Abidjan, Ivory Coast - BEWARE CUSTOMS TRAP
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Abidjan, Ivory Coast - BEWARE CUSTOMS TRAP
Abidjan, Ivory Coast - BEWARE CUSTOMS TRAP
To all Aviators visiting the West Coast of Africa and Abidjan, Ivory Coast in particular.
The method that you may be used to using when arriving at most African destinations does not apply in Abidjan.
It is advisable before departing to this mecca that you contact the handling agent first hand and double check that they are an approved and recognised agent and that they have approval from the various authorities (immigration, customs, police, anti-drug) to operate airside, and can arrange for you to get to the Customs and Immigration officers on ground side.
Be advised that the Abidjan Customs authority does not recognize a GenDec as an approved form of advice about passengers, health and cargo.
They will also not sign off on the submitted GenDec.
They will not come to your aircraft unless you SPECIFICALLY arrange for them to do so (OR if they are already waiting for you, you've been targeted!!)
Do not assume because the handler takes all your documents and gives you an invoice and receipts that the authorities have been advised of your arrival and situation.
If Customs does meet your aircraft without you arranging it, you can be sure you are about to be trapped. They do not tell you why they are looking for documents, more specifically, your aircraft documents, and will not tell you anything as they walk away to call their seniors, carrying your documents with them. DONT LET GO OF YOUR DOCS!!
Customs has built a trap to accuse the PIC of not conforming to regulations, of not receiving customs approval for the arrival of the aircraft and, of importing very highly taxable items (THE AIRCRAFT!?)
The PIC will be accused of chosing the handler who "committed the failure to report" and thus be the prime suspect in the illegal importation of the aircraft.
We were held "hostage" for 10 days while the upper Customs echelons tried to make up their minds that the proposed accusation and associated fine were "legal". The fine is based on the value of the aircraft (in our case they used the insurance value but later accepted a blue book value from the insurer).
When eventually leaving, Customs officials admitted to not having agents available airside, that there was no method in place for crew to get to the Customs offices (NAC, the airport authority, can assist as they have vehicles airside) and that they will not sign any docs provided by the crew to acnowledge GenDec receipt.
Travel safely and always have a backup plan!!
For additional info - [email protected]
To all Aviators visiting the West Coast of Africa and Abidjan, Ivory Coast in particular.
The method that you may be used to using when arriving at most African destinations does not apply in Abidjan.
It is advisable before departing to this mecca that you contact the handling agent first hand and double check that they are an approved and recognised agent and that they have approval from the various authorities (immigration, customs, police, anti-drug) to operate airside, and can arrange for you to get to the Customs and Immigration officers on ground side.
Be advised that the Abidjan Customs authority does not recognize a GenDec as an approved form of advice about passengers, health and cargo.
They will also not sign off on the submitted GenDec.
They will not come to your aircraft unless you SPECIFICALLY arrange for them to do so (OR if they are already waiting for you, you've been targeted!!)
Do not assume because the handler takes all your documents and gives you an invoice and receipts that the authorities have been advised of your arrival and situation.
If Customs does meet your aircraft without you arranging it, you can be sure you are about to be trapped. They do not tell you why they are looking for documents, more specifically, your aircraft documents, and will not tell you anything as they walk away to call their seniors, carrying your documents with them. DONT LET GO OF YOUR DOCS!!
Customs has built a trap to accuse the PIC of not conforming to regulations, of not receiving customs approval for the arrival of the aircraft and, of importing very highly taxable items (THE AIRCRAFT!?)
The PIC will be accused of chosing the handler who "committed the failure to report" and thus be the prime suspect in the illegal importation of the aircraft.
We were held "hostage" for 10 days while the upper Customs echelons tried to make up their minds that the proposed accusation and associated fine were "legal". The fine is based on the value of the aircraft (in our case they used the insurance value but later accepted a blue book value from the insurer).
When eventually leaving, Customs officials admitted to not having agents available airside, that there was no method in place for crew to get to the Customs offices (NAC, the airport authority, can assist as they have vehicles airside) and that they will not sign any docs provided by the crew to acnowledge GenDec receipt.
Travel safely and always have a backup plan!!
For additional info - [email protected]
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Been around the block
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I take it, this is your first soirée into Afrika? This was a classic francophone shakedown. This is why Afrika is poor. The CP of WB is from here. He’s a nice guy and probably related to the staff in customs.
