Do I Need a Transit Visa at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport?

Whether you need a transit visa for a layover at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire) depends mainly on your nationality, whether you stay in the international transit area, and the details of your itinerary.

Transit Visa Rules at Abidjan Airport (ABJ)

General Rule for Airside Transit (No Visa Needed)

You do not need a transit visa if you meet all of these conditions:

You remain inside the international transit area of the airport (you do not pass through immigration or enter Côte d'Ivoire territory).
Your connecting flight departs from the same airport (Félix Houphouët-Boigny).
You have a confirmed onward ticket to your final destination within the same day or as permitted by airline policy.
Your luggage is checked through to your final destination (no need to collect and re-check bags).

This is known as airside transit or transit without entering the country. According to general immigration practice in Abidjan under these circumstances, even for nationalities that normally require a visa for entry.

When You Do Need a Transit Visa?

You will need a transit visa (or a full entry visa) in these situations:

You leave the international transit area (e.g., to collect luggage, change terminals that require immigration clearance, exit the airport for a hotel stay during a long layover, or switch airlines).
Your layover is long (some sources mention that over 24 hours may trigger requirements, though official policy focuses more on whether you exit the transit zone).
Your itinerary requires you to pass through immigration (e.g., re-checking bags or overnight stay outside the airport).

Special Cases

ECOWAS citizens (nationals of West African countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, etc.): Visa-free entry, including for transit and short stays.
Visa-exempt nationalities for entry: A small list (mainly neighboring or select African countries) may have easier transit rules.
For most other nationalities (including many from Europe, North America, Asia, etc.): A visa is generally required for entry, so airside transit is the key to avoiding it.

Types of Transit Visas

Transit Visa: Usually valid for 1 to 3 days for travelers passing through to a third destination.
E-Visa (Short Stay): For most nationalities, the most efficient way to handle a long layover is the SNEDAI e-Visa. You can apply online and receive an "Entry Pre-Authorization," which you present upon arrival at the "Airport Visa" desk.

Visa policies may change without prior notice. Travelers should confirm with the airline or official immigration authorities before departure.

In short, if your transit is short and you remain airside, you won’t need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay longer, check your nationality’s entry requirements and consider applying for an e-Visa.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

All information entered on this form will be kept strictly confidential and subject to our privacy policy once received by us. Your transaction will be secured using SSL/TLS encryption.