Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Uganda passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Ugandan passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. This requirement is in effect as of 2026.
Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Côte d'Ivoire eVisa at the SNEDAI portal. The eVisa is valid for a single entry up to 90 days. Processing takes 2–3 business days — apply at least a week before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay. Côte d'Ivoire does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for it — carry a passport valid at least 6 months to avoid boarding issues. | 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. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Côte d'Ivoire. Immigration may ask for it if you look like you're staying with friends or family — have a printed copy handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least 200,000 XOF (~$330) for short stays. Immigration rarely checks, but if asked, you need to show you can cover your expenses. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Immigration checks this at the airport. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Apply for your e-visa early
Processing can take up to 5 business days, and the portal may have glitches. Don't leave it until the last minute. Apply at least 10 days before your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Côte d'Ivoire e-visa portal (snedai.com). Fill in your details, upload your passport scan and a passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days. Print the approval email or save it on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents for departure
Before you leave, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa approval, return/onward ticket, first night hotel confirmation, and travel insurance if you have it. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport and e-visa approval. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. They'll stamp you in — usually for up to 90 days. The whole process takes 5-15 minutes if your documents are ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large sums of cash or restricted items. Then you're free to leave the airport.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Cost50,000 XOF (~$85 USD)
Apply at Ivorian embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost100,000 XOF (~$170 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost200,000 XOF (~$340 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~200,000 XOF (~$340 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~100,000 XOF (~$170 USD)
For students enrolled in an Ivorian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~500,000 XOF (~$850 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | 50,000 XOF (~$85 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | 100,000 XOF (~$170 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | 5,000 XOF (~$8.50 USD) per day, max 150,000 XOF (~$255 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
Uganda 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, a visa is required.
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) · Bouaké Airport (BYK)
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Uganda.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; ensure safe food and water.
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)
Boulevard de la République, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Yamoussoukro
Direction Régionale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration
Avenue de la Paix, Yamoussoukro
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Côte d'Ivoire.
Practical information for UG 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. There is no visa on arrival for Ugandan citizens. You must apply for an e-visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official portal is snedai.com.
The e-visa fee varies — check the official portal for the current price. Expect to pay around 50-70 USD. Payment is online.
The e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days. Check your approval letter for the exact validity period.
Extensions are not available for this visa type. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or check with immigration in Abidjan before your visa expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Yes, Côte d'Ivoire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card — it's checked at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.