U.S. Travel Advisories and Security

The U.S. Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire has reissued a Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" travel advisory as of Feb. 18, warning Americans about crime, terrorism, unrest, health‑care gaps and piracy risks in and around the West African nation. The advisory notes that violent crimes such as carjacking, robbery and home invasions are common in some areas and that local police may be unable to respond effectively to serious incidents, especially outside major cities. U.S. officials highlight a risk of terrorist violence, saying al‑Qaeda‑linked Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin (JNIM) has crossed the border from Burkina Faso to attack northern Côte d’Ivoire in Savanes and Zanzan districts, including Comoé National Park, and that al‑Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has carried out small‑scale attacks in the north. The notice warns that terrorists could target tourist spots, hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and houses of worship, recalling a 2016 Islamist attack on the Étoile du Sud hotel that killed at least 19 people, and urges travelers to avoid demonstrations or large gatherings that can quickly turn violent. It also stresses that rural health facilities often face shortages of medicines and supplies and may demand upfront payment, and that ships in the Gulf of Guinea off Côte d’Ivoire face major piracy, armed robbery and kidnapping threats. The northern border region is designated Level 4 "Do Not Travel," reflecting lingering extremist risks even as no recent violent incidents have been reported there, and the advisory comes as more Americans look to West Africa as an emerging tourist destination.