Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Apply in advance through the official e-visa portal or at an Ivorian embassy. Processing can take up to a week, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Apply at the SNEDAI portal (snedai.com) — the official government site. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. Côte d'Ivoire does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Abidjan airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked to show where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address is sufficient. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 for a short trip. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport at your own expense. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
E-visa processing times vary
Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. While standard processing is 3–7 business days, delays happen. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the official Côte d'Ivoire e-visa portal (snedai.com). Fill out the application, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page, and pay the fee (around $70–$100 depending on processing speed). Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive your e-visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in and upon arrival.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, printed e-visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
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 exit.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Standard visa for tourism; apply at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost~$150 USD
For frequent travellers; conditions apply.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For longer stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers 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 USD (estimated)
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 USD (estimated)
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for US citizens; apply at Ivorian embassy or consulate. | ~$100 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~$150 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office; subject to approval. | ~$50 USD (estimated) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa; pay at immigration before departure. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated, max cap unknown) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
US citizens 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)
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Côte d'Ivoire. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 l'Immigration
Abidjan, Plateau, near the Ministry of Interior
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, visa, and photos.
Abidjan
Immigration Office at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Airport
Aéroport International Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
24/7
For entry/exit issues and visa on arrival queries.
Practical information for US 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
Yes. US passport holders must get a visa before travel. You can apply online for an e-visa at snedai.com. There is no visa on arrival for US citizens.
The e-visa fee is typically around $70–$100, depending on processing speed. Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. You pay online by credit card.
The e-visa usually allows a stay of up to 90 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged through the immigration office in Abidjan. The standard tourist visa is single-entry.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You'll need to visit the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration (DGDI) in Abidjan. Bring your passport, current visa, a passport photo, and a fee (around $50–$100). Processing can take a few days.
You will be denied entry and put on the next flight out. There is no visa on arrival for US citizens. Always get your e-visa approved before you fly.
Yes. Côte d'Ivoire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 9 months old. You'll need to show your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive and cash-only in many facilities. Insurance covering medical evacuation is especially wise.
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.