Visa requirements

Cote d'Ivoire

General visa requirements for travelling to Cote d'Ivoire. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (ECOWAS Tourist Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
N/A - no application required
Fee
Free
Validity
90 days
Entry
Single entry

ECOWAS member states enjoy visa-free access for up to 90 days. National identity card is sufficient for entry.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Citizens of ECOWAS member states: Benin, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

    Eligible countries: Benin, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

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Business visa (ECOWAS Business Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
N/A - no application required
Fee
Free
Validity
90 days
Entry
Single entry

ECOWAS member states enjoy visa-free access for business purposes up to 90 days.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Citizens of ECOWAS member states: Benin, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

    Eligible countries: Benin, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

  • Purpose of visit

    Business activities including meetings, conferences, and trade.

    Includes
    • Business meetings
    • conferences
    • trade
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Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Processing time
N/A - no visa required
Fee
Free
Entry
Single entry

Holders of diplomatic or service category passports from these countries do not require a visa for Côte d'Ivoire.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Diplomatic or service passport holders from specified countries: Austria, Brazil, China, Gabon, Israel, South Africa, Turkey, Uganda, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

    Eligible countries: Austria, Brazil, China, Gabon, Israel, South Africa, Turkey, Uganda, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

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Medical visa (Medical Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
7 business days
Fee
Varies
Entry
Single entry

Medical visa for treatment in Côte d'Ivoire hospitals. Some private hospitals like Sainte Anne-Marie International Polyclinic and Hôtel Dieu offer good quality care in Abidjan. For specialist treatment, may need to seek care in another country.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Seeking medical treatment at recognized hospital in Côte d'Ivoire.

    Includes
    • Medical treatment
  • Financial

    Sufficient funds to cover medical treatment and stay.

    Minimum funds: Variable based on treatment

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Sufficient funds to cover medical treatment and stay; Months required: 6

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: No; Must include salary: No

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from hospital in Côte d'Ivoire where applicant intends to undergo medical treatment

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

    Required tests: As required by authorities

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Medical visa application form

  • Proof of address

    Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.

    Accepted documents: Certificate of residence

  • International vaccination card

    Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate; Validity months: 120

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain medical recommendation from local doctor and letter from Ivorian hospital.

  2. Document submission

    Submit application with medical documents, bank statements, and employment certificate to embassy.

  3. Processing wait

    Wait for embassy to process medical visa application.

  4. Visa collection

    Collect approved medical visa from embassy.

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Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
3 business days (expedited)
Fee
Free (exempt from fees)
Entry
Single entry

Diplomatic passport holders from countries not on visa-exempt list must apply through embassy. Exempt from visa fees.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Official diplomatic or government business.

    Includes
    • Diplomatic

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 50mm x 70mm

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Diplomatic visa application form

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain diplomatic note verbale and mission order from sending government.

  2. Document submission

    Submit note verbale, visa application form, passport photo, and mission order to embassy.

  3. Processing wait

    Wait for embassy to process diplomatic visa (expedited processing).

  4. Visa collection

    Collect approved diplomatic visa from embassy.

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Transit visa (Transit Visa (exceeding 24 hours))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
3 days
Processing time
2 business days
Fee
73 EUR
Entry
Single entry

Transit visa required if exiting airport or transit exceeds 24 hours. Cannot exceed 3 days.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Transit through Côte d'Ivoire exceeding 24 hours or exiting airport.

    Includes
    • Transit

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card, bank transfer; Amount: 73 EUR

  • International vaccination card

    Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate; Validity months: 120

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Transit visa (Transit Visa-Free (24 hours))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
1 days
Processing time
N/A - no visa required
Fee
Free
Entry
Single entry

Transit without visa allowed if: confirmed onward ticket for connecting flight within 24 hours, stay within international transit area of Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, do not pass through immigration. ECOWAS citizens can transit without visa due to regional agreements.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Transit through Abidjan airport to reach final destination within 24 hours.

    Includes
    • Transit

Documents you need

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

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Work / Immigration visa (Work Permit and Residence Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
42 business days (6-8 weeks)
Fee
Varies by employer and work permit type
Validity
1 year (renewable)
Entry
Single entry

Work permit and residence visa issued together. Employer must advertise position for 1 month in national newspaper before hiring foreign worker. Valid for one year for fixed-term or permanent contract.

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Job vacancy must be advertised for 1 month in national daily newspaper. Position can only be filled by foreign worker if no qualified national candidate found.

    Required status: Employment under fixed-term or permanent contract

  • Purpose of visit

    Employment under fixed-term or permanent contract.

    Includes
    • Employment

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Work permit and visa application

  • Proof of address

    Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.

    Accepted documents: Proof of residence in Côte d'Ivoire for stays exceeding 3 months

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No

  • International vaccination card

    Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate; Validity months: 120

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Employer advertises position in national newspaper for 1 month and obtains AGEPE authorization.

  2. Online application

    Employer submits work contract to AGEPE for approval using specified form.

  3. Document submission

    Submit work permit and residence visa application with approved employment contract.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for work permit processing (6-8 weeks for long-term permits).

  5. Visa collection

    Collect approved work permit and residence visa valid for one year.

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Student visa (Student Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
7 business days
Fee
185 USD
Entry
Single entry

Must apply through embassy or consulate. E-visa not available for student visas. Requires admission letter from recognized Ivorian educational institution.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Enrollment in full-time course at recognized educational institution.

    Includes
    • Study
  • Financial

    Sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

    Minimum funds: Variable based on institution and program

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-style photograph

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, sponsor letter; Minimum amount: Sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses

  • Admission letter

    Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Student visa application form

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Bank transfer, money order; Amount: 185 USD

  • Academic transcript

    Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

  • Proof of enrollment

    Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.

    Must be current: Yes; Must be original: No

  • International vaccination card

    Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate; Validity months: 120

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain admission letter from Ivorian university and gather financial documents.

  2. Online application

    Complete visa application form for student visa.

  3. Document submission

    Submit application with all supporting documents to embassy/consulate.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay student visa application fee.

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for embassy to process student visa application.

  6. Visa collection

    Collect approved student visa from embassy.

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Tourist visa (Tourist E-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
2 business days
Fee
73 EUR
Validity
90 days
Entry
Multiple entry

E-visa available for approximately 120 nationalities. Must complete online pre-enrollment, then collect visa at Abidjan airport with biometric enrollment. Valid only for entry through Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Approximately 120 nationalities eligible for e-visa.

  • Purpose of visit

    Tourism and leisure activities.

    Includes
    • Tourism

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Format 50mm x 70mm on white background

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Hotel booking or accommodation certificate; Must cover full stay: Yes

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Invitation letter or accommodation certificate if staying with host

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: E-visa application form; Form url: https://snedai.com/e-visa/

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card; Amount: 73 EUR

  • International vaccination card

    Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for all travelers aged 9 months or over. Must be administered at least 10 days prior to arrival. Valid for lifetime.; Validity months: 120

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online pre-enrollment on SNEDAI website with personal information, travel details, and contacts in Côte d'Ivoire.

  2. Document gathering

    Upload passport identity pages, round-trip flight reservation, and invitation letter or accommodation certificate.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay 73 EUR visa fee (including bank fees) using VISA or MasterCard.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for DST authorities to review application and send approval or refusal via email.

  5. Biometrics

    Upon arrival at Abidjan Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, undergo biometric enrollment (fingerprint and photo). Mandatory for all except minors under 12. Takes 10-15 minutes.

  6. Visa collection

    Visa affixed to passport at airport after biometric enrollment.

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Business visa (Business E-Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
2 business days
Fee
73 EUR
Validity
90 days
Entry
Multiple entry

E-visa available for business purposes. Can also apply through embassy/consulate with processing time of 3-7 days.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Nationals from approximately 120 countries eligible for e-visa.

  • Purpose of visit

    Business meetings, conferences, trade activities.

    Includes
    • Business

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Format 50mm x 70mm on white background

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: Yes; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Hotel reservation(s); Must cover full stay: Yes

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter of invitation on letterhead from host company or organization in Côte d'Ivoire detailing intended dates of arrival and departure, name and passport number

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Business visa application form; Form url: https://snedai.com/e-visa/

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card, bank transfer; Amount: 73 EUR

  • International vaccination card

    Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate required; Validity months: 120

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete online application on SNEDAI website or embassy application forms.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather passport, photos, flight reservations, hotel bookings, business letters, and invitation letters.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee (73 EUR for e-visa or embassy fee).

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for application review and approval (2 days for e-visa, 3-7 days for embassy).

  5. Biometrics

    For e-visa: Complete biometric enrollment at Abidjan airport upon arrival.

  6. Visa collection

    Collect visa at airport or embassy.

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This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.