🇨🇮 Flights to Côte d’Ivoire
Cheap Flights to Côte d’Ivoire from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Abidjan, the economic capital of West Africa. Dream Fare specialises in Côte d’Ivoire routes with the best prices for the UK Ivorian community and business travellers.
Your Gateway to Côte d’Ivoire
Flights to Abidjan
Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport is the gateway to West Africa’s most cosmopolitan and economically dynamic city.
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FROM £549Abidjan
Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International (ABJ)
West Africa’s financial capital and largest French-speaking city. The economic powerhouse of the region with excellent infrastructure, luxury hotels and one of West Africa’s best restaurant and nightlife scenes.
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Airlines
Airlines Flying to Côte d’Ivoire from UK
We compare all airlines on the London to Abidjan route to find you the best price.
Baggage Allowances to Côte d’Ivoire
When to Fly
Best Time to Fly to Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire has a tropical climate. The south has two rainy seasons. The best time to visit Abidjan is during the shorter dry seasons.
Best Season
November — March
Long dry season. Warm, sunny and comfortable with temperatures of 27°C to 32°C. The best time for Abidjan, the coast and the interior.
Short Dry Season
July — September
A brief dry spell during the main rainy period. Good for visiting if you miss the main dry season. Fares are generally competitive.
Long Rains
April — June
Main rainy season. Heaviest rainfall. Lowest fares of the year. The north remains drier than the south.
Book Early
Oct — December
End of the short rains and transition to dry season. Christmas demand in December. Book 3 to 4 months ahead for festive travel.
Côte d’Ivoire Weather & Packing Guide
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Abidjan & Southern Coast
Hot and humid year-round with temperatures of 26°C to 33°C. Pack light cotton clothing, high-factor sunscreen and DEET insect repellent. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for all areas. Atlantic breezes make the coast more comfortable than the interior.
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Northern Côte d’Ivoire
Hotter and drier than the south. The north has a single rainy season from May to October. The dry Harmattan season from November to February can be dusty. Pack light but carry a layer for air-conditioned interiors.
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Rainforest & Tai National Park
The Tai National Park rainforest in the west is always humid and can be very wet. Pack waterproof layers, waterproof boots and a quality rain jacket. The forest is extraordinarily biodiverse but requires a licensed guide at all times.
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General Packing Tips
Côte d’Ivoire uses Type C/E plugs — same as France. Carry CFA Francs cash for markets, taxis and outside Abidjan. French is the official language. WhatsApp is the primary communication channel. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Culture & Food
Ivorian Culture, Food & Traditions
Côte d’Ivoire is West Africa’s most cosmopolitan country \u2014 a melting pot of over 60 ethnic groups, a world-class football nation, the global capital of cocoa production and home to one of Africa’s most vibrant contemporary art scenes.
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Ivorian Cuisine
Attiéké (fermented cassava couscous with grilled fish — the national dish), Fufu, Kedjenou (slow-cooked chicken in a clay pot), Garba (tuna with attiéké) sold at street stalls, Alloco (fried plantain) and Palm nut soup are all essential culinary experiences.
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Football Nation
Côte d’Ivoire has one of Africa’s greatest football traditions. Dider Drogba is one of the greatest African players of all time. The Elephants won the AFCON in 2015 and 2024. Football is a national passion that unites the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
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Coupé-Décalé
Côte d’Ivoire is the birthplace of Coupé-Décalé — one of West Africa’s most influential music and dance genres. Created in Paris by the Ivorian diaspora in the early 2000s, it has spread across the continent and the global African diaspora.
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Abidjan Art Scene
Abidjan is home to one of Africa’s most exciting contemporary art scenes. The MAC (Musée d’Art Contemporain) and the growing gallery district around the Plateau business quarter host exhibitions by Ivorian and West African artists of international standing.
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Cocoa Capital
Côte d’Ivoire produces approximately 40% of the world’s cocoa supply — making it the most important cocoa-producing country on earth. The cocoa plantations of the interior are a significant part of the country’s identity and economy.
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Independence & Stability
Côte d’Ivoire gained independence from France in 1960 under Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who led the country for 33 years. Despite two civil wars, the country has rebuilt itself as one of West Africa’s most economically dynamic and forward-looking nations.
Top Attractions
Top Places to Visit in Côte d’Ivoire
From the skyscrapers of Abidjan to ancient rainforests and spectacular Atlantic beaches, Côte d’Ivoire offers remarkable diversity.
Abidjan — The Paris of West Africa
Abidjan is one of Africa’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities — a skyline of glass towers above the Ebrié Lagoon, world-class restaurants, extraordinary markets (Marché d’Adjamé), vibrant nightlife and one of Africa’s most exciting food scenes.
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix, Yamoussoukro
The world’s largest Christian basilica — built by President Houphouët-Boigny in his home village of Yamoussoukro and consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1990. Modelled on St Peter’s in Rome, it is taller and can hold more people. A truly extraordinary sight.
Taï National Park (UNESCO)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of the last remaining areas of primary tropical rainforest in West Africa. Home to western chimpanzees, pygmy hippopotamuses, forest elephants and extraordinary biodiversity. A genuinely wild and remote wilderness.
Grand-Bassam (UNESCO)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Côte d’Ivoire’s first colonial capital. The Avenue du Commerce retains extraordinary late 19th-century colonial architecture. Beautiful Atlantic beaches and an excellent seafood scene just 40km from Abidjan.
Man & The West
The mountainous west of Côte d’Ivoire around Man is dramatically beautiful. Traditional Dan and Guéré mask ceremonies, the spectacular Cavally River and the La Déé waterfalls make the region one of the country’s most rewarding destinations.
Assinie Beach
One of West Africa’s finest beach destinations on the Atlantic coast east of Abidjan. Pristine white sand, palm trees and warm Atlantic surf. Popular with Abidjan’s expat community and increasingly with international visitors.
Visa & Travel Tips
Côte d’Ivoire Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before flying to Côte d’Ivoire from the UK.
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Visa Requirements
UK citizens require a visa to enter Côte d’Ivoire. Apply for an e-visa online at snedai.com before travel. A tourist e-visa costs approximately $60 USD and processing takes 3 to 5 working days. Dream Fare can guide you through all documentation required.
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Currency & Money
Côte d’Ivoire uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF). EUR is widely accepted in Abidjan hotels and restaurants. Cards accepted in major establishments. Carry CFA cash for taxis, markets and smaller venues. ATMs widely available in Abidjan.
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Health & Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory for entry — carry your yellow card. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for all areas. Typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations are also strongly advised. Visit your GP at least 6 weeks before departure.
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SIM Cards & Connectivity
Orange Côte d’Ivoire and MTN Côte d’Ivoire SIM cards available at Abidjan Airport. Excellent 4G coverage in Abidjan and major towns. Mobile internet is fast and reliable in the city. Coupé-Décalé plays everywhere — embrace it.
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Getting Around
Abidjan has gbaka (shared minibuses) and Woro-woro taxis. Ride-hailing apps (Yango) operate in Abidjan. The Ebrié Lagoon water taxis (pinasses) are the fastest way between some areas. Intercity transport by bus or shared taxi serves major towns.
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Safety Tips
Abidjan is generally safe in tourist and business areas with standard urban precautions. Some northern areas near Mali and Burkina Faso borders have FCDO advisories. Check the latest FCDO Côte d’Ivoire travel advice before departure. Avoid political gatherings.
FAQs
Flights to Côte d’Ivoire FAQ
How long is the flight from London to Abidjan?
There are no direct scheduled flights from London to Abidjan. Air Côte d’Ivoire operates a direct service that takes approximately 8 hours. Via Paris (Air France) takes around 10 hours including connection time. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa takes approximately 12 hours.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Côte d’Ivoire?
Yes. UK passport holders require a visa to enter Côte d’Ivoire. Apply for an e-visa online at snedai.com before travel. A tourist e-visa costs approximately $60 USD and processing takes 3 to 5 working days. Dream Fare can advise on all documentation required.
What is Abidjan known for?
Abidjan is known as the Paris of West Africa for its sophisticated architecture, cuisine and culture. It is West Africa’s largest French-speaking city and economic capital. Abidjan is famous for its vibrant nightlife, music scene, the Plateau business district and excellent food.
Is Côte d’Ivoire safe to visit?
Abidjan and the main tourist areas are generally safe for visitors with standard urban precautions. Some northern border areas have FCDO security advisories. Always check the latest FCDO Côte d’Ivoire travel advice before departure.
What is the currency in Côte d’Ivoire?
Côte d’Ivoire uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF), which is pegged to the Euro. EUR is widely accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Abidjan. CFA cash is essential for everyday purchases, taxis and markets.
How much do flights from London to Côte d’Ivoire cost?
Return flights from London to Abidjan start from approximately £549 with Dream Fare. Prices vary by airline, season and booking lead time. Contact us for the latest fares and exclusive deals not available on comparison sites.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.