If you are planning a trip to Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), the Ivory Coast Electronic Visa (E-Visa) is the required authorization for entry. The Ivory Coast E-Visa is an official system that allows you to pre-enroll and obtain your visa upon arrival at Port Bouët International Airport (Abidjan), the country's main international airport.
The Ivory Coast E-Visa is mandatory for all U.S. citizens, regardless of age, traveling to the Ivory Coast for tourism or business. This guide provides the facts you need to know and the steps you need to take to secure your Ivory Coast E-Visa quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is the Ivory Coast E-Visa?
- Do I Need an Ivory Coast E-Visa?
- Ivory Coast E-Visa Features: Validity and Stay Limits
- Applying for Your Ivory Coast E-Visa: DIY vs. Full-Service
- The Official Ivory Coast E-Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the E-Visa: Other Ivory Coast Entry Requirements
- Ivory Coast E-Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Ivory Coast E-Visa?
The Ivory Coast E-Visa is a multiple-entry electronic pre-enrollment system. It is not the final visa itself; rather, it is an electronic approval that allows you to fly to Abidjan, where the final visa sticker is issued and affixed to your US passport upon arrival.
Do I Need an Ivory Coast E-Visa?
As a U.S. citizen, yes, you need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire for tourism or short business visits. The Ivory Coast E-Visa is the fastest method.
You must apply for the Ivory Coast E-Visa if your purpose is:
- Tourism, leisure, or family visits.
- Short-term business activities or meetings.
Note on Final Visa: Once your Ivory Coast E-Visa application is approved, you will receive a pre-enrollment document that is essential for boarding your flight. The final visa is issued after your biometrics (fingerprints) are captured at the Port Bouët International Airport (Abidjan).
Ivory Coast E-Visa Features: Validity and Stay Limits
The Ivory Coast E-Visa provides flexible entry options for short stays.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Gov. Fee: | Approx. 73 Euros (Includes bank charges, roughly $80–$85 USD). |
| Validity (Entry Window): | 90 days from the date of issue (you must enter Côte d'Ivoire within this period). |
| Duration of Stay: | Up to 90 days (per visit). |
| Entries: | Multiple Entry (valid for 3 months). |
Applying for Your Ivory Coast E-Visa: DIY vs. Full-Service
The Ivory Coast E-Visa is managed exclusively through the official SNEDAI platform and is tied to a specific arrival procedure. The two-step nature of this digital visa (online pre-enrollment + airport biometrics) can be complex.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): Travelers can apply directly via the official government portal: https://snedai.com/e-visa/. This requires ensuring all documents are correct. The E-Visa is only valid if arriving through Port Bouët International Airport (Abidjan) and cannot be used for land borders. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers who prefer a simplified pre-enrollment process and expert review, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa simplifies the documentation and pre-enrollment process, checks your documents against government specifications, and provides 24/7 multilingual support.
The Official Ivory Coast E-Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
The Ivory Coast E-Visa process requires an online application before travel and a final biometric enrollment upon arrival at the Port Bouët International Airport (Abidjan).
| Processing Time (Standard): | Typically 2–5 business days (The official target is 48 working hours). |
| Recommendation: | Apply at least 2 weeks before your intended departure date. |
Step 1: Complete Online Pre-Enrollment
- Access the official Ivory Coast E-visa site or use an accredited service like iVisa.
- Fill out the secure online application form.
- Upload required documents:
- A recent digital passport-style photo (color, with a white background).
- A scanned copy of your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (this is mandatory for entry).
- Scanned copy of your U.S. passport's bio-data page (passport must be valid for at least 6 months).
- Copy of your confirmed departure from the Ivory Coast (e.g., return ticket).
- Copy of your accommodation confirmation (e.g., hotel reservation or invitation letter, if traveling for business).
Step 2: Pay and Receive Approval
- Pay the non-refundable government fee (approx. $80–$85 USD).
- Double-check the form to ensure all information is accurate.
- Submit your application.
- Confirmation: You will receive a response via email, usually within 48 business hours.
- If approved, you will receive the pre-enrollment document (with a barcode/reference code).
- Print this document and save it digitally. You will be requested to show this document upon arrival.
Step 3: Final Visa Issuance at Abidjan Airport
Upon arrival at Port Bouët International Airport (Abidjan), proceed to the dedicated E-Visa counter. You must present:
- Your printed pre-enrollment document.
- Your valid US passport.
- Your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Your biometrics (fingerprints and a final verification photo) will be captured, and the final visa sticker will be printed and affixed to your passport immediately.
Beyond the E-Visa: Other Ivory Coast Entry Requirements
The Ivory Coast E-Visa grants you the right to have the final visa issued upon arrival, but admission is always conditional. An approved E-Visa does not guarantee final admission. Immigration officers retain the final authority on admission.
Be prepared to show:
- Yellow Fever Certificate: This is mandatory for entry.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your date of arrival.
- Proof of Onward Travel: Confirmed return or onward ticket, proving your planned departure from the Ivory Coast.
Please Note: The Ivory Coast E-Visa is not extendable and is not convertible to a residency permit. If you require a longer stay or plan to work, you must apply for the appropriate visa type through an Ivorian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Ivory Coast E-Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No. The Ivory Coast E-Visa allows you to pre-enroll and obtain your visa upon arrival at Port Bouët International Airport (Abidjan).
A: No. The Ivory Coast E-Visa is the electronic pre-enrollment approval you receive by email. The final sticker for your passport is the visa itself, which is issued at Abidjan Airport after your biometrics (fingerprints) are taken.
A: Yes. The Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is a mandatory requirement for entry into Côte d'Ivoire, and you must present it alongside your passport and E-Visa approval letter.
A: The E-Visa is granted up to 90 days per visit. The visa is valid for multiple entries over a 90-day period.
A: No. The Ivory Coast E-Visa is only valid for entry via Port Bouët International Airport (Abidjan). For entry via land borders or other ports, you must obtain a traditional visa from an Ivorian embassy.
A: You can usually retrieve or reprint your approval letter by logging back into the SNEDAI portal using your application details.
Need expert assistance with your Ivory Coast E-Visa pre-enrollment? Apply for your Ivory Coast E-Visa quickly and securely with iVisa today! Let iVisa help you navigate the process and ensure your documents are prepared for your arrival at Abidjan Airport.
