Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply for an e-visa before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Apply through the SNEDAI portal at snedai.com. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Processing usually takes 48–72 hours.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Côte d'Ivoire. Airlines at Colombo (CMB) may ask to see at least 6 months of validity, but the Ivorian border only requires it to cover your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Côte d'Ivoire | Immigration officers at Abidjan (ABJ) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. This applies even if you have an eVisa. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked to show a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement or credit card. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having around 500 USD equivalent in cash or available credit helps. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — at your own expense. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
e-visa application link
Apply for your e-visa at snedai.com. The official site is in French and English. Keep your application reference number and check your email (including spam) for the approval PDF.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for an e-visa online
You'll receive an approval email with a PDF. Print it and keep a copy on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Hand over your passport and e-visa printout. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a brief interview: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
Exit the arrivals hall. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (like Yango) are available outside.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 48,000 XOF)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF)
Multiple-entry visa for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF)
For longer stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$80 USD (approx. 48,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 1 year. | ~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties apply; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | ~$5 USD (approx. 3,000 XOF) per day, max cap ~$300 USD |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions may be possible at immigration offices; subject to approval. | ~$30 USD (approx. 18,000 XOF) per month |
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
No transit visa needed
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) · Bouaké Airport (BYK)
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 = 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
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is paid online during the application.
No. Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight.
You will likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You must show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
The e-visa is typically valid for a single entry up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Abidjan before your visa expires. There is a fee.
Your passport (with 6+ months validity), printed e-visa approval, return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Immigration may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — have a bank statement or credit card ready.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospital treatment can be very expensive. Many travel insurance policies also cover trip cancellation and lost luggage.
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.