FAQs

No, ECOWAS nationals do not typically require a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire for short stays of up to 90 days, depending on the reason for their trip. They require a valid passport, an ECOWAS Travel Certificate, or a national identity card, if such ID is recognized for entry under bilateral agreements, as well as a yellow fever vaccination certificate. For visits longer than 90 days, further approvals are required. Ivory Coast visa requirements for ECOWAS Nationals Eligible Countries ECOWAS member states whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire include below countries:  Benin Burkina Faso Cape Verde Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Liberia Mali Niger Nigeria Senegal Sierra Leone Togo Duration ECOWAS nationals may stay in Côte d'Ivoire for up to 90 days per entrance without a visa. This applies to activities like tourism, business, and family visits. For stays longer than 90 days, an extension or a residency permit is required. Entry Requirements ECOWAS nationals do not need a visa but must have a valid passport or an ECOWAS Travel Certificate, which is a standardized travel document given by some member nations instead of a passport. Côte d'Ivoire enforces the yellow fever vaccine requirement for all immigrants, including ECOWAS citizens. Immigration agents may occasionally request proof of sufficient finances or a return ticket from ECOWAS nationals, but this is rarely routinely enforced. Important Notes ECOWAS nationals may still be denied entry if they lack necessary documentation (for example, an expired passport or a missing yellow fever certificate) or pose a security/health concern, as decided by Ivorian border officers. If an ECOWAS national desires to stay for more than 90 days (for job, study, or residency), they must apply through the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST) or consult the Ivorian Ministry of Security and Civil Protection. ECOWAS nationals must provide justification for long-term stay, such as a work contract or university enrollment, to obtain a residence permit. While the ECOWAS free movement policy is generally steady, travelers should be aware of any temporary border restrictions or health criteria (via news or ECOWAS pronouncements).

Yes. You can extend your Ivory Coast visa once you are in the country, depending on the type of Ivory Coast visa. Extending it requires a valid reason, compliance with immigration rules, and approval by the Ivorian authorities. Here are the details and requirements to extend your visa in Côte d’Ivoire: Eligibility for Extension Valid Visa: You must have entered the country legally and hold a valid visa. Reason for Extension: You need a valid reason for extending your stay, such as medical treatment, business opportunities, or family emergencies. Extensions for leisure tourism are rarely granted without exceptional justification. Sufficient Funds: You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support your extended stay. No Overstay: It's crucial to apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying, which can lead to fines and deportation. How to Apply for an Ivory Coast Visa Extension If the visa holder wants to stay in the Ivory Coast beyond the allowed stay period (typically 30 days per entry for an e-visa), they must apply for an extension at the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DST) or a designated immigration office in Abidjan. Step By Step to Apply Visit the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DST) in Plateau, Abidjan, responsible for visa extensions. Fill out the visa extension request form (available at the office). Submit your application with all required documents. Pay the applicable fees (cost varies by case). Wait for approval: Processing may take a few days to a week, and you may be called for an interview. You will be notified if your extension is approved. Required Documents Passport (valid for at least six months) Current visa copy (printed e-visa or stamped visa) Letter explaining the reason for the extension (e.g., medical treatment, work, or travel disruption) Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements) Accommodation details (hotel booking or host invitation letter) Passport-sized photos (2-4 if requested) Proof of travel insurance (if required) Note: Fees are paid at the immigration office, and the cost depends on the visa type and extension duration Important Note E-Visas for Transit: Transit e-Visas are issued for short-term stopovers (usually less than 3 days) and are non-extendable under all circumstances. Overstay Consequences: Overstaying can result in fines and deportation. Alternative Option: As a last resort, travelers may consider exiting to a nearby country and reapplying for a new visa, but this approach is not officially endorsed, and approval is at the discretion of immigration authorities. For example, exiting to a visa-exempt ECOWAS country like Ghana and reapplying for a new e-visa may be an option.

The refund policy for the Ivory Coast e-visa fee depends on specific conditions, as the fee is generally non-refundable once paid, covering the processing costs regardless of the application outcome. However, refunds may be possible in certain cases. Important Disclaimer: The Government of Côte d’Ivoire typically does not issue refunds for e-Visa applications once submitted. However, if you applied through a third-party service, any refund policies are subject to that provider’s terms and conditions, not government policy. Please note that ivorycoastimmigration.org is a third-party service provider and not affiliated with the official government e-Visa portal of Côte d'Ivoire (e.g., SNEDAI). Here’s how to get a refund for an Ivory Coast e-visa fee at Ivory Coast Immigration Services: Ivory Coast visa fee refund process 1. Identify Valid Reasons for a Refund The refund will be determined based on the cancellation policy described at https://www.ivorycoastimmigration.org/refund-policy Technical Errors: If a payment error occurs (e.g., duplicate charges) or the application cannot be processed due to a system failure. Cancellation Before Processing: If you cancel your application before it has been submitted to the Ivorian authorities, you may be eligible for a refund, depending on the processing stage. Fees are non-refundable if the visa is denied, if incorrect information is provided, or if you fail to supply the required documents within three days of application submission. 2. Contact Support If you used Ivory Coast Immigration Services, you can call us via: Support lines +1 949 346 9868  Email: [email protected] Submit a request via the "Contact Us" page on our website. 3. Provide Documentation Include: Your application reference number Payment receipt (e.g., bank statements or transaction confirmations) Evidence of the issue: clear explanation of why you’re seeking a refund (e.g., declined visa, payment error, or cancellation before processing). 4. Await Response Refund processing times may take 2 to 4 weeks due to standard banking procedures. If approved, the refund will be issued to the original payment method (credit/debit card or bank account). Important note - Only the service fee portion may be refundable under certain conditions; government fees are strictly non-refundable. The refund process may take 2 to 4 weeks due to standard banking procedures. - Ivory Coast Immigration Services, as a third-party provider, does not offer refunds under the following scenarios: No refund if clients provide incorrect information regarding their flight number, arrival time, arrival date, or hotel address. No refund for cancellation requests made less than 72 hours before the scheduled processing start. No refund for the Government fee because the Government fee is non-refundable once submitted, regardless of the outcome—approved, denied, or withdrawn.

If you’re not eligible for the Ivory Coast e-Visa, don’t worry—there are still pathways to obtain a visa, depending on your nationality, travel purpose, and circumstances. Why You Might Not Be Eligible for the Ivory Coast e-Visa? The Ivory Coast e-Visa is available to more than 200 nationalities for short-term visits (tourism, business, and transit). Travelers using an e-Visa must enter through Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan for biometric enrollment. You might be ineligible for an Ivory Coast e-visa if: Your nationality isn’t on the e-Visa eligible list, or Ivory Coast requires citizens of your country to apply for a visa directly at an embassy due to specific diplomatic restrictions. You intend to enter through a land border or seaport, which the e-Visa does not cover. You are planning to stay beyond the 90-day validity period or exceed the 30-day per-entry limit of the e-Visa. You lack the necessary documentation (for example, a passport valid for less than six months). A history of visa breaches, criminal convictions, or prior deportation might affect eligibility, though this is not explicitly stated in e-Visa requirements—consult Ivorian authorities for clarification. Options if Not Eligible for the Ivory Coast e-Visa If you are not eligible for the Ivory Coast e-Visa, here’s what you can do: 1. Alternative Options - Traditional Visa You can apply for a traditional visa through the Ivorian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. This process typically takes longer than the e-Visa application and requires you to physically visit the embassy or consulate. 2. Check Visa-Exempt Status Who It’s For: Nationals of ECOWAS countries or citizens of countries with bilateral visa-free agreements with the Ivory Coast Process: Verify if your country has visa-free access via the Ivory Coast Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or by contacting an embassy. If exempt, you can enter with just a valid passport and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The permitted stay varies by nationality but is typically up to 90 days for ECOWAS citizens and shorter for some other visa-exempt nationalities. 3. Adjust Your Travel Plans for e-Visa Eligibility Who It’s For: Those ineligible due to entry point or stay duration, but willing to adapt. Options: Change Entry Point: Reroute your travel to arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, as e-Visa holders must enter here for biometric verification. Shorten Your Stay: While the e-Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, each stay is limited to 30 consecutive days. If you leave and re-enter, you may need to apply for a new visa depending on the immigration policy. Update Your Passport: Renew your passport if it’s expiring soon to meet the 6-month validity rule.

Families planning to visit the Ivory Coast typically need visas unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries (mostly ECOWAS nations). The e-Visa is the most convenient option for short-term stays in Ivory Coast. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide for families applying for an Ivory Coast visa, including key requirements, fees, and tips to avoid delays: Key Features of the Ivory Coast e-Visa for Families Type: Multiple-entry visa. Validity: 90 days from issuance. Maximum Stay: Up to 30 days per entry. Purpose: Tourism, family visits, business (non-employment), or transit. Entry Point: Travelers using an e-Visa must arrive at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan). The biometric enrollment process is mandatory before receiving the visa sticker Ivory Coast Visa Requirements for Families Each family member, including infants, typically requires their own passport and e-Visa. Here’s what’s required: Passports valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.  At least one blank page (though two are recommended for multiple visas or entries). Supporting Documents Proof of Accommodation: Hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host in the Ivory Coast (e.g., a relative). One document can cover the whole family if staying together. Flight Itinerary: A confirmed return or onward ticket. A single family booking can suffice, listing all travelers. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Ensure all family members have updated yellow fever vaccinations—check with a travel clinic well in advance, as the certificate is checked at entry. Travel Insurance: This is not mandatory but recommended, especially for families with children. Passport Scans: A digital copy of each family member’s passport bio page. Application Process Submit a separate online e-Visa application for each family member through the official Ivory Coast e-Visa portal or via a trusted third-party service provider (such as the Ivory Coast Immigration Service) for a smooth and secure process. Provide personal details (name, nationality, passport number) and travel plans. Fees The Ivory Coast e-Visa fees include a government fee and a service fee. Some services offer expedited processing (e.g., 24-72 hours) for an extra cost. Ivory Coast Entry Requirements For Families With Kids Children’s Visas: Minors need their own passports and e-visas. While not explicitly required, immigration officials may request a notarized consent letter from the other parent if a child travels with one parent, especially if surnames differ. Group Applications: Some platforms allow “group applications” where one person submits for the family, but each member still gets an individual e-Visa approval tied to their passport. For stays beyond 90 days (e.g., relocation or extended family visits), a long-term visa such as work, student, or residence must be obtained from an Ivorian embassy or consulate. If already in Côte d'Ivoire on an e-Visa, travelers must exit the country and apply from abroad. Practical Tips for Families Apply Early: Coordinate applications to ensure all family members’ visas are approved simultaneously. Processing times can vary slightly. Check Requirements: Verify the specific requirements for each family member based on age and travel purpose. If your family is planning a short visit to Côte d’Ivoire for tourism or family purposes, the e-Visa system offers a fast and efficient way to gain entry, provided you meet the entry requirements. For stays over 90 days, contact the nearest Ivorian embassy to explore long-term visa options.

No, travel insurance is not mandatory for entry into Ivory Coast. As of the latest publicly available information, travel insurance is not listed as a general requirement for entry into the Ivory Coast. Even so, it is strongly suggested to acquire global travel insurance that covers medical expenses, emergency evacuations, trip cancellation, and all other potential perils. Benefits of Travel Insurance Offers financial protection against potential health and financial risks. Ivory Coast travel insurance should include coverage for medical expenses, accidents, trip interruptions, and unforeseen circumstances. Certain visa types, such as the tourist or business eVisa, may recommend or encourage travelers to have insurance, though it is not mandatory. Moreover, some others Ivory Coast visas—work or study visas—may require proof of insurance. Travelers can ascertain any such prerequisites with the Ivorian embassy or consulate within their home country to secure the latest information. Here at Ivory Coast Immigration Services, our travel experts highly suggest acquiring travel insurance that covers you against potential financial and health-related risks.  Contact us and get Ivory Travel Insurance today!

Country codes for Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) are used to identify Ivory Coast in a variety of systems, including dialing codes and ISO country codes. These codes are standardized alphabetic and numeric codes used in telecommunications, data processing, and international commerce. List Ivory Coast country codes 1. International Dialing Code The international dialing code for the Ivory Coast is +225. This code is necessary for international phone calls to the country. Dialing Format To contact a phone number in Ivory Coast from overseas, use this format: +225 [10-digit local phone number]. For example, if the local number is 01 23 45 67 89, an international caller should dial: +225 01 23 45 67 89 City Area Codes in Ivory Coast The following are area codes for fixed-line numbers in prominent Ivory Coast cities (note: since 2021, all numbers are 10 digits, with fixed-line numbers starting with '2X' followed by an 8-digit subscriber number): City Area Code (Fixed-Line Prefix) Abidjan 21 Bouaké 31 Daloa 32 Divo 33 Gagnoa 37 Korhogo 36 Man 34 (not 33—corrected based on standard data) San Pedro 34 Yamoussoukro 30 For mobile numbers, prefixes like 05, 07, or 01 are used depending on the carrier (e.g., MTN, Orange, Moov), not city-based area codes 2. ISO Country Codes Ivory Coast is recognized internationally by the following ISO standard codes: Two-Letter Code (ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2): CI Three-Letter Code (ISO 3166-1 Alpha-3): CIV These codes are commonly used in a variety of applications, including: Internet domains (e.g., .ci) International shipping & logistics Financial transactions & trade Why do Ivory Coast Country Codes Matter? Understanding Ivory Coast's country codes is crucial for: Effective communication with businesses and individuals in the Ivory Coast Seamless international transactions and global operations Planning your travel with smooth connectivity Understanding the country codes for the Ivory Coast is essential for effective communication, international business, and travel. The international dialing code +225 and the ISO codes CI and CIV are standardized identifiers that facilitate global interactions involving the Ivory Coast. Plan your tripWhether you're traveling, doing business, or staying connected internationally, knowing the correct country code for the Ivory Coast ensures seamless communication and transactions.

Yes, you can apply for multiple types of visas for the Ivory Coast using the same passport, as long as your passport meets the standard requirements (valid for at least six months from your intended entry date and with sufficient blank pages, typically at least two). The Ivory Coast offers various types of visas, including tourist, business, transit, and others. Each visa type has its own eligibility criteria, so you’d need to submit separate applications tailored to those requirements. Ivory Coast also offers multiple-entry visas, especially for business travelers, which may be more suitable than applying for separate single-entry visas. Both e-Visa and embassy-issued visas are linked to the same passport, but it is unclear whether you can hold both simultaneously; applying for a new visa may affect the status of an existing one, depending on immigration processing. Key points to consider for multiple types of visas for the Ivory Coast 1. Different Visa Types Allowed You can apply for different visa types (e.g., tourist, business, work, or transit visas) at different times, but Côte d'Ivoire does not allow multiple valid visas in the same passport simultaneously. If you apply for a new visa while an existing one is still valid, the previous visa may be canceled. 2. Passport Validity & Space Your passport must have at least 6 months' validity and enough blank pages for each visa. If you’ve had previous visas, ensure there’s space for new ones. 3. Only One Active Visa at a Time Typically, you cannot hold two different types of Ivory Coast visas at the same time. If you apply for a new visa while another one is still valid, the new visa may cancel the previous one. 4. Transitioning Between Visa Types If you are in Côte d'Ivoire on a tourist visa and wish to switch to a work or residence visa, you must leave the country and apply for the appropriate visa from an Ivorian embassy or consulate abroad. Practical Tips Considerations apply Immigration officials might question your intentions if visa purposes or validity periods overlap suspiciously (e.g., a tourist visa and business visa active at the same time). To avoid complications, ensure each application clearly justifies its distinct purpose and that entry/exit dates align logically with your travel plans. Recommendations If you need to visit frequently, consider a multiple-entry business visa instead of applying for separate tourist and business visas. If you plan to work or study, apply directly for the appropriate long-term visa instead of a tourist visa.

No, applying for an Ivory Coast visa with a damaged passport can be problematic and may result in your application being denied. Most countries, including the Ivory Coast, have strict requirements regarding the condition of your passport, as it is a crucial document for verifying your identity and travel history. In order to apply for an Ivory Coast visa smoothly, travelers are required to renew a passport immediately. This will help avoid any delays or issues with your visa application. Therefore, you need to check your passport if it is damaged or expired. If you must travel urgently and cannot wait for a new passport, provide additional supporting documents that verify your identity, such as a national ID card or birth certificate. However, the final decision will rest with the embassy or consulate. To avoid complications, ensure your passport is in good condition well before your planned travel dates. Regularly check for any signs of damage and address them promptly. In summary, while minor damage to your passport may not necessarily prevent you from obtaining an Ivory Coast visa, significant damage likely will. It is always best to consult with the embassy or consulate and, if necessary, obtain a new passport to ensure a smooth visa application process.

Yes, when applying for a visa to Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), you typically need to submit your original passport along with your visa application. The embassy or consulate handling your application will require your passport to affix the visa sticker directly onto one of its pages. This process ensures that the visa is properly authenticated and valid for travel. Here are some key points to consider regarding the submission of your original passport for an Ivory Coast visa application: Application Process: You will need to complete the visa application form and provide supporting documents as required by the Ivory Coast embassy or consulate. This typically includes your passport, passport-size photographs, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Visa Stamping: The visa sticker, once issued, will be affixed to a page in your passport. This process validates your visa and allows immigration officials to verify your identity and visa status upon arrival in the Ivory Coast. Duration of Submission: Your passport will need to be submitted temporarily during the visa processing period. Once your visa is approved and stamped, your passport will be returned to you along with your other documents. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us to know more about visa application and other add-on services.