Sweden entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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

If you hold an Ivory Coast passport, you need a visa to enter Sweden in 2026. This applies to all travel purposes — tourism, business, or visiting family. You must apply at the Swedish embassy or a visa application center before you travel.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Schengen visa application
Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate
You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Sweden. Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country, or at the embassy of another Schengen state that handles visa applications for Sweden. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days, so apply well in advance.Apply for Schengen visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Sweden
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure date from Sweden. It must have been issued within the last 10 years. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Swedish border control routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. If you're flying out of the Schengen area, the ticket must show a departure within your visa's validity.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from your host in Sweden ready. Immigration may ask to see it at the border. If staying with friends or family, they need to provide a formal invitation letter with their address and contact details.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Swedish border officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds. Have bank statements from the last 3 months, a credit card, or cash showing you can cover at least 450 SEK per day of your stay. A prepaid travel card also works.Recommended
Apply early — processing can take 45 days
Don't wait until the last minute. Visa processing can take up to 45 days if the embassy requests additional documents. Apply at least 6 weeks before your departure.
Schengen visa covers 27 countries
With a Swedish visa, you can visit all Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days. But you must enter Sweden first or spend the most time there.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa
Submit your visa application at the Swedish embassy in Abidjan or at a visa application center (like VFS Global). You'll need to provide your passport, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, and accommodation booking. Pay the fee (around €80 for adults). Processing takes 15–30 days, so apply well in advance.
2
Wait for approval
The embassy will review your application. You may be called for an interview. Once approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport. You'll get it back by courier or pick it up in person.
3
Travel to Sweden
Fly into Stockholm Arlanda, Gothenburg Landvetter, or Copenhagen (via train/bridge). At passport control, present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
4
Enter Sweden
Once cleared, you're allowed to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa is for the Schengen Area, so you can also travel to other Schengen countries during your stay.
Download Sweden Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-2 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Standard Schengen visa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-2 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost€80 (~$87 USD) for application, plus residence permit fee

For work, study, or family reunification. Requires additional documentation.

work visa
Swedish Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in Sweden. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds.
Apply
student visa
Swedish Student Residence Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students accepted at a Swedish university. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
Apply
family reunification
Swedish Residence Permit for Family Reunification
Up to 2 years, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For close family members of Swedish residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and financial support.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults.€80 (~$87 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$87 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period.€100 (~$109 USD) per day, max €1,000 (~$1,090 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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 Sweden

Transit visa required

Ivory Coast passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Sweden, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
  • Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state
  • Holders of a valid residence permit from an EU/EEA country
Transit hubsStockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) · Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) · Malmö Airport (MMX)

Health & vaccines for Sweden

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Ivory Coast is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk

Risk in forested areas, especially in summer; vaccination recommended for rural travel.

Lyme diseaseModerate risk

Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Stockholm
Swedish Migration Agency (Stockholm office)
Sveavägen 90, 113 59 Stockholm
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00

Main office for visa and residence permit matters. Book appointment online.

Gothenburg
Swedish Migration Agency (Gothenburg office)
Stampgatan 20, 411 01 Göteborg
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00

Handles visa and permit applications. Appointment required.

Practical information for CI travellers

Country basics
CapitalStockholm
LanguageSwedish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid.
Money
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 9.24 SEK
updated May 30
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout Sweden.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical112
EU emergency112
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Sweden — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if you're transiting through a Swedish airport and need to pass through passport control (e.g., changing terminals or staying overnight), you need a Schengen visa. If you stay airside and don't enter the Schengen area, you may not need one — check with your airline.
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days if more documents are needed. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 52,000 CFA francs). Children aged 6–12 pay €40. Some visa application centers charge an additional service fee (around €20–30).
No, the Schengen visa is not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the 90-day limit. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from re-entering the Schengen Area.
You'll need: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), 2 passport photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, proof of funds (bank statements for the last 3 months), and a cover letter explaining your trip.
Yes, the Swedish visa is a Schengen visa. You can travel to all 27 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy) for up to 90 days total within any 180-day period.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Swedish Migration Agency. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or weak ties to Ivory Coast. Reapply with stronger documents.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.