Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Russia 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

Russian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Côte d'Ivoire in 2026. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, so plan ahead.

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

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
E-visaYou must get this online approval before your flight — without it you will be denied boarding or entry.
Apply before travel
Russian passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arriving in Côte d'Ivoire. Apply online at the official e-visa portal (https://snedai.com/). The visa is required for entry; there is no visa-on-arrival option for Russian citizens.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's within 6 months, renew it before you travel.
At least 6 months
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire.Required
Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp — make sure you have at least one.
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 ticket out of the country shows you don't plan to overstay — it's a common request.
May be requested
Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Carry a printed copy of your flight itinerary.Recommended
Proof of fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card in case an officer asks how you'll support yourself.
May be requested
While not listed as a formal requirement, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). Amounts are not specified, but having access to cash or cards is prudent.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou'll likely be asked to show this at immigration — get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Required for entry
Côte d'Ivoire requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers over 1 year old. Carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.Required
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra forms on arrival.
Not required
No arrival declaration or health form is required for Côte d'Ivoire based on current data.Not required
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 eVisa 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 August 5, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, family)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/study; multiple entries
Cost$150–$300

Requires invitation letter and approval from Ivorian authorities; apply at Ivorian embassy in Moscow.

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
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry, 90 days)Required for all Russian passport holders; apply online before travel.$70
Visa extension (per 3 months)Available at the Immigration Office in Abidjan; apply before current visa expires.$100
Exit feeMost international flights include airport tax; no separate payment at airport.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

Russian citizens transiting through Côte d'Ivoire (e.g., at Abidjan Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport) must obtain an eVisa before travel, even if staying airside. There is no visa waiver for transit.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt; confirm with the nearest Ivorian embassy.
Transit hubsAbidjan Félix-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 = 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. Russian passport holders must obtain an eVisa 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 eVisa 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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.