Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. Plan ahead, as processing can take several business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Côte d'Ivoire eVisa through the SNEDAI portal at least 5 business days before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Côte d'Ivoire. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Abidjan Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Côte d'Ivoire. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least 500,000 CFA francs (roughly $800 USD) in cash or a credit card with available credit. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means to cover your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to the official e-visa portal (snedai.com) and fill out the application form. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive an approval email with a PDF attachment — print it or save it to your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan) or any other port of entry, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, the visa approval PDF, and your return ticket. The officer will stamp you in.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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~$100 USD (€90)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (€135)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (€180)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and local sponsor.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (€270)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Ivorian company. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (€135)
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 USD (€450)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry visa, payable at embassy or online. | ~$100 USD (€90) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | ~$150 USD (€135) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ~$10 USD (€9) per day, max $500 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
Russian passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, especially in rural 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 l'Immigration
Boulevard de la République, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Yamoussoukro
Direction Régionale de l'Immigration
Avenue de la Paix, Yamoussoukro
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for RU 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 = 564.97 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. Russian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival option.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The official fee is around 50,000 XOF (about $80 USD) for a single-entry visa. Check the snedai.com portal for the exact current amount.
Yes. Côte d'Ivoire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration.
No. The e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply for a new visa.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
It's not officially required, but immigration officers may ask. Having a bank statement or credit card with available credit is a good idea.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.