Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Iraq passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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

Iraqi passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply for a visa before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Iraqi citizens. Plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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 73,000 XOF (~$120 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.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Côte d'Ivoire. Airlines at Baghdad International check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Abidjan Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — a bus ticket to a neighboring country also works.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 may 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 200,000 XOF (~$330 USD) in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration rarely checks this for eVisa holders, but it helps if asked.Recommended
Visa required — apply early
Iraqi passport holders cannot enter Côte d'Ivoire without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Start the application process at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Côte d'Ivoire embassy or consulate in your country (or the nearest one if there's none in Iraq). Submit your application, passport, photos, and any supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Book your travel
Once your visa is approved, book your flight and first night accommodation. Make sure your return or onward ticket is confirmed.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will stamp you in — typically for up to 30 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. Declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

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 (~$88 USD)

Standard visa for tourism; must apply at embassy or on arrival.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)

Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)

For longer stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.

work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) application fee
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 (~$110 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in accredited Ivorian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for standard single-entry visa, payable at embassy or on arrival.€80 (~$88 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.€150 (~$165 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity.5,000 XOF (~$8 USD) per day, max 100,000 XOF (~$165 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 Côte d'Ivoire

Transit visa required

Iraqi passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Côte d'Ivoire, even if staying airside. Apply at the Ivorian embassy before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen, US, UK, or Canada visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ), Abidjan

Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.

CholeraLow risk

Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 Documentation et de l'Immigration (DGDI)
Boulevard de la République, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Abidjan
Service des Étrangers (Préfecture d'Abidjan)
Place de la République, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles residence permits and visa renewals for foreigners.

Practical information for IQ 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 = 563.41 XOF
updated May 29
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
Police110
Medical185
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Côte d'Ivoire embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around 50–100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the specific embassy for the exact fee.
Yes. Côte d'Ivoire requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Extensions are not available for the standard tourist visa. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Have your passport with valid visa, return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. Immigration may also ask for proof of funds or travel insurance.
Côte d'Ivoire is generally safe for tourists, but exercise normal precautions. Avoid non-essential travel to border regions. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.