Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. This requirement is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Kenya passport holders need an eVisa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Apply on the SNEDAI portal at snedai.com — the same site handles visa applications and immigration forms. Processing takes 2–3 business days, and you'll receive an approval PDF by email. Print that PDF and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Kenyan passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Côte d'Ivoire does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your trip. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration may ask for it | Border officers in Abidjan occasionally ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. If you're flying out of Côte d'Ivoire by land or sea, carry a bus or ferry booking confirmation instead. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may request a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Côte d'Ivoire. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works. If staying with family, have their address and phone number written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers rarely ask, but having a bank statement or a credit card with a visible limit helps. No specific minimum amount is published — just enough to cover your stay. A screenshot of your mobile banking app is usually accepted. | Recommended |
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 May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost50,000 XOF (~$85 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost100,000 XOF (~$170 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost200,000 XOF (~$340 USD)
For longer stays, requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | 50,000 XOF (~$85 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | 100,000 XOF (~$170 USD) |
| Visa extension feeExtension possible for up to 3 months, subject to approval. | 30,000 XOF (~$50 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | 5,000 XOF (~$8.50 USD) per day, max 150,000 XOF (~$255 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
Kenya passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa is required.
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; 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 = 563.41 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 May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.