The U.S. State Department has urged its citizens to carefully consider the risks of traveling to Ivory Coast.
U.S. citizens who reside in or travel to that West African country should monitor conditions carefully, maintain situational awareness, and pay very close attention to their personal security, the Department said in a Travel Warning update on Thursday.
Although the security situation significantly improved in 2013, security conditions can change quickly and without warning, it added.
Those who are planning travel to Ivory Coast, particularly to destinations outside of Abidjan, have been advised to review the most recent security assessment by the U.S. Embassy, or their host organization, for their travel destination.
The U.S. Embassy does not restrict its personnel's travel within Abidjan, Grand Bassam, Assine, Yamoussoukro and Bouake. However, travelers are advised to remain alert and exercise the same level of caution that they would in any major city. Mission staff must inform the Regional Security Office (RSO) of official travel to Abidjan's Abobo and Yopougon neighborhoods and the Banco Forest. RSO notification is required when traveling to the outer regions of Abidjan, Grand Bassam, Assine, Yamoussoukro and Bouake, in order to assess current security situations.
The U.S. Embassy instructed its staff to avoid large gatherings, crowds, demonstrations, and political events, as they can turn confrontational and possibly become unsafe.
The State Department urged U.S. citizens traveling and residing in Ivory Coast to enroll in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the most up-to-date security information, and to make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
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