Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Malta 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
Maltese passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Maltese citizens as of 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take up to two weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Malta passport holders need a visa for Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online through the SNEDAI portal at least 5 business days before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Côte d'Ivoire. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Ivorian immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Abidjan airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Côte d'Ivoire. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least 500 EUR or equivalent in cash, or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely check, but it's safer to have it. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Maltese passport holders must get an e-visa before flying. There is no visa on arrival. Apply at least two weeks ahead to avoid delays.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry your Yellow Card. Immigration officers may ask to see it at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Côte d'Ivoire e-visa portal (snedai.com) and fill out the application. Upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing takes 3–14 days.
2
Receive and save your visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF or email confirmation. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Malta, the airline will check your visa and onward ticket. Have your printed visa approval, passport, and return ticket ready.
4
Arrival at Abidjan Airport (or other entry point)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, visa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€150 (~$163 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$217 USD)
For longer stays, requires proof of accommodation and financial means.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$217 USD) application fee
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 (~$108 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a recognized Ivorian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$543 USD) application fee
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)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or online. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €150 (~$163 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 500,000 XOF (~$810 USD). | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | 20,000 XOF (~$32 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
Malta passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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 travelers arriving from endemic countries or if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas. Use insect repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water. Vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travelers.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Yamoussoukro
Direction Régionale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration
Yamoussoukro, near the Presidential Palace
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Côte d'Ivoire. Less crowded than Abidjan.
Practical information for MT 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 Maltese citizens. You must apply for an e-visa before you travel.
Processing typically takes 3 to 14 days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is around 50,000 XOF (about €75), but check the portal for the current amount. Payment is online by credit card.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the Yellow Card) — immigration may ask to see it.
The standard tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Abidjan before your visa expires. It's not guaranteed.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. The airline may also fine you. Do not travel without an approved visa.
It is not officially required for the visa application, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
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.