Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
South Korean passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for tourism. Plan ahead, as processing can take up to two weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | South Korean passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Apply through the SNEDAI portal at snedai.com — the official government eVisa platform. Processing takes 2–3 business days, and you'll receive an approval letter by email to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your South Korean passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Côte d'Ivoire does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your visit. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Côte d'Ivoire | Immigration officers at Abidjan Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone showing your departure flight details. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Côte d'Ivoire. Officers may ask for it at the border, especially if you're arriving without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. There's no fixed minimum amount, but around 100,000 CFA (~$165) per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (and pay a fee). Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
Apply for your e-visa early
Processing can take up to 2 weeks, and there's no rush service. Don't wait until the last week before your trip. Apply at least 3 weeks in advance.
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 and travel details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee (around 50,000 XOF, roughly $80 USD). Processing usually takes 3–7 business days, but can take up to 2 weeks.
2
Receive and save your visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration when you arrive.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land, have your passport, visa approval PDF, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
4
Go through immigration at the airport
At Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp — that's your entry permission.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 date
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 45,000 XOF)
Apply at Ivorian embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 85,000 XOF)
For multiple visits within validity period.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 115,000 XOF)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 115,000 XOF) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 57,000 XOF)
For students enrolled in an Ivorian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 285,000 XOF)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or online. | ~$80 USD (approx. 45,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry visa for frequent travellers. | ~$150 USD (approx. 85,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$10 USD (approx. 5,500 XOF) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired documents20%
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
South Korea passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ), Abidjan
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers aged 9 months and older arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions recommended.
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 Documentation et de l'Immigration (DGDI)
Plateau, Avenue Chardy, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Abidjan
Service des Étrangers (DGDI)
Abidjan, Cocody, Rue des Jardins
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles residence permits and long-stay visas.
Practical information for KR 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 South Korean passport holders. You must apply for an e-visa online before you travel.
Typically 3–7 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee is around 50,000 XOF (West African CFA francs), which is roughly $80 USD. Payment is made online during the application.
You need a passport valid for 6+ months from your entry date, a digital passport photo, a scan of your passport bio page, and details of your travel (flight and accommodation).
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
Extensions are not available for the standard tourist visa. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel.
You will be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There is no way to get a visa at the airport. Always have your approved e-visa ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.