Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
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.
Apply for Côte d'Ivoire eVisaOfficial portal: Côte d'Ivoire SNEDAI Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou need to get this visa online before you fly – it's not available on arrival. Apply before travel | Saudi Arabian passport holders must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Apply online at the official e-visa portal (https://snedai.com/). | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date – otherwise you may be denied entry. 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 pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp when you arrive. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketEven if it's not always checked, having a ticket out of the country can avoid problems at immigration. May be requested | Although not explicitly required, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to have some money available – either cash or a card – in case they ask how you'll support yourself. May be requested | While not explicitly required, you may be asked to show sufficient funds for your stay. Carry cash or cards to demonstrate financial means if asked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special form before you land – just go through normal immigration. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Côte d'Ivoire. | Not required |
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 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 stay90 days to 1 year
ValiditySingle or multiple entry, issued by Ivorian embassy
Cost€150–€250 (approx. $160–$270)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation (work permit, proof of funds, etc.).
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 |
|---|---|
| Ivorian e-visa (single entry, tourist)Payable online via snedai.com; non-refundable. | €70 (approx. $75) |
| Ivorian e-visa (single entry, business)Requires invitation letter from Ivorian company. | €90 (approx. $97) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office (Direction de l'Immigration) in Abidjan before visa expiry. | 5,000 XOF (approx. $8) |
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
Transit visa required
Saudi nationals transiting through Côte d'Ivoire (e.g., at Abidjan Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport) require a visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. A transit visa is available online via the e-visa portal.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no checked luggage who stay in the international transit area for less than 24 hours
Transit hubsAbidjan Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
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 = 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
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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.