Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Chinese nationals as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Côte d'Ivoire eVisa through the SNEDAI portal at least 5 business days before departure. The eVisa costs around 70,000 XOF (~$115 USD) and is valid for a single entry up to 90 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Abidjan Airport will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Côte d'Ivoire. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Abidjan Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Côte d'Ivoire within the eVisa validity period. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Côte d'Ivoire. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least 500,000 XOF (~$830 USD) or equivalent in cash, or a credit card showing available balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay, especially for longer trips. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Chinese passport holders
You must get a visa before you travel. There is no visa on arrival option at any Ivorian airport or border crossing.
Yellow fever vaccination required
All travellers over 1 year old need a yellow fever vaccine. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — immigration may check it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to snedai.com and submit your visa application. Upload your passport scan, photo, and travel details. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa approval letter by email. Print it out — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Côte d'Ivoire.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Pack your printed visa approval, passport, return ticket, and first-night hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
4
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
After landing in Abidjan, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, visa approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to show your customs declaration form. Then you're free to leave the airport.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Cost€70 (~$77 USD)
Requires passport valid 6 months, 2 photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; same documents as single entry.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and a local sponsor.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, payable at embassy or online. | €70 (~$77 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of 500,000 XOF (~$800 USD). | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day |
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
China passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Côte d'Ivoire may transit without additional visa.
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 endemic countries; recommended for all visitors.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 aux Frontières
Plateau, Avenue Chardy, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Yamoussoukro
Police aux Frontières – Yamoussoukro
Boulevard de la Paix, Yamoussoukro
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the capital region.
Practical information for CN 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 = 564.8 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. Chinese passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. There is no visa on arrival option. Apply online at snedai.com at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Apply well in advance — at least 2 weeks before your departure date.
The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Check the snedai.com website for current fees. Expect to pay around 50,000–100,000 XOF (roughly $80–$160 USD).
Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may ask to see it.
No. The visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa from abroad.
You will be denied boarding or entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Côte d'Ivoire. Renew your passport if needed before applying for the visa.
Yes. Immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or screenshot on your phone ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.