Photography Etiquette: What You Can Shoot in Côte d'Ivoire and How to Ask First

Côte d'Ivoire (in West Africa, French-speaking, the world's largest cocoa producer) is bursting with colour, and from markets to the coast it is hard to keep your phone in your pocket. But photographing people or certain places without permission can cause offence, or even land you in trouble. Follow a few principles and you can take pictures with confidence — and with courtesy.

Photographing people: ask first, then shoot

The French Ministry for Foreign Affairs is clear in its advice to travellers: do not photograph places or people without their consent. In practice:

• Ask with one line of French: "Je peux prendre une photo, s'il vous plaît ?" (May I take a photo, please?)
• Take extra care with close-up portraits, children and street vendors: before photographing children, ask a parent or adult present.
• Ask all the more in rural areas: some people simply value their privacy and prefer not to be photographed.
• If someone says no, put your phone away: don't take pictures covertly, and don't try again later.
• If they're happy to, show them the photo: letting people see the result often wins goodwill.

Markets and crowds

The French Ministry for Foreign Affairs also advises against photographing markets and crowds. Some market vendors do not want themselves or their goods photographed; if you really want to photograph a particular stall, buy something and chat for a moment before asking politely — you will usually have much more success.

Places not to photograph

"If in doubt, don't" is the simplest rule. If you are asked to delete a photo, comply rather than argue.

Drones

Drones in Côte d'Ivoire are regulated by the national civil aviation authority, ANAC (Autorité Nationale de l'Aviation Civile). In 2020 ANAC required drones and their owners to be registered and identified, warning that offenders would be penalised. If you plan to bring or fly a drone, check the latest rules and application procedures directly with ANAC before you travel.

Places of worship and ceremonies

When entering a church or mosque, or attending a traditional ceremony, check first whether photography is allowed; some rituals or sacred objects may be off limits to cameras. In villages, you can also ask the person who introduced you to check with the chief or elders before taking pictures.

Taking and sharing photos on business trips

On business visits, factories, warehouses, office interiors and meeting-room whiteboards may all involve your counterpart's commercial information. Asking your host before taking photos is basic professional courtesy.

Once the photo is taken, whether to post it is a separate question to ask. Agreeing to be photographed does not mean agreeing to appear on social media or in a company presentation; if a photo shows clearly identifiable people, especially children, it is best to ask for consent again before sharing it publicly, or to use angles and shots that don't show faces.

One line for Asian readers

In Côte d'Ivoire, the best photos often start with "Je peux prendre une photo ?" — ask first, and what you get in return is often a more natural smile.

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References: France Diplomatie – Côte d'Ivoire : informations utiles; SPF Affaires étrangères Belgique – Législation locale en Côte d'Ivoire; Hello – Côte d'Ivoire Cultural Guide; Expat Exchange – 10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid in Ivory Coast; Fraternité Matin – L'ANAC invite à l'identification des drones (2020)