Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Bahrain 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

Bahraini passport holders need an e-visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days, so plan ahead.

Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
E-visaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival option.
Apply before travel
You must obtain an e-visa before arriving in Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online at the official e-visa portal (snedai.com). The visa is not available on arrival for Bahraini passport holders.Required
Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date.
At least 6 months
Your Bahraini passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire.Required
Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp.
At least 1 page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketIt's a good idea to have a ticket out of the country in case they ask.
May be requested
Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one.Recommended
Proof of fundsCarry a bank statement or cash to show you can support yourself during your visit.
May be requested
Although not explicitly required by the database, you should be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration.Recommended
Visa fee paymentYou'll need to pay the visa fee online when you apply.
Paid online
The e-visa fee is paid online during the application process. The exact amount is not specified in the database, so check the official portal for current fees.Required
Visa processing timeDon't wait until the last minute to apply for your visa.
Apply in advance
The e-visa processing time is not specified in the database. Apply well in advance of your travel date to allow for processing.Required
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport at your own expense.
eSIM saves time at the airport
Buy an Airalo eSIM before you fly. It activates as soon as you land, so you can call a taxi or use maps immediately — no need to queue for a local SIM.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to snedai.com and fill out the application. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photo. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive the approved visa by email — print it and keep a digital copy on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents
Before you head to the airport, gather: your printed e-visa, passport (valid 6+ months), return/onward ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance if you have it. Save screenshots of everything on your phone.
3
Arrival at Abidjan Airport (or other entry point)
At immigration, present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking. They'll stamp you in — no additional fee at the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward. If you have an eSIM, you'll have data immediately for rideshare or taxi.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Multiple-entry e-visa
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostApprox. $150

For frequent travelers; apply online before arrival.

Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–$300)

Requires sponsorship and additional documentation; apply at the Ivorian embassy.

work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 75,000 XOF) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries and long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 37,000 XOF) application fee
For students enrolled in an accredited Ivorian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 185,000 XOF) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Fast-track processing available.
Other fees
ServiceCost
E-visa application feeStandard single-entry tourist e-visa fee. Fees are subject to change.€70 (approx. $75)
E-visa processing feeProcessing typically takes 2–5 business days.Included in application fee
Visa extension feeExtensions are possible at the immigration office in Abidjan. Fees vary by duration.Approx. $50–$100
Exit feeNo airport departure tax is charged to passengers.None

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

Bahraini passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. A transit visa is required if leaving the international transit area.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
  • Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and who stay airside for less than 24 hours do not need a visa.
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; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Malaria is widespread throughout Côte d'Ivoire; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Dengue outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraLow risk

Cholera risk is low for tourists but can occur in areas with poor sanitation.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 Police des Frontières (DGPF)
Plateau, Avenue Chardy, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.

Abidjan
Service des Étrangers (Préfecture d'Abidjan)
Cocody, Rue des Jardins, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30

Handles residence permits and long-stay visas. Expect delays; bring copies of all documents.

Practical information for BH 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police110
Medical185
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa on arrival for Bahraini passport holders. You must apply for an e-visa at snedai.com before you travel.
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approved visa by email.
The e-visa fee is around 50,000 XOF (about 80 USD) for a single entry. Check snedai.com for the current fee — it can change.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival in Côte d'Ivoire.
Yes, Côte d'Ivoire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card — immigration may ask to see it.
The e-visa is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Abidjan before your visa expires. It's not automatic.
Overstaying can result in a fine of around 10,000–50,000 XOF (16–80 USD) depending on how long. You may also face difficulties at immigration on departure. Best to leave on time or get an extension.

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.