Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Bulgarian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Bulgarian citizens as of 2026. The e-visa process is straightforward, but you'll need to plan ahead.
Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for Côte d'IvoireYou need to get this e-visa before you fly – it's not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Bulgarian citizens must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official portal: https://snedai.com/. The visa is required for all stays; the maximum stay duration is not specified in the database, so confirm the granted duration upon approval. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date – it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months from entry | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's wise to have a ticket out of the country – they might ask to see it. May be requested | Although not explicitly required in the database, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHaving a bank statement or cash on hand can help if they ask how you'll support yourself. May be requested | While not listed as a formal requirement, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Visa fee paymentYou'll need to pay for the e-visa online – the cost isn't listed, so check the site. Pay online during application | The e-visa fee is not specified in the database; you will be required to pay the applicable fee when submitting your online application. Check the official portal for current fees. | Required |
| Visa processing timeDon't wait until the last minute – visa processing can take time. Apply well in advance | Processing time for the e-visa is not specified. Submit your application at least 2–3 weeks before your planned travel to allow for any delays. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before you go. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Côte d'Ivoire based on current data. | Not required |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You must carry your Yellow Card (international vaccination certificate) when you arrive. Immigration officers check it routinely. If you don't have one, you'll be vaccinated on the spot — and you'll pay for it.
Apply early for your e-visa
The e-visa portal (snedai.com) can be slow, and processing times vary. Don't wait until the last minute — submit your application at least 10 days before departure.
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 personal and travel details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Bulgaria, the airline will check your visa approval and onward ticket. Keep your passport, visa PDF, and booking confirmations in your hand luggage.
4
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan)
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, visa approval, and return ticket. You'll be asked for your accommodation details. The officer will stamp your passport — no additional payment at the counter.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no baggage scan unless you're carrying something unusual.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$150 (approx.)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and in-person appointment at Ivorian embassy.
Multiple-entry e-visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$120 (approx.)
Available for frequent travelers; apply online.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Salarié)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$217 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Ivorian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$543 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in an Ivorian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-visa application feeStandard single-entry tourist e-visa fee; payable online. | $70 (approx.) |
| E-visa processing feeNon-refundable service charge. | $20 (approx.) |
| Visa extension feeFor extension of stay beyond e-visa validity; apply at the Immigration Office in Abidjan. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit feeMost international flights include airport tax; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Bulgarian citizens transiting through Côte d'Ivoire require a visa unless they remain airside and depart within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; may be required for all travellers depending on entry point.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round throughout Côte d'Ivoire. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine are 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 la Documentation et de l'Immigration (DGDI)
Abidjan, Plateau, Avenue Chardy
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Abidjan
Service des Étrangers (Port Bouët)
Abidjan, Port Bouët, Rue des Pêcheurs
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles residence permits and renewals.
Practical information for BG 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 usually takes 2 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is around €50–70 depending on the type.
No. Bulgarian passport holders must have an approved e-visa before boarding. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Bulgarian citizens.
Yes. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the Yellow Card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Extensions are not available for the standard e-visa. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Your passport, printed visa approval, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Have them ready in your hand luggage — don't dig through your checked bag.
It's not officially required at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Côte d'Ivoire can be expensive, and insurance gives you peace of mind.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.