Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Apply in advance through the official e-visa portal (snedai.com) or at an Ivorian embassy. As of 2026, visa-on-arrival is not available for Saudi nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Côte d'Ivoire eVisa at the official SNEDAI portal. The application takes about 15 minutes — upload your passport photo and passport data page. Approval usually comes within 48 hours, but apply at least 5 days before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Saudi passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Côte d'Ivoire. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Abidjan airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Côte d'Ivoire. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry cash (CFA francs or euros) or a bank statement showing at least 500 EUR equivalent. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow Fever Vaccine Required
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Côte d'Ivoire. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
e-Visa Only at snedai.com
The only official e-visa portal is snedai.com. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees. Your approval PDF will come from that site.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa Online
Go to snedai.com. Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive a PDF approval by email.
2
Print Your Visa Approval
Print the e-visa approval email. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Airport (ABJ)
At Abidjan airport, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Present your passport, printed visa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a short queue — 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check — declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items. Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 date
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 48,000 XOF)
Apply at Ivorian embassy or consulate. Requires passport, photos, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry but allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF)
For those wishing to stay longer for tourism or family visits. Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 180,000 XOF) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in an Ivorian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Côte d'Ivoire. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes family members.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour (Retraité)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) plus proof of pension
For retirees aged 55+ with stable pension income. Requires proof of funds and health insurance. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, typically valid for 30 days. | ~$80 USD (approx. 48,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond initial visa validity, subject to approval. | ~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. Pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XOF) per day, max cap ~$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Côte d'Ivoire do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Côte d'Ivoire may enter.
- Diplomatic passport holders may transit without visa.
Transit hubsFélix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ), Abidjan
Health & vaccines for Côte d'Ivoire
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, or if travelling from an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedCholeraConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water. Vaccination recommended and practice safe eating/drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Côte d'Ivoire, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
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 Police Nationale - Service des Étrangers
Avenue 13, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Abidjan
Préfecture d'Abidjan - Bureau des Étrangers
Rue des Jardins, Abidjan
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and residency applications. Expect queues; arrive early.
Practical information for SA 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 = 563.41 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
Yes. You must apply for an e-visa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival for Saudi passport holders.
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The e-visa fee is around 50,000 XOF (about $85 USD) for a single-entry visa. Check snedai.com for current rates.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the immigration office in Abidjan before your visa expires. Fees and processing time vary.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply.
Yes. Côte d'Ivoire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your yellow card — you may be asked at immigration.
No. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. A one-way ticket may result in denial of entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.