Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Malta 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

Maltese passport holders need an e-visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Maltese citizens as of 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take up to two weeks.

Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
E-visaYou need to get this visa online before you travel; without it you won't be allowed to enter.
Apply online before travel
Malta passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arriving in Côte d'Ivoire. Apply through the official e-visa portal at https://snedai.com/.Required
Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival, or you may be denied entry.
At least 6 months
Your Malta 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 ticketHaving a ticket out of Côte d'Ivoire can help avoid issues at immigration.
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 fundsCarry some cash or a card to show you can support yourself during your visit.
May be requested
While not explicitly required, you should be able to show sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration.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 early
Maltese passport holders must get an e-visa before flying. There is no visa on arrival. Apply at least two weeks ahead to avoid delays.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry your Yellow Card. Immigration officers may ask to see it at the border.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Côte d'Ivoire e-visa portal (snedai.com) and fill out the application. Upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing takes 3–14 days.
2
Receive and save your visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF or email confirmation. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Malta, the airline will check your visa and onward ticket. Have your printed visa approval, passport, and return ticket ready.
4
Arrival at Abidjan Airport (or other entry point)
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, visa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Download PDF

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; issued for work, study, or family reasons
Cost$150–$300 (approx. 85,000–170,000 XOF)

Requires sponsorship and additional documents; apply at Ivorian embassy or consulate.

work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$217 USD) application fee
For those 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 (~$108 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 (~$543 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
E-visa application feeStandard single-entry e-visa fee; payable online.$70 (approx. 40,000 XOF)
Visa extension feeFor extension of stay beyond e-visa validity; apply at the immigration office in Abidjan.$50 (approx. 30,000 XOF)
Exit feeNo separate airport exit tax for international flights.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

Maltese citizens transiting through Côte d'Ivoire require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
  • Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may be allowed airside transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)

Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers arriving from endemic countries or if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas. Use insect repellent.

Typhoid feverModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water. Vaccination recommended.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travelers.

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. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.

Yamoussoukro
Direction Régionale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration
Yamoussoukro, near the Presidential Palace
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Regional office for central Côte d'Ivoire. Less crowded than Abidjan.

Practical information for MT 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police110
Medical185
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa on arrival for Maltese citizens. You must apply for an e-visa before you travel.
Processing typically takes 3 to 14 days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is around 50,000 XOF (about €75), but check the portal for the current amount. Payment is online by credit card.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the Yellow Card) — immigration may ask to see it.
The standard tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Abidjan before your visa expires. It's not guaranteed.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. The airline may also fine you. Do not travel without an approved visa.
It is not officially required for the visa application, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

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.