Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online through the SNEDAI portal at least a few days before your flight. The eVisa is linked to your passport and allows a single entry for up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Côte d'Ivoire. Airlines may ask for at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Abidjan airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready to show at the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Côte d'Ivoire. Officers rarely check this, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but it's a standard requirement on paper. | Recommended |
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 May 14, 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 (approx. $88 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Allows multiple entries for tourism or business.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~€200 (approx. $220 USD)
For longer stays, requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry visa, payable at embassy or online. | ~€80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~€150 (approx. $165 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity, capped at €300 (approx. $330 USD). | ~€10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
New Zealand 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 passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ), Abidjan
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 = 558.8 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 May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.