Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for NZ citizens. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou must have an approved e-visa before you travel to Côte d'Ivoire. Apply before travel | New Zealand passport holders must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Apply online at the official e-visa portal (https://snedai.com/). The visa is not issued on arrival; ensure you have the approved e-visa before boarding. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page in your passport for the immigration stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return or onward ticket can help you pass through immigration smoothly. Proof of onward travel | While not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry evidence of financial means to cover your expenses during your visit. Sufficient funds for stay | While not explicitly required, you may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay. It is advisable to carry cash (XOF) or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Côte d'Ivoire. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
New Zealanders cannot get a visa at the airport. The online application takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight. Arriving without an approved visa means you'll be sent back.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to snedai.com and complete the e-visa application. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around 50,000 XOF, ~$80 USD) by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email within 3–5 business days.
2
Print your visa approval
Once approved, print the visa approval letter. Immigration at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan) will ask to see it before they stamp your passport.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Keep your passport, visa approval, return ticket, and hotel booking in an easily accessible folder. At passport control, hand over your passport and the visa letter. The officer will take a photo and fingerprints, then stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a quick bag scan. If you have nothing to declare, walk straight through the green channel.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
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 (renewable)
ValidityIssued for 1 year, multiple entries
CostApprox. 150,000–300,000 XOF (approx. $250–$500 USD)
Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Apply at the Ivorian embassy or consulate before travel.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostApprox. €150 (approx. $165 USD)
Available via e-visa portal for business purposes; may require invitation letter.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
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 (approx. $550 USD)
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Côte d'Ivoire e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Standard tourist/business e-visa fee. Payable online. | €70 (approx. $75 USD) |
| Visa extension (at immigration office in Abidjan)Extensions are discretionary; apply before your current visa expires. | Approx. 20,000–50,000 XOF (approx. $35–$85 USD) |
| Exit fee / airport taxNo separate exit fee charged at the airport for international departures. | Included in airline ticket |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired documents20%
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
New Zealand citizens transiting through Côte d'Ivoire (e.g., at Abidjan Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport) must obtain a transit visa before travel if they will pass through immigration control. If you remain airside in the international transit area and do not enter the country, a visa is not required.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets who remain in the international transit area for less than 24 hours do not need a visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsAbidjan Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers over 1 year old; proof of vaccination may be requested upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during outbreaks or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Côte d'Ivoire, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration (DGDI)
Abidjan, Plateau, near the Ministry of Interior
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Abidjan
Service des Étrangers (Foreigners Office)
Abidjan, Cocody, near the French Embassy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Handles residence permits and long-stay visas.
Practical information for NZ 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
No. There is no visa on arrival for NZ passport holders. You must apply online at snedai.com before you travel.
Usually 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is around 50,000 XOF (about $80 USD).
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival.
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.
Extensions are not available for the standard e-visa. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the immigration office in Abidjan before your visa expires.
You will be refused entry and put on the next flight back. There is no way to get a visa at the airport. Always apply online in advance.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
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.