Ivory Coast Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Ivory Coast
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated February 18, 2026
Detailed homicide statistics are not currently available for Ivory Coast. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Ivory Coast at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
N/A
Safety Rank
N/A
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
N/A
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Ivory Coast:
There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Cte d'Ivoire due to crime, terrorism, unrest, health , and piracy in nearby waters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to the northern border region due to risks of crime and terrorism . Advisory summary Do not travel to the northern border region of Cte d'Ivoire for any reason. U.S. government employee travel restrictions The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Ivory Coast
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 21, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are using simpler methods to attack. These include knives, firearms, and vehicles. They use them to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is focused on unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.). Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists. Places of worship. Schools. Parks. Beaches. Shopping malls and markets. Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights). Côte d’Ivoire still faces threats from violent extremist groups in the region. These groups are active across the borders of Burkina Faso and Mali. Côte d’Ivoire is not a base for these groups.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Election-related violence is another concern. The next presidential election is planned for 2025. Riots and demonstrations have occurred around elections. They have sometimes resulted in deaths. They may continue due to ongoing political tensions. For more information, please see Côte d’Ivoire’s Travel Advisory .
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams. Internet romance and financial scams are increasingly prevalent in Côte d’Ivoire. Scams often start with Internet postings or profiles. They can also start with unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Romance/online dating Money transfers Lucrative sales Gold purchase Contracts with promises of large commissions Grandparent/relative targeting Free trip/luggage Lotteries Inheritance notices Work permits/job offers Bank overpayments
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at +225-27-22-47-06-96, +225-01-03-79-91-44 (the Operations Center for the National Police), or 100/111 (the Ministry of Security in Plateau, Abidjan). Contact the U.S. Embassy at (+225) 27-22-49-40-00. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Give general info about the victim's role in the local investigation, and their role after it ended. Provide a list of local attorneys. Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States .
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
Little formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment may not be available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom pose big threats to U.S. ships in the Gulf of Guinea. They also threaten U.S. mariners on a ship or traveling to or from one in the Gulf of Guinea. Pirates target a variety of vessels, and it is not uncommon for them to fire upon vessels during boardings and attempted boardings. Please find the latest U.S. Maritime Advisory here .
Weather Safety
The rainy season is from June to September. It often includes heavy rains and flash flooding. This is especially true in low-lying areas. Heavy rains have caused landslides, riverbank erosion, bridge washouts, and property damage. Roads may be closed suddenly and stay closed for indefinite periods of time, especially in more remote areas. U.S. citizens should watch local weather and news reports. They should avoid driving through flooded areas. And, they should keep water and emergency supplies at home.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Ivory Coast Population & Demographics
Population of 31,934,230, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ivory Coast safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Ivory Coast at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution).
What is the crime rate in Ivory Coast?
Reliable homicide statistics are not currently available for Ivory Coast.
What is the US travel advisory level for Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).