Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an e-visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward and typically takes a few business days, so plan ahead.
Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for Côte d'IvoireYou must get this online visa before you fly; it cannot be extended once in the country. Apply online before travel | Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official portal (https://snedai.com/) at least a few days before departure. The e-visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. Minimum 6 months | Your Sri Lankan 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 one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Côte d'Ivoire before your authorized stay ends. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card to show you can support yourself. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statement) to cover your stay in Côte d'Ivoire. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateGet the yellow fever shot and bring the official certificate — it's checked at immigration. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from Sri Lanka or with a history of travel in affected areas. Carry the International Certificate of Vaccination. | Required |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration might ask where you're staying — have the address handy. Hotel booking or host address | Have your hotel reservation or the address of where you will stay in Côte d'Ivoire ready to present if asked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Côte d'Ivoire at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival option for Sri Lankan passport holders. If you show up without an approved e-visa, you'll be sent back. Apply at least a week before your departure.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Immigration officers in Côte d'Ivoire strictly enforce the yellow fever vaccination requirement. Carry the original certificate — a photo or copy won't be accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://snedai.com/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit/debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 2–5 business days. Check your email for the approval notice. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
3
Print or save the e-visa
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Abidjan (Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport).
4
Arrive and go through immigration
At the airport, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Present your passport, e-visa, yellow fever certificate, and onward ticket. The officer will stamp your passport — that's your entry. Then collect your bags and go through customs.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/study
CostVaries (approx. $150–$300)
Requires sponsorship and in-person application at Ivorian embassy
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) + employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized Ivorian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) + investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment (e.g., $50,000 USD) in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Valid for 90 days from issue, max stay 90 days | $70 |
| e-Visa (single entry, business)Valid for 90 days from issue, max stay 90 days | $100 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Abidjan; subject to approval | Approx. $30 |
| Exit feeNo separate airport tax for most airlines | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Sri Lankan citizens require a visa to transit through Côte d'Ivoire, even if staying airside. However, an e-Visa can be obtained online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural 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 de l'Immigration (Abidjan)
Boulevard de la République, Plateau, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Yamoussoukro
Direction Régionale de l'Immigration (Yamoussoukro)
Avenue de la Paix, Yamoussoukro
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for central Côte d'Ivoire. Less crowded than Abidjan.
Practical information for LK 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
Typically 2–5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No. The e-visa is mandatory for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must have it approved before you board your flight.
The fee is set by the Ivorian government and paid online at https://snedai.com/. Check the site for the current amount — it's usually around 50,000 XOF (roughly $80 USD).
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply, or check with the immigration office in Abidjan for other options.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's close, renew it before applying for the e-visa — the visa is tied to your passport number.
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 — no certificate, no entry.
The e-visa is valid for entry at all official border points, including Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan. Just have the approval document ready to show.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.