Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Emirati passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for UAE citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online through the SNEDAI portal at least 5 business days before your flight. The eVisa costs 73,000 XOF (~$120 USD) and is valid for a single entry up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Côte d'Ivoire. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Abidjan Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may check it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers sometimes ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination Certificate required | You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow WHO card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport for a fee. | Required |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. No card = possible quarantine or denial of entry.
Currency and cash
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Abidjan, but cash is king elsewhere. ATMs are common in cities.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to snedai.com, fill in the application, upload your documents, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive an approval email — print it or save the PDF.
2
Prepare your documents
Before you head to the airport, double-check: passport valid 6+ months, return ticket, hotel booking, and the visa approval. Keep everything in a folder on your phone.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, visa approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes a few minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then head through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€150 (~$163 USD)
Allows multiple entries for tourism or business.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$218 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry 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 dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | 300,000 XOF (~$490 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Côte d'Ivoire airports, provided they do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) · Bouaké Airport (BYK)
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 = 563.41 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 UAE citizens. You must apply online at snedai.com before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type and duration. Check snedai.com for the current price. Expect around 50,000–100,000 XOF (roughly $80–$160).
You will be denied entry. 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 — immigration may check it.
Extensions are not available for this visa type. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply.
Immigration may refuse entry. Always have a confirmed onward ticket before you fly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.