Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
UAE passport holders must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online through the official Snedai portal at least one week in advance. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for Côte d'IvoireWithout an approved e-visa, you will be denied boarding and entry. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official portal (https://snedai.com/) at least several days before departure. The e-visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date well before you travel. 6 months beyond intended stay | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesIvorian immigration will stamp your passport on arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration often require evidence of onward travel. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Côte d'Ivoire before your e-visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself while in the country. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statement) to cover your expenses during your stay. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou may be refused entry without proof of yellow fever vaccination. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Côte d'Ivoire. Carry the original certificate with you. | Required |
| Accommodation detailsHaving your accommodation details handy speeds up the arrival process. Hotel booking or host address | Have the address and contact details of where you will stay, as immigration may ask for this information. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't risk it
The e-visa processing time isn't instant. Apply at least a week in advance. Last-minute applications can cause delays and missed flights.
Yellow fever certificate is non-negotiable
You will be asked for it at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to https://snedai.com/ and fill out the application form. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-sized photo. Pay the visa fee online with a credit/debit card.
2
Receive e-visa approval
Wait for the e-visa approval to be emailed to you. Processing times vary, so apply at least a week before your trip. Print the approval document — you'll need a physical copy.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan) or any other entry point, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed e-visa, yellow fever certificate, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim and then customs. Have your documents ready in case customs officials ask to see them.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70
Requires invitation letter from Ivorian company
Business e-visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$150
Requires proof of business activities
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200
For work, study, or family reunification; apply at Ivorian embassy
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$218 USD) 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 annually
~€100 (~$109 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 (~$545 USD)
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Standard tourist/business e-visa fee | $70 |
| e-Visa (single entry, 1 year)Longer validity option | $100 |
| e-Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)For frequent travellers | $150 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Abidjan airport for certain nationalities; UAE passport holders should use e-visa | $70 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at immigration office in Abidjan | $30 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Transit visa required
UAE passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire must obtain a transit e-visa before travel, even if staying airside. The e-visa is valid for a maximum stay of 3 days.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no checked luggage may be allowed to stay airside for up to 24 hours, but this is not guaranteed and must be confirmed with the airline
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ), Abidjan
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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
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
Boulevard de la République, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Abidjan
Service des Étrangers (Port Bouët)
Port Bouët, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles residence permits and long-stay visas.
Practical information for AE 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
Processing times vary, but typically it takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official portal is https://snedai.com/.
No, the e-visa is mandatory for UAE passport holders. You must obtain it before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival option for this nationality.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter with a new e-visa, or check with the immigration office in Côte d'Ivoire for other options.
You'll likely be denied entry. Immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
Yes, it's mandatory. You must have the international yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be refused entry or required to get vaccinated on arrival (which is not ideal).
The West African CFA franc (XOF). You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is king in smaller establishments.
Overstaying can result in fines and potential issues with future visits. Since the e-visa is not extendable, make sure your stay fits within the allowed period.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.