Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Irish passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Irish citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Irish passport holders must apply for a Côte d'Ivoire eVisa at the SNEDAI portal. The application takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, and the visa is valid for a single entry up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Irish passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Côte d'Ivoire does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines may still check for 6 months, so confirm with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Abidjan Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. If you're overlanding to a neighboring country, a bus ticket or ferry reservation works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for the address of where you're staying on arrival. A simple booking.com confirmation with the hotel name and address is sufficient. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or a credit card showing available funds. There's no official minimum amount, but around €500–€1,000 for a short trip is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it than to argue at the counter. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be asked for your yellow fever vaccination card at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs time and money).
Currency and cash
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are not widely accepted. Bring some cash to exchange at the airport — ATMs are available but can be unreliable.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa
Go to the official Côte d'Ivoire e-visa website and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days.
2
Print your visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print it and keep a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Abidjan airport
At Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (even though you already have a visa). Hand over your passport, printed visa approval, and boarding pass. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate at customs — have it ready.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$76 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$218 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$163 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$545 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of CFA 50 million (~$85,000 USD) in the country. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa. | €70 (~$76 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €100 (~$109 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | CFA 5,000 (~$8 USD) per day, max CFA 500,000 (~$815 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
Ireland passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; avoid bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 des Frontières
Boulevard de la République, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Yamoussoukro
Police des Frontières - Yamoussoukro
Avenue de la Paix, Yamoussoukro
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for IE 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 = 563.11 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. There is no visa on arrival for Irish citizens. You must apply online before you travel.
Typically 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa. A standard tourist visa is usually around €50-70. Check the official e-visa site for the exact amount.
Yes. You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Immigration may ask for it at the airport. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply for a new visa.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
It's not a formal requirement for Irish passport holders, but immigration may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or cash is fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.