Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Iceland 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

Icelandic passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for Icelandic citizens. This requirement is in effect for 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
You need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online through the SNEDAI portal at least a few days before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry up to 90 days — processing usually takes 48 hours.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your Icelandic passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Côte d'Ivoire. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Ivorian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration at Abidjan Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — they check this before stamping you in.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a hotel booking. A printed reservation confirmation or a letter from your host with their address is enough.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Border officials can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing at least 500 USD equivalent — cash in euros or USD is also accepted.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own cost.
eSIM saves time at the airport
Instead of queuing for a local SIM at Abidjan airport, install an Airalo eSIM before you leave. It activates automatically when you land.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Côte d'Ivoire e-visa website (snedai.com). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and keep it with your passport. Also save a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan)
Most international flights land in Abidjan. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, printed visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
4
Go through immigration
Hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer will check your documents, take your fingerprints (usually index fingers), and stamp your passport. This normally takes 2–5 minutes per person.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a quick bag scan on the way out. You're now free to enter Côte d'Ivoire.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa single entry
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$75 USD)

Standard tourist visa for a single visit.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)

Ideal for multiple trips within six months.

Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$215 USD)

For extended stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.

work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$215 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$108 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a recognized Ivorian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (~$540 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum investment ~$50,000 USD). Includes family reunification.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa for tourism.€70 (~$75 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.€120 (~$130 USD)
Visa extension feeExtension possible at immigration office for up to 3 months.€50 (~$55 USD) per month
Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity.€10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$540 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

Icelandic passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan) as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) · Bouaké Airport (BYK)

Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors due to local transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travelers.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.

CholeraLow risk

Rare in travelers; practice food and water hygiene.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under treated nets.

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 Documentation et de l'Immigration (DGDI)
Boulevard de la République, Plateau, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.

Abidjan
Service des Étrangers – Préfecture d'Abidjan
Rue des Jardins, Cocody, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30

Handles residence permits and visa renewals. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.

Practical information for IS 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
updated May 19
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
Police110
Medical185
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa on arrival for Icelandic passport holders. You must obtain an e-visa before you travel.
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. The official portal is snedai.com.
The fee varies by nationality and duration. For Icelandic citizens, expect around €50–€70 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the exact amount on the application portal.
You'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry, not departure.
Yes. Côte d'Ivoire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Extensions are not available for the standard e-visa. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You'll be refused entry and put on the next flight back at your own expense. Airlines also check for visas before boarding, so you likely won't even get on the plane.

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.