Côte d'Ivoire entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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

Vietnamese passport holders need an e-visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire. You can apply online through the official government portal, and the process is straightforward. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

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

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
E-Visa for Côte d'IvoireYou need to get this visa online before you fly – it's not available on arrival.
Apply online before travel
Vietnamese passport holders must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official portal (https://snedai.com/) at least several days before departure. The e-visa is valid for a single entry and cannot be extended.Required
Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon – it needs to be valid for half a year after you arrive.
At least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire. Ensure it meets this requirement before applying for the e-visa.Required
Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. It's wise to have more than one blank page in case of additional stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketShow that you plan to leave Côte d'Ivoire – a booked ticket is usually enough.
Proof of departure
Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready.Required
Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to have some money available and proof of it, just in case.
Sufficient for your stay
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry cash (XOF) or a bank card with access to funds, and be ready to show a bank statement if requested.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou must have the yellow fever shot and show the certificate at the border.
Required for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Vietnam. Carry the certificate with you.Required
Arrival declarationYou don't have to do any extra paperwork on arrival – just go through immigration.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for Côte d'Ivoire. You do not need to fill out any health or customs form before landing.Not required
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, you may be refused entry or even quarantined at the airport. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Use the official e-visa portal only
The only official site is https://snedai.com/. Avoid third-party agents who charge extra — the process is simple enough to do yourself.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://snedai.com/ and fill out the application form. Upload your passport scan and photo, pay the fee, and submit. Processing typically takes a few business days.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-visa. Print it out — you'll need a physical copy to show at check-in and at immigration in Abidjan.
3
Arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)
After landing, head to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Pass through customs and baggage claim
After immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. Have your documents ready in case they ask to see them again.
Download Côte d'Ivoire Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Business visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100

Requires invitation letter from Ivorian company.

Business visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$250

For frequent business travelers; requires proof of prior visits.

Long-stay visa (6 months)
Max stay180 days
Validity6 months
Cost$180

For work or study; requires additional permits.

work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 4,800,000 XOF) plus employer sponsorship
For those 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
~$100 USD (approx. 2,400,000 XOF)
For enrolled students at an Ivorian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 12,000,000 XOF)
For investors with a minimum investment threshold (typically $50,000+). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Standard fee for Vietnamese citizens; payable online.$70
Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for pre-approved applicants; not available at all ports.$70
Visa extension (per month)Must be arranged with immigration in Abidjan; overstay fines apply.$50

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

Vietnamese citizens transiting through Côte d'Ivoire without leaving the international zone do not need a visa.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If you need to clear immigration (e.g., to change airports or overnight outside the transit zone), a visa is required.
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; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common; avoid tap water and street food.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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 des Étrangers (DGDE)
Abidjan, Plateau, Avenue Noguès
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main immigration office for visa extensions and residence permits.

Yamoussoukro
Direction Régionale de la Documentation et des Étrangers
Yamoussoukro, near the Presidential Palace
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Regional office for central Côte d'Ivoire.

Practical information for VN 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

Processing usually takes a few business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
No, Vietnamese citizens must have an e-visa approved before arrival. There's no visa-on-arrival option.
The fee is set by the official e-visa portal (snedai.com). Check the site for the current amount — it's payable online during application.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter with a new e-visa.
If you're staying in the airport and not entering the country, you may not need it. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the certificate. Check with your airline.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
The e-visa is valid for entry at all official border posts, including the main airport in Abidjan. But always carry a printed copy.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.