Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Bulgarian passport holders need a 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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Côte d'Ivoire eVisa at the SNEDAI portal. The application takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, and you receive an approval PDF by email. Print that PDF and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Côte d'Ivoire does not require 6 months validity beyond your stay — just make sure it's valid for the whole trip. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Abidjan airport routinely ask for a return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. If you're overlanding to a neighbouring country, a bus ticket or ferry booking works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. A simple booking.com printout or an Airbnb confirmation on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card statement | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry around €200–€300 in cash (Euros or CFA francs) or have a recent bank statement on your phone. ATMs are available in Abidjan but not everywhere. | Recommended |
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 June 1, 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)
Apply at Ivorian embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€150 (~$163 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$217 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, family).
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Bulgarian passport holders. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €150 (~$163 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or airport. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day, max 100,000 XOF (~$160 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan) as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 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 = 564.01 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 June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.