On December 30, 2025, Global Affairs Canada revised its Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) advisory, keeping the overall level at “Exercise a High Degree of Caution” but stripping out election-specific language now that the October polls have passed peacefully. The update reconfirms ‘Avoid All Travel’ warnings within 50 km of the Mali and Burkina Faso borders because of extremist violence, and ‘Avoid Non-Essential Travel’ near Liberia.
For Canadian mining, cocoa-trading and infrastructure firms, the message is clear: operations in Abidjan and coastal hubs can proceed with enhanced security protocols, but any staff movements to northern gold concessions should include armed escorts and satellite tracking. Companies are urged to audit travel-insurance coverage, which may not apply in designated no-go zones.
![Ottawa Tightens Ivory Coast Advisory, Removes Election-Related Note]()
In addition to security considerations, travellers must ensure their documentation is in order; VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) streamlines the process of obtaining Côte d’Ivoire business and tourist visas, provides up-to-date entry requirements, and can coordinate rush processing for last-minute assignments, freeing companies to focus on risk mitigation rather than paperwork.
The advisory underscores rising petty and violent crime in urban centres—carjackings and street robberies are common after dark. Travellers are advised to schedule airport transfers during daylight and use vetted drivers. Roadblocks—both official and criminal—remain frequent; drivers should carry identification and avoid night driving outside main corridors.
Terrorism risk remains elevated across West Africa. Businesses should maintain incident-response plans and enrol employees in the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. The advisory will be reviewed again before the January 2026 Africa Investment Forum in Abidjan.
For Canadian mining, cocoa-trading and infrastructure firms, the message is clear: operations in Abidjan and coastal hubs can proceed with enhanced security protocols, but any staff movements to northern gold concessions should include armed escorts and satellite tracking. Companies are urged to audit travel-insurance coverage, which may not apply in designated no-go zones.
In addition to security considerations, travellers must ensure their documentation is in order; VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) streamlines the process of obtaining Côte d’Ivoire business and tourist visas, provides up-to-date entry requirements, and can coordinate rush processing for last-minute assignments, freeing companies to focus on risk mitigation rather than paperwork.
The advisory underscores rising petty and violent crime in urban centres—carjackings and street robberies are common after dark. Travellers are advised to schedule airport transfers during daylight and use vetted drivers. Roadblocks—both official and criminal—remain frequent; drivers should carry identification and avoid night driving outside main corridors.
Terrorism risk remains elevated across West Africa. Businesses should maintain incident-response plans and enrol employees in the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. The advisory will be reviewed again before the January 2026 Africa Investment Forum in Abidjan.
