Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for India 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
Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for Indian nationals as of 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-VisaYou must get this online before you fly — you cannot get it at the airport. Apply before travel | Indian passport holders must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Apply online at the official e-visa portal (https://snedai.com/). The visa is required for entry; there is no visa-on-arrival option. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before applying for the e-visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's safer to have a ticket out of the country ready in case they ask. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Carry a printed copy of your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHave evidence you can support yourself during the trip. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, you may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry bank statements or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Côte d'Ivoire. | Not required |
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport at your own cost.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save PDFs of your visa approval, passport, and bookings on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose the printed copies, you can still show them to immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to snedai.com, create an account, fill in your personal and travel details, upload your passport scan and a passport-style photo, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 2–3 business days. You'll receive an approval email with a PDF — print it and keep a copy on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: your printed visa approval, passport with 6+ months validity, return ticket confirmation, first-night hotel booking, and travel insurance certificate. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer may ask to see your return ticket and hotel booking — have them ready. They'll stamp your passport and you're in.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for 1 year, multiple entries
CostApprox. $150–$300 (depending on purpose and processing)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and in-person application at an Ivorian embassy or consulate.
Business visa (short-stay)
Max stayUp to 90 days
ValiditySingle or multiple entry, valid 3–6 months
CostApprox. $100–$150
May be obtained via e-Visa if eligible; otherwise apply at an embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD (approx. 20,600 XOF)
For foreign workers 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
~$100 USD (approx. 8,200 XOF)
For students enrolled in a recognized Ivorian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 41,200 XOF)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa application feePaid online via the official Snedai portal; non-refundable. | Approx. $70–$100 (varies by nationality and processing time) |
| Visa processing fee (if applicable)No additional fee at the airport. | Included in e-Visa fee |
| Visa extension feeApply at the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration (DGDI) in Abidjan before your visa expires. | Approx. $50–$100 (varies) |
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 Côte d'Ivoire
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire (e.g., at Abidjan Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport) require a visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, even for airside transit, a visa may be required if the stay exceeds 24 hours or if you need to change airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and who remain in the international transit area for less than 24 hours may be exempt, but this is not guaranteed; check with the airline.
Transit hubsAbidjan Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food.
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 des Frontières
Plateau, Avenue Chardy, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Abidjan
Service des Visas et de l'Immigration
Cocody, Rue des Jardins, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa applications and renewals.
Practical information for IN 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. Indian nationals must obtain a visa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Apply online at snedai.com at least 2–3 weeks before your trip.
Processing usually takes 2–3 business days. Start your application at least a month before you plan to travel to avoid last-minute stress.
The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Expect to pay around 50,000–100,000 XOF (roughly $80–$160 USD). Check the snedai.com portal for the exact fee at the time of application.
Extensions are not available for this visa type. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new visa.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the visa. Immigration will deny entry otherwise.
Yes. Côte d'Ivoire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — you may be asked to show it at immigration.
You will be denied entry and put on the next flight back at your own expense. There are no exceptions. Always secure your visa before flying.
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.