FAQs

The CI flag represents Côte d'Ivoire, a vibrant West African nation known as the Ivory Coast in English. What Is the CI Country Name Meaning? The name Côte d'Ivoire, or Ivory Coast, originates from the historical trade in elephant ivory along the country’s coastline during the colonial era. The name reflects its coastal geography and economic history. Today, however, the ivory trade is heavily regulated to protect the African elephant, Ivory Coast’s national animal. Facts About the CI Country Name CI Country Name in English: Ivory Coast Official Name: Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (République de Côte d'Ivoire in French) CI Country Name in Hindi: आइवरी कोस्ट (Aivari Kost) or कोट द'इवोयर (Côte d'Ivoire) CI Country Name in Arabic: ساحل العاج (Sāḥil al-‘Āj, meaning “Coast of Ivory”) CI Country Code: The ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code “CI” is used internationally for Côte d'Ivoire. Is it Ivory Coast or Côte d'Ivoire? Both Ivory Coast and Côte d'Ivoire are correct, but the Ivorian government officially prefers Côte d'Ivoire in all languages. The CI country name has a rich history and is recognized differently across languages. Whether you call it Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast, this nation remains a fascinating part of West Africa.

Yes, Ivory Coast is globally recognized for its chocolate—or more precisely, for being the world’s largest producer of cocoa beans, the raw ingredient used to make chocolate. Although there are a few big Ivorian chocolate companies exporting top-quality products internationally, cocoa beans ready for processing and use in chocolate production make up over 40% of the world market. Why Is Ivory Coast So Important for Chocolate? 1. The World's Top Cocoa Producer Produces 2+ million tons of cocoa annually The most exporter since the 1970s Drives 20% of Ivory Coast's GDP 2. Perfect Climate for Cocoa Farming Tropical weather (warm + humid) Consistent rainfall = ideal growing conditions 3. Major Chocolate Companies Rely on Ivorian Cocoa Large corporations such as Nestlé, Hershey's, and Cadbury source Cocoa from the Ivory Coast. Is Ivory Coast known for its chocolate products? Most likely not. Because most beans are shipped to Europe/US to be made into branded chocolates that are labeled 'Made in Ivory Coast', but processed elsewhere. Locally, only about 5% of beans are processed into chocolate. Although most people have never eaten them, the country's most famous chocolate brands, like Instant Chocolat and Le Chocolatier Ivoirien, are gaining international fame. Where to buy chocolate in the Ivory Coast? Visitors to Abidjan or Yamoussoukro will find locally produced artisan chocolates in shops and markets. If you're wondering whether Ivory Coast is truly famous for chocolate, the answer is—yes, in terms of cocoa production. In a way, yes. In fact, one might say the country is famous for its cocoa, an essential ingredient behind just about every chocolate bar you can think of.

The country we know as Ivory Coast is officially referred to as Côte d’Ivoire in French (meaning "Coast of Ivory"). The name dates from the 15th–17th centuries when European traders came to export ivory from elephants in the area. In 1985, the Ivorian government announced that the country should henceforth be called only Côte d’Ivoire in all languages so as to maintain uniformity and a national identity. This request was recognised by the United Nations and other international organizations. Which Is Correct: Ivory Coast or Côte d’Ivoire? Formal/Official Usage: Côte d’Ivoire (used by the UN, FIFA and diplomatic organisations). Informal Usage: Ivory Coast When being used in an international setting, it is correct and official to use Côte d'Ivoire (according to the country's government). Anyhow, Ivory Coast is still often used in English-speaking countries for convenience or because of historical usage. In practical terms, the two words refer to the same place, but for the avoidance of doubt, where it matters, user Côte d'Ivoire joins with the country’s preference for bilateral formal communications. Is It Illegal to Call Côte d’Ivoire the Ivory Coast? No, it is not illegal. In principle, they refer to the same country, but Côte d’Ivoire is its official and diplomatic designation. Although under most people's jurisprudence, "Ivory Coast" is not "illegal", international organizations and governments follow the country’s wishes.

If you need to travel to Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) urgently, you can request an express or urgent eVisa. The first thing is to determine the appropriate visa type (e.g., tourist, business, or transit) based on your purpose of travel. Confirm if you’re eligible for an e-Visa or require a consular visa. 1. Apply for an Ivory Coast e-Visa (Fastest Option) The e-Visa is the quickest way to obtain an urgent visa for Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), with pre-approval reducing risks of delays or rejection at the border. It is available for most nationalities for tourism, business, or short-term visits. Here are the  steps: Visit the Official e-Visa Portal: Use the official eVisa portal (https://snedai.com) or a trusted immigration service provider (e.g, Ivory Coast Immigration Services). Complete the Application: Fill out the online form with personal details, travel itinerary, and passport information. Select the urgent processing option (if available, typically at an additional fee). Urgent processing reduces the timeline to 24-48 hours (standard is 72 hours). Upload Required Documents: Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages). Digital passport-sized photo (per portal specifications). Flight itinerary or proof of travel. Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking). Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory). Additional documents for specific visa types (e.g., an invitation letter for business visas). Pay the Fee: Besides the standard visa fee, plus an extra fee for urgent processing. Payment is made online via credit/debit card. Submit and Track: Receive a confirmation email and track your application status on the portal. Download and print the approved e-Visa for presentation upon arrival. 2. Apply Through the Embassy (If e-Visa Isn’t Available) Consular visas are processed through Ivory Coast embassies or consulates, but expedited options may be limited. Follow the steps: - Contact the nearest Ivory Coast embassy or consulate (locate via official government websites). - Request expedited processing and provide proof of urgency (e.g., medical emergency, critical business travel). - Submit the required documents: Completed visa application form. Valid passport and passport-sized photos. Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation. Yellow fever vaccination certificate. Supporting documents based on visa type (e.g., invitation letter for business visas; proof of funds may be required). - Pay the consular visa fee (varies by embassy). * Processing time: 2-5 days for urgent requests, depending on the embassy. 3. Is a Visa on Arrival an Urgent Ivory Coast Visa? A visa on arrival (VoA) is not a reliable, urgent visa option. It is available only for specific nationalities at major entry points (e.g., Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport). Processing occurs upon arrival, but queue times and eligibility checks can cause delays or rejections. The e-Visa with urgent processing (24-48 hours) is recommended for faster, pre-approved entry. Important Notes: Urgent Processing Eligibility: Not all nationalities or visa types qualify for expedited processing. Verify on https://www.snedai.com/en or with an embassy. Entry Requirements: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Comply with health and entry protocols (e.g., health declarations). Emergency Situations: For medical, family, or diplomatic emergencies, contact the nearest embassy with proof of urgency to expedite processing.

No, Ivory Coast does not currently offer a specific “group visa.” Each traveler must apply for an individual Ivory Coast e-Visa, even when traveling as part of a group. All travelers, including those in families, tour groups, or business delegations, must apply for their own visa, either online (e-Visa) or via an embassy, meeting all standard requirements individually.  If you're organizing a group tour or family trip, group leaders or agencies can assist with coordination, but there is no consolidated application or group fee option. Here’s how you can streamline the process: How to Apply for Ivory Coast Group Visa While there is no official "group Visa" issued under one application, you can submit multiple individual visa applications at the same time using a visa service provider or a travel agency. These providers often offer group visa application assistance to make the process faster and more organized. To apply, each traveler must submit: A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) A passport-sized photo Flight itinerary (round trip) Hotel booking or proof of accommodation A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate Completed the eVisa application form online. Ivory Coast Group Visa Application - Practice Tips Coordination: Assign a group leader to ensure all applications are submitted with consistent details (e.g., same travel dates, accommodation). Biometric Enrollment: At Abidjan airport, each traveler (except minors under 12) must complete fingerprinting and photo capture. Ensure all group members have printed e-Visa confirmations. Entry Point: e-Visas are valid only for entry via Abidjan’s Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport. For other entry points (e.g., land borders), apply for consular visas. For groups: ensure consistency in travel dates and itinerary details across applications to streamline processing. Consular Visa for Groups (If e-Visa isn’t Suitable) For groups entering via non-Abidjan entry points or requiring specific visa types (e.g., long-stay or work visas), apply through an Ivory Coast embassy or consulate. Ivory Coast Group Visa for Family Travel Families traveling together to the Ivory Coast must still submit separate eVisa applications for each member, including children and infants. The same documentation is required for minors, though birth certificates or parental consent letters may be requested in some cases. Apply for an Ivory Coast Group e-Visa at Ivory Coast Immigration Services There is no single group e-Visa, but all travelers in your group can apply online using our platform. At Ivory Coast Immigration Services, we offer visa services for large groups (tour groups, company teams, family reunions, etc.) to handle bulk submissions, track each application, and ensure every group member meets the Ivory Coast visa requirements.

Yes, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months and older entering Ivory Coast, regardless of their country of origin or visa type. Ivory Coast, classified as an endemic country by the World Health Organization (WHO), consistently enforces this requirement to prevent Yellow Fever transmission. Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirement for Ivory Coast Entry The Yellow Fever vaccine is critical to prevent the introduction and spread of this mosquito-borne disease in Ivory Coast and to protect travelers. Below are the key details: 1. Official Requirement All visitors (including transit passengers) must show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination (WHO-approved "International Certificate of Vaccination"). Required for entry by air, land, and sea. 2. Exemptions Infants under 9 months are exempt, though airlines may rarely request a certificate as a precaution. They must be listed on a parent’s travel documents, and immigration may require proof of age, such as a birth certificate. Travelers with medical conditions preventing vaccination (e.g., allergies, immunosuppression, pregnancy) may be exempt but must provide a medical waiver letter from a licensed physician. Immigration officers have the final authority to accept or reject the waiver, and exempt travelers may face additional health screenings or quarantine. Transit passengers staying in the airport for less than 12 hours are typically exempt, but should carry a certificate to avoid issues. 3. Vaccine Validity The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Ivory Coast for it to be considered valid. Provides lifetime immunity (per WHO standards). 4. Proof at Port of Entry You must show the certificate to immigration or health officials at the airport (typically in Abidjan). Non-compliance may result in: Denied entry if no certificate is presented. Quarantine: In rare cases, travelers may be quarantined for up to 6 days (the incubation period for Yellow Fever) at their own expense. Forced vaccination at the airport (Abidjan’s Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport offers this, but it’s costly and delays entry). Practice Tips Carry both a digital and printed copy of your Yellow Fever certificate. Some airlines may also request it before boarding flights to the Ivory Coast. Can I enter Ivory Coast without a Yellow Fever certificate? No, you risk denial of entry or quarantine. A valid International Certificate of Vaccination is required at the port of entry. Are children exempt from the Yellow Fever vaccine for Ivory Coast? Infants under 9 months are exempt but must have proof of age. Children 9 months and older require the vaccine. Do I need to show the Yellow Fever certificate for an e-Visa application? Not during the online application, but you must present it at Abidjan’s Port Bouet Airport upon arrival. What if I have a medical exemption from the Yellow Fever vaccine? Present a medical waiver letter from a licensed physician. Immigration may accept it, but could require additional health checks. Conclusion The Yellow Fever vaccine is mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months and older entering Ivory Coast, with a valid International Certificate of Vaccination required at ports of entry. Exemptions apply for infants, transit passengers, and those with medical waivers, but non-compliance can lead to denial of entry or quarantine. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel, carry your Yellow Card, and take mosquito precautions to stay safe in the Ivory Coast’s endemic environment.

Yes, it is recommended to carry some cash when arriving at the Ivory Coast port of entry, especially for visa-on-arrival payments and other entry-related fees. Why do I Need Cash When Entering Ivory Coast? Here’s why: 1. Visa Fees If you are obtaining a visa on arrival, you will need to pay the fee in cash at the Abidjan airport (Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport). Typically, in CFA Francs (the local currency). 2. Transportation Costs Local taxis or airport shuttles often accept only cash, particularly in CFA francs. Having small denominations (1,000–5,000 CFA) is useful. 3. Emergency or Unexpected Expenses In case of delays or document issues, you may need to pay for printing, internet, or phone services, which are usually cash-only. 4. Small Purchases and Tips - Airport Amenities: Food stalls, coffee shops, or small shops at the airport typically accept only cash for items like snacks, water, or SIM cards. A bottle of water costs ~500 CFA ($1 USD), and a local SIM card with data may cost 2,000–5,000 CFA ($3–$8 USD). - Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping luggage porters or taxi drivers 500–1,000 CFA ($1–$2 USD) is customary for good service. Cash is needed for these small gratuities. 5. Currency Exchange ATMs and currency exchange booths are available at the airport, but it’s wise to have at least €50–100 or 30,000–60,000 CFA in cash for convenience. Practice Tips How much cash should I carry at the Ivory Coast port of entry? Carry 50,000–100,000 CFA ($80–$160 USD) for taxis, tips, and small purchases. Declare amounts over 500,000 CFA to customs. Can I use credit cards at Abidjan airport? Limited. Taxis and small vendors require cash, but some airport shops may accept Visa cards. Use cards cautiously due to fraud risks. Is there an ATM at Port Bouet Airport? Yes, but ATMs may not accept all cards and can run out of cash. Carry some CFA francs as a backup. To avoid any issues, it’s best to carry sufficient cash in CFA Francs or a widely accepted currency like USD or EUR. You can exchange money at the airport or use ATMs if available.

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.