Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
British passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online before you travel. This rule applies from 2026.
Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Côte d'Ivoire eVisa at the SNEDAI portal. Processing takes 2–3 business days, and you receive a PDF approval by email. Print the approval and carry it with your passport — immigration officers at Abidjan airport will scan the barcode on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Côte d'Ivoire. Airlines at Heathrow and Gatwick check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — a simple itinerary showing your name and flight number is fine. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at passport control occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 USD (or equivalent in CFA francs). Immigration rarely asks, but if you look under-prepared they may request proof of sufficient funds for your trip. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
UK passport holders cannot enter Côte d'Ivoire without a pre-approved visa. Apply at snedai.com at least 1 week before travel. There is no visa on arrival.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to snedai.com and complete the visa application form. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive an approval email with a PDF visa.
2
Print your visa and pack documents
Print the visa approval PDF. Also print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance certificate. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, visa printout, return ticket, and hotel confirmation ready. The officer will check your documents, take fingerprints, and stamp your passport. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (usually no checks for tourists). Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€150 (~$163 USD)
Allows multiple entries for tourism.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$217 USD)
For longer stays, requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for UK passport holders; payable at embassy or online. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or airport departure. | 5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day, max 500,000 XOF (~$800 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa is required if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ), Abidjan
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 = 565.17 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 usually takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is paid online during application.
No. UK passport holders must have a visa approved before travel. There is no visa on arrival option.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6 months is counted from your entry date, not your departure.
Yes, it is required for entry. You may be asked to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
The fee varies by visa type and processing time. Expect around £50-£80 for a standard tourist visa. Check snedai.com for current prices.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the immigration office in Abidjan before your visa expires. The process can take several days.
Your passport, printed visa approval, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation. Have them ready before you reach the desk.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.