Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. Processing can take up to a week, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Côte d'Ivoire eVisa at the SNEDAI portal. Processing takes 2–3 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at Abidjan airport checks both.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your Madagascar passport must have at least 6 months remaining beyond your intended departure date from Côte d'Ivoire. Airlines at Ivato Airport in Antananarivo enforce this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit | Immigration officers at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may check it before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Côte d'Ivoire. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays if questioned. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least 200,000 CFA francs (about $330 USD) in cash or a credit card with available limit. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders. Apply at least 7 days before your trip to avoid last-minute issues.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to snedai.com, fill out the application form, upload a passport photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days.
2
Print your visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print it and keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Airport (Abidjan)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, printed visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits; each stay can be extended.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 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 annually
€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a recognized Ivorian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum investment ~$50,000 USD). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, valid for 90 days from issue. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days, max stay 30 days per entry. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are possible at immigration offices, up to 90 days total. | €30 (~$33 USD) per month |
| Overstay fineOverstay fines accumulate daily; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties. | €5 (~$5.50 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 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
Madagascar 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, a visa is required.
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 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 endemic countries; Madagascar is considered endemic, so proof of vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 l'Immigration
Boulevard de la République, Plateau, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Yamoussoukro
Direction Régionale de l'Immigration
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 MG 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 = 562.67 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
Yes. You must apply for an e-visa before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders.
Go to snedai.com, fill in the form, upload a passport photo and your passport data page, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3–7 business days. Print the approval and carry it with you.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. Expect around 50,000–70,000 XOF (roughly €75–€105). Check the snedai.com site for the exact amount when you apply.
The standard e-visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged with immigration in Abidjan.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa on arrival facility for Madagascar passport holders.
Yes, but you must visit the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration in Abidjan before your visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a valid reason.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed visa approval, return ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.