Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire, and you must apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. This requirement is in effect as of 2026. The eVisa is straightforward: apply at snedai.com, get approved in a few days, and print the approval to show at immigration.
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 can't get it on arrival. Apply before travel | Kenyan citizens must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival in Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online at the official e-visa portal (https://snedai.com/). The visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's a good idea to have a ticket out of Côte d'Ivoire, even if not always asked for. May be requested | Although not explicitly required, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHaving some money available (cash or card) can help if asked at immigration. May be requested | Although not explicitly required, you may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry cash or cards as evidence. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before you land. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Côte d'Ivoire. | Not required |
Visa required — apply before you fly
Kenyan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply and receive approval at snedai.com before your trip. No exceptions.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Côte d'Ivoire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card — immigration may check it at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to snedai.com, fill in the application form, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive an approval email.
2
Print your visa approval
Once approved, print the visa approval letter. Also save a PDF on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at the airport in Côte d'Ivoire
At Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan) or any other entry point, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, printed visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will check your documents and stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're free to enter.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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
ValiditySingle or multiple entry
CostApproximately $150
Requires sponsorship and approval from Côte d'Ivoire authorities; apply at the Ivorian embassy in Nairobi
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur Salarié
1 year, renewable
~300,000 XOF (~$510 USD) including fees
For foreign employees with a work contract in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~100,000 XOF (~$170 USD)
For students enrolled in a recognized Ivorian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~500,000 XOF (~$850 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of 50 million XOF in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa application feePayable online at snedai.com | Approximately $70 (varies by processing time) |
| Visa extension feeFor stays beyond eVisa validity; apply at the immigration office in Abidjan | Approximately $100 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Kenyan citizens transiting through Côte d'Ivoire require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Holders of a valid residence permit for Côte d'Ivoire
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; Kenya is considered endemic, so proof of vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (Meningococcal)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout the country; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Cholera is sporadic; practice good food and water hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round across the entire country. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is recommended for all travellers.
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)
Plateau, Avenue Chardy, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Abidjan
Service des Étrangers – Préfecture d'Abidjan
Abidjan-Plateau, near the Palais de Justice
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles residence permits and visa extensions.
Practical information for KE 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. There is no visa on arrival for Kenyan citizens. You must apply and receive approval online at snedai.com before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The visa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Check the snedai.com portal for the current fee when you apply.
No. The visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply from outside Côte d'Ivoire.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Yes, Côte d'Ivoire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card — immigration may check it.
The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Abidjan, but cash is king in smaller towns. Bring some euros or US dollars to exchange, or withdraw from ATMs.
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.