Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Chinese nationals as of 2026. The process is done online through the official SNEDAI portal, and once approved, you'll get a visa approval letter to print and carry with you.
Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou need to get this visa online before you fly – you cannot get it on arrival. Apply before travel | Chinese passport holders must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival in Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online at the official e-visa portal (https://snedai.com/). Ensure your application is submitted well in advance of your departure. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a flight out of Côte d'Ivoire booked can help you pass through immigration smoothly. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to show you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | While not listed as a mandatory requirement, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by an immigration officer. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any separate arrival form before you land. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Côte d'Ivoire. | Not required |
No visa on arrival for Chinese passport holders
You must get a visa before you travel. There is no visa on arrival option at any Ivorian airport or border crossing.
Yellow fever vaccination required
All travellers over 1 year old need a yellow fever vaccine. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — immigration may check it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to snedai.com and submit your visa application. Upload your passport scan, photo, and travel details. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 48–72 hours.
2
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa approval letter by email. Print it out — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Côte d'Ivoire.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Pack your printed visa approval, passport, return ticket, and first-night hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
4
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
After landing in Abidjan, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, visa approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to show your customs declaration form. Then you're free to leave the airport.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (e-visa)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$70
Requires invitation letter from Ivorian company
Long-stay visa (e-visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$150
For work or study; requires additional documents
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$250
For frequent business travelers
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Standard tourist/business e-visa fee | $70 |
| e-Visa (single entry, 1 year)Longer validity option | $150 |
| e-Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)For frequent travelers | $250 |
| Visa extension (per 3 months)Apply at the Immigration Office in Abidjan | $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Côte d'Ivoire
Transit visa required
Chinese passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Holders of a valid residence permit for Côte d'Ivoire
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abidjan
Direction Générale de la Police aux Frontières
Plateau, Avenue Chardy, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Yamoussoukro
Police aux Frontières – Yamoussoukro
Boulevard de la Paix, Yamoussoukro
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the capital region.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalYamoussoukro
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 574.19 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male earth pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Chinese passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. There is no visa on arrival option. Apply online at snedai.com at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Processing usually takes 48–72 hours. Apply well in advance — at least 2 weeks before your departure date.
The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Check the snedai.com website for current fees. Expect to pay around 50,000–100,000 XOF (roughly $80–$160 USD).
Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may ask to see it.
No. The visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa from abroad.
You will be denied boarding or entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Côte d'Ivoire. Renew your passport if needed before applying for the visa.
Yes. Immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or screenshot on your phone ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.