Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
British passport holders need an e-visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward and typically takes a few days.
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 – you cannot get it on arrival. Apply online before travel | British passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arriving in Côte d'Ivoire. Apply at the official e-visa portal (https://snedai.com/) at least several days before departure. The e-visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months remaining | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire. Check your passport's expiry date well before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean, empty page in your passport for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no visa or stamp is already occupying the page where the immigration officer will stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a flight out of the country booked – they want to see you plan to leave. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Côte d'Ivoire before your visa or authorised stay expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry bank statements or cards to show you can support yourself. Sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Côte d'Ivoire. This can be recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash (CFA francs or major currencies). The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou must have the yellow fever shot and the official certificate to show at the border. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Côte d'Ivoire. Ensure you are vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form – just go through immigration as usual. Not required | Côte d'Ivoire does not require an arrival declaration form for UK passport holders. No separate online or paper declaration is needed before landing. | Not required |
Apply early — no exceptions
The e-visa is mandatory and there's no visa-on-arrival. If you show up without it, you'll be sent back. Apply at least 1-2 weeks ahead to avoid stress.
Yellow fever certificate is a must
Border officials routinely ask for it. If you don't have it, you could be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (which is not ideal).
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://snedai.com/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel information. Pay the fee online.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll get an e-visa document via email. Check the details carefully — any errors could cause problems at the border. Print a copy or save it offline on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Côte d'Ivoire
At Abidjan's Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (or other entry points), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, residence)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/studies
Cost$150–$300 (approx.)
Requires sponsorship and in-person application at Ivorian embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 ($217 USD) application fee
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 ($109 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Ivorian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 ($544 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of CFA 50 million (~$85,000 USD) in the country. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Required for UK passport holders; apply online before travel. | $70 |
| Visa extension (per 3 months)Apply at the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration in Abidjan. | $100 (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired 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 Côte d'Ivoire
Transit visa required
UK passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire require an e-Visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members on duty
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers over 1 year old; proof of vaccination (ICVP) must be presented upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (ACWY)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Côte d'Ivoire, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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
Avenue de la République, Plateau, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Abidjan
Service des Étrangers (Préfecture d'Abidjan)
Rue des Jardins, Cocody, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles long-stay visa applications and renewals.
Practical information for GB 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
Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee is paid online during the application. Check the official portal (https://snedai.com/) for the current amount — it's usually around 50-70 USD, but confirm before paying.
No. The e-visa is mandatory for British passport holders. There's no visa-on-arrival facility, so you must have the e-visa before you land.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply, or check with immigration authorities in Côte d'Ivoire for other options.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's due to expire sooner, renew it before applying for the e-visa — the e-visa is linked to your passport number.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel and carry the certificate with you.
You'll be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. Airlines also check for the e-visa before boarding, so you won't even get on the plane without it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.