Abidjan flight: plane tickets to Abidjan

Practical information for your flight to Abidjan

Before departure, make sure you have:

A valid passport
A biometric visa

Information regarding customs and police formalities is provided for reference only. Corsair cannot be held responsible if you are not compliant with the authorities' requirements.

French citizens holding ordinary or official passports must have a biometric visa to enter Côte d’Ivoire. In addition, the traveler’s passport must remain valid for at least six months after the return date. A visa and a return or onward ticket are required to enter the country.

Obtaining a visa

A biometric visa is required to enter Côte d'Ivoire. The visa application must be submitted to the Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire in Paris.

Allow approximately 7 days for processing and expect consular fees of around 110 euros for a two-month visa.

Information regarding customs and police formalities is provided for reference only. Corsair cannot be held responsible if you are not compliant with the authorities' requirements.

For more information, we recommend contacting the Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire in Paris to help you prepare for your trip:

Address: 102, avenue Raymond Poincaré
75116 Paris
Tel: 01.53.64.62.62
Fax: 01.45.00.47.97
Website: www.ambassadecotedivoire.fr
Email: rciparis@ambassadecotedivoire.fr

Good to know

A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Once there, be cautious about what you eat and drink. Vaccinations for tetanus, polio, diphtheria, meningitis, typhoid, hepatitis A and B are recommended.

Once there

Language

French is the official language. Dioula is the most commonly used language for commercial exchanges.

Store hours

Most shops are open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Transportation

Bus: urban transport in Abidjan is operated by SOTRA (Société des Transports Abidjanais) and SOTU (Société des Transports Urbains).
Taxi: there are two types of taxis in Abidjan. Red taxis operate throughout the city, while yellow shared taxis, called woro-woro, are limited to specific neighborhoods.
Boat: pinasses (small boats) and water buses connect several districts of Abidjan.
Car rental: major car rental companies like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar are available in Abidjan.

Safety

Risks are mainly concentrated in Abidjan (theft, assault).

Services

Government offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

A visiter une fois sur place en Côte d'Ivoire

Holidays and festivals

January 1: New Year’s Day
February: Festival of Masks (Man region)
March: Bouaké Carnival
April: Dipri Festival (commemorating the sacrifice of Bidyo)
March–April: Easter
June: Ascension Day; Pentecost
August 7: Independence Day
November: Abissa Festival, celebrated for a week
December 7: National Day
December: Tabaski (Festival of the Sacrifice)
December 25: Christmas

Must-sees in Abidjan

A true cultural hub of West Africa, Abidjan is experiencing continuous growth marked by rapid industrialization and urban development.

With its international-class hotels, transport infrastructure, and communication networks, Abidjan is an ideal destination for business tourism. If you're visiting for leisure, you can relax on fine sandy beaches lined with palm trees and coconut palms, mainly located along the lagoon strip in the Vridi district.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy lively spots such as the Mille Maquis and Zone 4, as well as the II-Plateaux and Angré neighborhoods in Cocody, and the Rue Princesse and Niangon areas in Yopougon. Not to mention the many maquis, bars, and open-air venues scattered throughout the city.
You can also attend numerous artistic events at the Palais de la Culture in Treichville, the most popular performance venue in Abidjan.

What to see in Abidjan

Sites and monuments: the mosques of Cocody, Treichville, and Le Plateau, as well as Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Abidjan.
Parks: Banco National Park.
Museums: the Municipal Museum, American Cultural Center, French Cultural Center, Museum of Civilizations of Côte d’Ivoire, National Museum, Palais de la Culture, Goethe Institute, Abidjan Handicraft Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Gastronomy

A rich and diverse cuisine

In Abidjan, you’ll discover a wide variety of dishes, with nearly a hundred different recipes to explore.

The most well-known dishes include: foutou, attiéké, kedjenou, millet porridge, and yam — either stewed or fried.

Grilled chicken served with alloco (fried plantains) is one of the local specialties.

Culture

A rich cultural heritage

Côte d'Ivoire is home to a remarkable cultural wealth. It is a crossroads where around sixty ethnic groups coexist peacefully, each with its own customs and traditions, often expressed through rhythmic dances to the sound of drums. You can admire some of the most beautiful traditional dances in the western regions of the country. Traditions and local customs are numerous and deeply rooted, and it is important to respect them.

Oral tradition remains strong in villages, where griots — traditional storytellers in West Africa — serve as the keepers of communal memory. These griots are considered the “living memory” of the village. The "palaver tree" is a symbolic place where village elders gather to resolve conflicts and discuss family matters.

You’ll find that hospitality and warmth are truly genuine throughout the country.

Climate

The climate in Côte d'Ivoire varies by region, so the best time to visit depends on the area you plan to explore.

If you’re planning a stay along the coast, the best time to go is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. If you're heading inland, we recommend visiting between October and February to explore the savannah regions.

Note that both the dry and rainy seasons are marked by consistently high temperatures, averaging around 28°C.

Practical questions about your flight to Abidjan

How long is the flight from Paris to Abidjan?

The Paris–Abidjan flight is a popular route connecting the French capital to Côte d’Ivoire’s vibrant metropolis. A direct flight from Orly Airport to Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. It’s important to check available schedules and options to find the best fare and travel conditions for your needs.

What places can you visit from Abidjan Airport?

Once you land at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport in Abidjan, a wide range of destinations awaits you for an unforgettable discovery of Côte d’Ivoire. Just a few kilometers away, dive into the vibrant heart of Abidjan with its lively neighborhoods and colorful markets. Don’t miss the famous Plateau district — the city’s economic and administrative center — where modern skyscrapers stand alongside major institutions.

For art and culture enthusiasts, the Museum of Civilizations of Côte d’Ivoire displays historical and artistic treasures that tell the story of the country’s rich heritage. If you’re looking for a nature escape, Banco Forest offers a green haven right in the heart of Abidjan — perfect for hiking or a family picnic.

For a more relaxed experience, the city’s surrounding lagoons offer scenic boat rides with stunning views of Abidjan’s skyline. And for those looking to extend their journey beyond the city, flights from Abidjan are available to other West African destinations. Whether for a short stay or a long adventure, Abidjan is the perfect starting point for a memorable journey.

Are there hotels near Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport?

Yes, Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport, located in the heart of bustling Abidjan, is surrounded by a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and need. Whether you're in transit for a connecting flight or planning to explore the city, you'll find hotels ranging from basic comfort to upscale luxury. Just a short drive from the terminal, many hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport, making travel logistics much easier.

You can relax after a long flight or prepare for your next one without stress. These hotels often come equipped with all the amenities needed for a pleasant stay. For those wanting a more immersive experience, downtown Abidjan — with its lively districts, colorful markets, and vibrant art scene — is just a few kilometers away. Choosing a hotel near Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport means enjoying a strategic location that blends convenience with discovery.