Ivory Coast Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) welcomes international visitors for tourism, business, and transit purposes. The country has modernized its entry requirements in recent years, introducing an electronic visa (e-Visa) system that has streamlined the application process for most nationalities. All travelers must obtain authorization before arrival, either through the e-Visa system or traditional embassy channels, with limited exceptions for ECOWAS member states. Upon arrival at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan or other ports of entry, travelers will undergo immigration and customs procedures. The process is generally straightforward for those with proper documentation, including a valid passport, visa approval, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and return tickets. Immigration officers may ask about the purpose of your visit and accommodation arrangements. It is essential to ensure all documentation is in order before traveling to Ivory Coast, as entry may be denied without proper authorization. The country requires yellow fever vaccination for all travelers, and health screening measures may be in place. Travelers should also be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds and onward travel arrangements during the immigration process.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Ivory Coast requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa before entry. The country has implemented an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for most nationalities, while citizens of ECOWAS member states enjoy visa-free access. Traditional embassy visa applications are still available but the e-Visa system is the preferred and most efficient method for eligible travelers.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days

Citizens of ECOWAS member states can enter without a visa

Includes

ECOWAS citizens must carry valid national identification or passport. They may engage in economic activities within the ECOWAS free movement protocol.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Typically 30, 60, or 90 days depending on visa type

Most nationalities can apply for an electronic visa online before travel

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Most European Union countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, etc.) Switzerland South Africa Japan China India Brazil Mexico Most other nationalities

How to Apply: Apply online at www.snedai.com (official e-Visa portal) at least 5 business days before travel. Upload required documents including passport copy, photo, yellow fever certificate, and travel itinerary. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days but can take longer.
Cost: Approximately €50-€73 (around $55-$80 USD) depending on visa type and duration. Tourist visas are generally €73 for 90 days, €50 for shorter durations. Payment is made online via credit card.

Print the e-Visa approval and present it upon arrival. The e-Visa is valid for single or multiple entries depending on type selected. Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months from entry date.

Embassy Visa

Varies by visa type: tourist (30-90 days), business, long-stay

Traditional visa application through Ivorian embassy or consulate for those unable to use e-Visa system or requiring special visa types

How to Apply: Contact the nearest Ivorian embassy or consulate. Submit application with passport (valid 6+ months), photos, invitation letter or hotel booking, yellow fever certificate, and visa fee. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days but varies by location.

Required for diplomatic/official passports, work visas, student visas, and residence permits. Some nationalities may be required to apply through embassy. Always verify current requirements with the embassy.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Ivory Coast, typically at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan or Port-Bouët Airport, travelers proceed through immigration control, baggage claim, and customs. The process is generally efficient when all documentation is in order. Immigration officers are professional but may conduct thorough questioning, especially for first-time visitors.

Health Screening

Before immigration, travelers may undergo health screening including temperature checks and presentation of yellow fever vaccination certificate. This is mandatory for all arrivals.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, e-Visa approval (printed copy), and completed arrival card to the immigration officer. The officer will verify your documents, may ask questions about your visit, and stamp your passport with entry authorization.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the carousel. Ensure all bags are accounted for before proceeding to customs.

Customs Declaration

Complete customs declaration form if carrying items to declare. Proceed through the appropriate customs channel (goods to declare or nothing to declare). Customs officers may inspect luggage.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, exit to the public arrivals area where you can arrange transportation, meet contacts, or exchange currency.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Should have at least 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Visa Approval

Printed e-Visa approval or visa stamp in passport. Keep multiple copies of e-Visa approval as backup.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Mandatory for all travelers over 9 months old. Must be the official International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Vaccination must be at least 10 days old before arrival.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Ivory Coast, either return ticket or onward travel to another destination. May be requested by immigration.

Accommodation Proof

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you'll be staying. Immigration may ask for this information.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate ability to support yourself during your stay. Rarely requested but advisable to have available.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive with all documents printed and organized in an easily accessible folder, including e-Visa, yellow fever certificate, hotel bookings, and return tickets.

Keep your yellow fever vaccination certificate with your passport at all times - it's checked before immigration and you may need it at hotels or for domestic travel.

Have contact information for your accommodation readily available, including phone numbers and addresses in French if possible.

Be polite and patient with immigration officers. Answer questions directly and honestly. French is the official language, but many officers speak some English.

Exchange some currency before arrival or at the airport to have CFA francs for immediate expenses like transportation, as not all vendors accept foreign currency or cards.

Take note of your visa expiration date and ensure you depart before it expires to avoid fines or complications with future travel.

Customs & Duty-Free

Ivory Coast customs regulations allow reasonable personal items and limited duty-free goods. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form upon arrival. The customs authority (Direction Générale des Douanes) enforces strict regulations on prohibited and restricted items. Declare all items of value, large amounts of currency, and commercial goods to avoid penalties.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine

Only for travelers 18 years and older. Alcohol must be for personal consumption only.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Only for travelers 18 years and older. Must be for personal use.

Currency

Amounts exceeding 1,000,000 CFA francs (approximately €1,500 or $1,650 USD) must be declared

Both local (CFA) and foreign currency must be declared above this threshold. Keep declaration receipt for departure. Undeclared amounts may be confiscated.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to 50,000 CFA francs (approximately €75 or $85 USD) value

Items clearly for commercial purposes are subject to duties. New items in original packaging may be questioned.

Perfume

50 grams of perfume or 250ml of eau de toilette

For personal use only

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - strictly prohibited with severe penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition - prohibited without special authorization from Ministry of Interior
Counterfeit goods and pirated media - subject to confiscation and fines
Obscene or pornographic materials - prohibited by law
Endangered species products - including ivory, certain animal skins, and protected plants under CITES regulations
Certain medications - particularly psychotropic substances without proper medical documentation and authorization

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - carry in original packaging with doctor's prescription and medical certificate, especially for controlled substances
Professional camera/video equipment - may require temporary import permit and deposit for commercial use
Drones and radio equipment - require authorization from telecommunications authority (ARTCI) before import
Plants and plant products - require phytosanitary certificate from country of origin
Meat and animal products - require veterinary health certificate and may be restricted
Cultural artifacts and antiques - export requires authorization from Ministry of Culture to prevent illegal trafficking

Health Requirements

Ivory Coast has mandatory health requirements for entry, primarily focused on disease prevention. Yellow fever vaccination is strictly required for all travelers, and other vaccinations are strongly recommended for health protection.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - mandatory for all travelers over 9 months of age. Must have International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) showing vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. This is strictly enforced at entry.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and B - recommended for all travelers
Typhoid - recommended, especially for those visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Malaria prophylaxis - highly recommended as malaria is endemic throughout Ivory Coast
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Polio - recommended booster if not vaccinated in last 10 years
Meningitis - recommended during dry season (December-May) and for longer stays
Rabies - recommended for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or animal contact
Routine vaccinations - ensure tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis are current

Health Insurance

Comprehensive travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Abidjan are adequate for routine care, but serious conditions may require evacuation. Ensure your insurance covers medical treatment in Ivory Coast and emergency repatriation. Carry proof of insurance and emergency contact numbers.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other health requirements before travel as these may change. Visit your country's travel health advisory website or consult with a travel medicine clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure. Some vaccinations require multiple doses over several weeks. Malaria prevention is essential - bring appropriate prophylaxis and insect repellent. Drink only bottled or treated water and take food safety precautions.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Abidjan for citizen services and emergencies

Register with your embassy upon arrival for extended stays. Check your government's travel advisory website before departure for current security and health information.

Immigration Authority

Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST) and Office National d'Identification (ONI) handle immigration matters. E-Visa applications: www.snedai.com

For visa extensions, visit the immigration office in Abidjan (Plateau district). Bring passport, current visa, application form, photos, and fee. Extensions are not guaranteed.

Emergency Services

Police: 110 or 170, Fire: 180, Ambulance: 185

Response times may vary, especially outside Abidjan. In medical emergencies, private clinics may be faster. Keep your embassy contact number for emergencies.

Customs Authority

Direction Générale des Douanes - for customs inquiries and declarations

Located at airport and major ports. Can provide information on duty rates and prohibited items.

Tourist Information

Ministry of Tourism (Ministère du Tourisme) - Office du Tourisme de Côte d'Ivoire

Limited tourist information available at airport. Hotels and tour operators are often better sources of current information.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa (e-Visa or embassy visa). Yellow fever vaccination is required for children over 9 months old. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized parental consent letter in French or English, signed by the non-traveling parent(s), including contact information and authorizing the child to travel. If traveling with one parent, bring the child's birth certificate and consent from the other parent. Unaccompanied minors require special authorization and airline arrangements.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs and cats) require: valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days old but not more than 12 months), international health certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, import permit from Ivorian veterinary services (can be obtained through embassy or upon arrival), and microchip identification is recommended. Some airlines have additional requirements. Pets must be declared upon arrival and may be quarantined if documentation is incomplete. Certain breeds may be restricted. Contact the Direction des Services Vétérinaires in advance for current requirements.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas typically allow 30-90 days. For longer stays, apply for visa extension at the immigration office (Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire) in Abidjan before your current visa expires. Bring passport, application form, photos, proof of accommodation, financial means, and extension fee. Extensions are not guaranteed and may take several days. For stays beyond tourist purposes, apply for appropriate long-stay visa (work, study, residence) through embassy before travel or convert status in-country with sponsorship. Work visas require employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Overstaying your visa results in fines and possible deportation.

Business Travelers

Business visitors should obtain a business visa (available as e-Visa or through embassy) rather than tourist visa. Carry invitation letter from Ivorian company or organization, business registration documents, and proof of business purpose. Business visas may allow multiple entries. For setting up business or long-term assignments, work permits and residence permits are required separately from visa.

Dual Nationals

Dual nationals should enter Ivory Coast on the same passport used to obtain the visa. If holding Ivorian citizenship, you may be required to use your Ivorian passport for entry regardless of other nationalities. Consult the embassy about dual nationality entry requirements before travel.

Lost Passport or Visa

If passport is lost or stolen in Ivory Coast, immediately report to local police and obtain a police report. Contact your embassy/consulate for emergency travel document. Visit immigration office with police report and embassy letter to regularize your status. Keep photocopies of passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate separate from originals as backup.