FAQs

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.

When applying for a visa, certain information from your passport is crucial to ensure the process goes smoothly. Passport Number: This unique identification number is essential for identifying your passport and verifying its validity. Passport Issuance and Expiry Dates: You will need to provide the date your passport was issued and its expiration date. Visa validity often depends on these dates. Full Name: Your passport should display your full name as it appears on official documents. This includes your given name(s) and surname. Date of Birth: Your date of birth is required for verification and matching with other identification documents. Nationality: Your nationality, as stated in your passport, is critical for determining which visa requirements apply to you. Place of Birth: Some visa applications may require you to provide your place of birth as listed in your passport. However, only a passport is not enough to apply for an Ivory Coast visa. In order to be qualified, travelers need to provide a photograph of yourself and a passport biographical information scan. To get in-depth information, you can check requirements based on your nationality to know what to prepare when coming to the Ivory Coast. When you have enough documents on hand, start to apply for an Ivory Coast visa!

Appealing the ruling In some situations, you may be able to appeal a rejection. This method differs depending on the nation and the kind of visa. It is best to contact the appropriate visa agency or consulate for further information on the appeal process. Review and correct your application If you believe your application was denied due to erroneous or missing information, examine all of the information you provided when you first applied. Make sure all of the information is correct and complete before submitting a new application. Making a fresh application for an electronic Ivorian visa After rectifying any mistakes or omissions, you may submit a new Côte d'Ivoire e-visa application. You should be informed, however, that this new application will come with additional prices. Visit your embassy or consulate to apply for a visa If you do not qualify for the Côte d'Ivoire e-visa or want to apply through a different route, you can apply for a visa at the Côte d'Ivoire embassy or consulate in your country. Please keep in mind that this method may take longer and be more involved than applying for an e-visa.

When an Ivory Coast visa application is marked as "under process," it usually indicates that the Ivory Coast Immigration Service is actively considering and analyzing your application. It shows that your application is being processed and is in progress. During this step, we will review the papers and information you supplied, confirm their validity, and determine your eligibility for the visa you requested. They may do a background check, assess your supporting papers, and determine if you match the visa category's particular requirements and conditions. While your application is being processed, please keep in mind that processing times may vary depending on the kind of visa, the workload of the Ivory Coast Immigration Service, and other considerations. It is recommended that you be patient during this time and avoid making any travel plans until your application is approved. If you have any issues or questions concerning the progress of your application, please contact the Embassy or Consulate of Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) or the appropriate visa processing office where you filed it. They should be able to provide you with more precise information on the processing timetable and any updates on the status of your application.