Ivory Coast Visa on Arrival: Fees & Requirements 2025

Welcome from the stunning West African country of Cote d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast. The thriving Ivory trade that occurred along the country's coast between the 15th and 17th centuries is what gave rise to the country's name.

Ivory Coast offers stunning views, incredible coastlines, and lush foliage at every turn, so those who are outdoor lovers will not be disappointed.

If you are planning to travel to this beautiful country, it is important to understand your options for obtaining a visa. This article will go over the Ivory Coast visa on arrival and other options that may be right for you.

What Is Ivory Coast Visa On Arrival?

Visa on arrival, or VOA for short, enables you to get your visa as soon as you arrive in Ivory Coast. Citizens of numerous countries are eligible for this kind of visa, although the application process can be unpredictable and time-consuming.  You must fill out a visa application form at the airport, present the necessary documentation (such as evidence of accommodation and adequate funds), and pay the fees for the Ivory Coast visa on arrival in cash.

Ivory Coast visa on arrival is useful if you do not have time to apply for an e-visa. Border officials might not immediately accept your visa, and you might have to wait in enormous lineups at the airport. Additionally, many people are anxious about obtaining a visa, which can add tension to the beginning of a vacation.

Visa on arrival enables you to get your visa as soon as you arrive in Ivory Coast

Does Ivory Coast have a visa on arrival?

Yes, Ivory Coast does offer a visa on arrival for citizens from certain countries. The Ivory Coast visa-on-arrival program allows citizens from eligible nations to obtain a visa upon arrival at one of the international airports or other approved entry points.

Which countries are eligible for the Ivory Coast visa on arrival?

Not all travelers are eligible for a visa on arrival. The Ivory Coast visa-on-arrival countries list those that are part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

You need to have a valid visa or have your application for an e-visa granted before you travel if you are not an ECOWAS national.

How To Get An Ivory Coast Visa On Arrival?

Requirements for Obtaining a Visa on Arrival

Ensure you have all necessary documents ready before your trip:

• A passport with two blank pages and a six-month validity beyond your intended departure date
• Return tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of funds
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if visitors come from an epidemic disease

How to Apply for Visa on Arrival

Please follow these steps to successfully obtain an Ivory Coast visa on arrival:

Step 1: Prepare the required documents as the above list

Step 2: Complete immigration forms

Fill out the required immigration forms provided at Abidjan Airport.

Step 3: Submit documents:

Present your completed forms along with your passport and supporting documents to the immigration officer.

Step 4: Pay the fees for Ivory Coast visa on arrival

The officer will inform you of the applicable fees for the visa on arrival. Payment can typically be made in cash or by credit card.

Step 5: Receive your visa

After processing your documents and payment, you will receive your visa stamped in your passport.

How to get an Ivory Coast visa on arrival

What To Do If I'm Not Eligible For An Ivory Coast Visa On Arrival

If your country is not on the Ivory Coast visa on arrival countries list, you will need to apply for a visa through an embassy or consulate before your trip. Alternatively, you can apply for an Ivory Coast e-visa. This is the most convenient and time-saving way to apply for a visa without having to queue at the embassy.

What documents are required for an Ivory Coast e-visa?

• Valid Passport:

The passport must still be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival. The passport bio page needs to be scanned and sent to the online application form.

• Copy of return tickets

It is necessary to have a scanned copy of the return ticket. By doing this, the applicant can demonstrate that they want to return home when their e-visa expires or their visit is over.

• Proof of accommodation

Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel, Airbnb, or a friend or relative's home, is required.

• Email address

Applications for e-visas must be submitted online, and in order to obtain an authorized e-visa, an email is required.

How to apply for an Ivory Coast e-visa

For eligible countries, the Ivory Coast e-visa is a travel document that permits easy and uncomplicated admission into the country. The applicants only need to spend 15 - 20 minutes at Ivory Coast Immigration Services completing the application. The following is a four-step process:

Step 1: Fill out the secure online application form

Step 2: Pay the visa application fee and send the necessary documents

Step 3: Check your email for updates about the progress of your Ivory Coast e-visa application

Step 4: Get your Ivory Coast e-visa and print it out

You can check visa requirements here to know whether your country is eligible for Ivory Coast e-visa.

How to apply for an Ivory Coast e-visa

The Difference Between Ivory Coast Visa On Arrival And E-visa

The main distinction lies in the application process. Before you travel, you apply for an eVisa, and after you get to your destination, you apply for a visa on arrival. You may have to wait for several minutes, if not hours, at the port, airport, or border crossing as immigration officials review each traveler's papers if you apply for your Ivory Coast visa on arrival.

The eVisa application process is far quicker and easier. You only need to visit the Ivory Coast Immigration Services website, fill out the online application, and get your e-visa in three business days.

The e-visa gives visitors even more peace of mind. Before you travel, you must print the electronic visa. At the border crossing, Ivory Coast immigration officials may request that you present a valid visa and your passport in order to grant you admission.

If you have to choose between the two types of visas, an eVisa is the preferable choice. It would be very discouraging to go this far just to have your visa denied upon arrival for reasons such as missing documentation or submitting an incorrect application.

Conclusion

The Ivory Coast is one enormous chunk of West Africa, spanning from the towering grass-clad mountains of Mount Nimba in the north to the lagoons and thundering Atlantic waves in the south, the mist-topped rainforests where chimps reside in the west, and the sprawling plantations of cocoa and plantains in the east.

Exploring the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of Côte d'Ivoire is made possible by traveling there. Although many tourists find the Ivory Coast visa on arrival to be a convenient alternative, choosing the e-visa can provide even more convenience and effectiveness. You can expedite your admission process and prevent possible airport delays by submitting an online application prior to your travel. Ultimately, whether you choose the visa on arrival or the e-visa, being well-prepared will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in this vibrant West African destination.