Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. As of 2026, you must apply for an eVisa online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. The process is straightforward and can be completed in a few days, but don't leave it to the last minute.
Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou need to get this visa online before you fly – there is no visa-on-arrival for Canadians. Required for Canadian citizens | Canadian passport holders must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online through the official e-visa portal at https://snedai.com/ prior to departure. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – it must be valid for half a year after you arrive. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketEven if it's not always checked, having a ticket out of the country can avoid problems at the border. May be requested | Although not explicitly required, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry bank statements or cash to show you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | While not officially required, you should be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online forms before you land. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Côte d'Ivoire. | Not required |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You will be turned away at the border if you cannot show your yellow fever vaccination card. Get the shot at least 10 days before departure and keep the card with your passport.
Apply for your eVisa early
Processing can take a few business days, and there is no visa on arrival for Canadians. Apply through the SNEDAI portal at least a week before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to https://snedai.com/ and fill out the application form. Upload your passport scan, a photo, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes a few business days — apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, make photocopies of your passport, eVisa approval, yellow fever card, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone. Keep the originals in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eVisa, yellow fever card, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp — check it's dated correctly before leaving the counter.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed to customs — green channel if you have nothing to declare. If asked, show your bags. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
eVisa (single entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$150
For frequent travelers or longer stays
Visa extension
Max stay3 months per extension
ValidityUp to 2 years total stay
Cost$50 per extension
Must apply before current visa expires
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (€180) per year
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
~$100 USD (€90) per year
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 USD (€450) per year
For investors who establish a business or invest at least $50,000 USD in Côte d'Ivoire. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 90 days)Standard tourist/business eVisa fee | $70 |
| eVisa (single entry, 1 year)For longer stays | $150 |
| Visa extension (per 3 months)Apply at the Immigration Office in Abidjan | $50 |
| Exit feeMost international flights include departure tax | 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
Canadian citizens transiting through Côte d'Ivoire require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket 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 travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food, practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travelers.
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)
Boulevard de la République, 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
Rue des Jardins, Cocody, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles residence permits and long-stay visa renewals.
Practical information for CA 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for Canadian passport holders. You must obtain an eVisa online before you travel.
Processing usually takes a few business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official portal is https://snedai.com/.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa. Check the SNEDAI portal for the current fee schedule. Expect to pay around $100–$150 USD.
Yes. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry. You must show your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at border control. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Ivorian immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Visa extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, contact the immigration office in Abidjan before your visa runs out.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Côte d'Ivoire can be expensive, and evacuation to a nearby country or back to Canada can cost thousands. A basic travel insurance policy is cheap and covers emergencies.
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.