Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory — you must show your yellow card on arrival. Do not skip this. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis (especially for the north), and a polio booster. Rabies vaccination is worth considering if you plan to spend time in rural areas.
Malaria
The entire country is considered high-risk for malaria. Take prophylaxis — consult your doctor or travel clinic before departure. Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, and mefloquine are the usual options. Use DEET-based repellent in the evenings and sleep under a mosquito net if accommodation does not have screens.
Water
Tap water is not reliably safe to drink outside of Abidjan, and even in the capital it is best to stick to bottled or filtered water. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are confident it was made from purified water.
Medical Care
Abidjan has several adequate private clinics and hospitals, and the city is the medical hub for the region. Outside Abidjan, medical facilities are basic — a serious illness or injury will require evacuation to the capital or out of the country. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.
Other Hazards
Schistosomiasis is present in fresh water across much of the country. Do not swim in rivers, lakes, or irrigation channels. The ocean and chlorinated pools are fine. Cholera and other waterborne diseases occur; basic hygiene — hand-washing, food care — goes a long way.