve before the Bulgarian institutions, all documents issued by the competent authorities of Côte d’Ivoire to Bulgarian citizens must bear the stamp of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire. They are certified at the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in Rome and then by the Consular Office of the Bulgarian Embassy in the Italian capital.
Once the documents have been so prepared, they must be translated into Bulgarian by an authorized company in Bulgaria and certified by the Department of Legalizations and Certifications with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
European Emergency Travel Document
In extreme situations — in case of damage, loss or theft of a passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for an Emergency Travel Document at an Embassy of an EU Member State in Abidjan.