WHEN TO TRAVEL to Côte d'Ivoire

Location

Climate

When to go to Côte d'Ivoire: climate and seasons

Côte d'Ivoire enjoys an equatorial climate, with average temperatures between 24°C and 30°C throughout the year. The best time to visit the country therefore depends above all on rainfall, which varies according to region and season.

The dry season

There The dry season generally runs from November to April. and is the ideal time to discover the country's main tourist attractions. Temperatures are pleasant and rainfall less frequent, especially on the coast where the most popular seaside resorts such as Grand-Bassam, Assinie and San Pedro are located.

The rainy season

The rainy season, on the other hand, runs from May to October and is characterized by heavier rainfall, especially between June and August. This period is less conducive to seaside and outdoor activities, but nonetheless offers an opportunity to discover the lush landscapes of Côte d'Ivoire from a different angle.

Major cultural events in Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire abounds in cultural events reflecting its ethnic and artistic diversity. Here is a non-exhaustive list of not-to-be-missed events:

• Anoumabo Urban Music Festival (FEMUA) The festival is usually held in April and showcases local and international talent in a variety of musical genres (reggae, rap, zouglou...).
• Bouaké Carnival Carnival: held every year in February or March, this is the biggest cultural and festive event in Côte d'Ivoire, with colorful parades, concerts and traditional dance performances.
• Abidjan International Francophone Film Festival (FIFAI) Every two years, this cinematic event celebrates the diversity and quality of French-language productions.
• Popo Carnival in Bonoua This annual festival pays tribute to the culture and traditions of the region's peoples, with parades, dances and folk performances.

Public holidays in Côte d'Ivoire

It's important to take public holidays into account when planning your trip to Côte d'Ivoire, as some services (transport, shops...) may be disrupted or closed on these occasions. Here is a list of the country's main public holidays:

• New Year's Day January 1st
• Independence Day August 7
• Christmas December 25

In addition to these fixed dates, religious holidays such as Aïd el-Kebir (Muslim), Good Friday and Easter (Christian) are also celebrated on a variable calendar.

Low and high season in Côte d'Ivoire

Low season

There low tourist season generally corresponds to the rainy seasonMay to October. Prices for accommodation and activities tend to be lower during this period, but weather conditions can make travel more difficult and limit outdoor activities.

High season

There high season coincides with the dry season and school vacations in Europe, from November to April. Beaches and tourist sites are busier and accommodation prices can rise, but it's also the ideal time to enjoy the sun and the many activities the country has to offer.

Key immigration figures for Côte d'Ivoire

According to data provided by the French National Statistics Office (INS), there was a gradual increase in the number of foreigners living in Côte d'Ivoire over the years. Here are a few key statistics:

• Total population : Approximately 26 million inhabitants, including nearly 5 million foreigners (i.e. about 20% of the population).
• Immigrants : Immigrants mainly come from neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso, THE Mali, THE Nigerand the Guinea.
• Naturalizations : Between 2015 and 2020, around 47,000 people became naturalized Ivorians.
• Tourism : In 2019, Côte d'Ivoire welcomed around 2 million international visitors, generating revenues estimated at over 1,000 billion CFA francs.

Most popular visas in Côte d'Ivoire

Several types of visa are offered by the Ivorian authorities, to meet the varied needs of visitors and migrants. The most popular visas in Côte d'Ivoire are :

• Tourist visa : Valid for a maximum of 90 days, this visa is intended for people wishing to visit Côte d'Ivoire on vacation or to visit friends and relatives.
• Business visa: This visa is for professionals traveling to Côte d'Ivoire to take part in meetings, conferences or other work-related activities. The duration of validity varies according to the request, and can be up to one year.
• Student visa : Foreign students wishing to study in Côte d'Ivoire must obtain a student visa valid for the duration of their studies.
• Work visa: People wishing to work in Côte d'Ivoire must be in possession of a work visa, generally issued for one year and renewable.

Visa application procedure

To obtain a visa for Côte d'Ivoire, you need to follow a multi-step procedure:

• Apply online : Visa applications must be made on the official website of the Ivorian embassy or consulate. The documents required vary according to the type of visa requested.
• Payment of fees : Visa fees vary according to the type and duration of your stay. Visa fees must be paid when applying online.
• Rendezvous : Once you have completed the online application, you need to go to the embassy or consulate to submit your passport and any other documents. In some cases, an appointment may be necessary.
• Withdrawal of visa : If the application is accepted, the visa will be affixed to the passport and can be collected from the embassy or consulate.

International tourism in Côte d'Ivoire: figures and trends

Côte d'Ivoire has seen steady growth in its tourism sector in recent years, thanks in particular to its natural, cultural and economic assets. Here are a few facts and figures about international tourism in Côte d'Ivoire:

• Motor sector : Tourism accounts for almost 5% of national GDP and is a lever for economic and social development.
• Infrastructure : The country has over 10,000 hotel rooms, with a total capacity of over 20,000 beds.
• Tourist attractions : Among the most popular tourist sites are the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Taï National Park and Comoé National Park.

Projects and prospects for the tourism sector

As part of its national tourism development strategy, Côte d'Ivoire has launched several projects aimed at improving its infrastructure and promoting the country as a tourist destination for international visitors. These initiatives include

• Investments : The creation of a fund dedicated to supporting tourism businesses and projects, with an estimated budget of 300 billion CFA francs over five years.
• Amenities : The creation of integrated tourist zones (ZTI) to develop regional attractions and offer a diversified range of products and services to tourists.
• Promotion : Strengthen Côte d'Ivoire's presence at international tourism trade fairs and implement a communication campaign to promote its tourism assets.