Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. Plan ahead, as processing can take a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Bahrain passport holders need a visa for Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online through the SNEDAI portal at least 3 business days before departure. The eVisa costs around 70,000 XOF (~$115 USD) and is valid for a single entry up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Côte d'Ivoire. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Abidjan airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. Without it, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Côte d'Ivoire. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — around 200,000 XOF (~$330 USD) in cash or a credit card statement. Officers rarely check this, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
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
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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 May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism. Must apply at embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 55,000 XOF)
Allows multiple entries for tourism or business. Requires proof of sufficient funds.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 75,000 XOF)
For long-term stays (e.g., retirement, family). Requires proof of income and accommodation.
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 30 days. | ~$80 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$150 USD (approx. 55,000 XOF) |
| Visa extension feeExtension of stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | ~$50 USD (approx. 18,000 XOF) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. Pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$10 USD (approx. 3,500 XOF) per day, max $500 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
Bahrain holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa is required.
- If the layover exceeds 24 hours, a visa is required.
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ), Abidjan
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 = 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 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 May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.