Ivory Coast Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens must apply for an e-visa before visiting Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire). The single-entry tourist e-visa costs approximately $73 and allows a stay of up to 90 days.
United States passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Ivory Coast.
Apply for the e-visa at snedai.ci or through the official Ivory Coast visa portal. Required: valid US passport (6+ months validity), passport photo, return/onward ticket, hotel reservation, and bank statement. The fee is approximately $73. Processing takes 3-5 business days. A visa on arrival is not available for US citizens.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date with at least one blank page
Digital Passport Photo
Recent color photo in JPEG format meeting specific size requirements (usually 35x45mm, 600x600 pixels)
Completed Online Application
Fill out the official eVisa application form on the government portal
Travel Itinerary
Detailed travel plans including dates and places you intend to visit
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel bookings, Airbnb reservations, or host invitation letter
Return or Onward Flight
Confirmed flight booking showing departure from the country
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank statements or credit card showing adequate funds for your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended coverage for medical emergencies and trip cancellation
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Meningitis, Rabies
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Ivory Coast has stabilized significantly since the 2010-2011 crisis. Abidjan and major tourist areas are generally safe, but petty crime like pickpocketing occurs. Avoid border areas with Liberia and Mali, demonstrations, and political gatherings. Exercise caution at night and in less-traveled areas. The country remains under travel advisories for some regions.
Money & Costs
Currency
CFA CFA Franc (XOF)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $40 · Mid: $90 · Luxury: $200+
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. 10% in restaurants is common for good service. Tips for guides and hotel staff are welcome.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, E, 220V 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
110 (Police), 180 (Fire), 185 (Ambulance)
Getting There
Main Airports
Abidjan (ABJ) · Yamoussoukro (ASK)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ivory Coast is during the dry seasons: from December to April in the south and November to March in the north. The long rainy season (May-July) and short rainy season (October-November) can make travel difficult, especially on unpaved roads. The Harmattan wind from December to February can cause hazy conditions in the north.
Cultural Notes
Ivory Coast has a rich cultural heritage with over 60 ethnic groups. Music and dance are integral to social life, with coupé-décalé and zouglou being popular genres. Greetings are important and involve inquiries about family and health. The country has produced notable literary figures and has a vibrant arts scene, particularly in Abidjan.
Insider Tips
French is the official language - basic French skills are very helpful. The West African CFA franc is the currency and is tied to the euro. ATMs are available in cities. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Photography of government buildings and military installations is prohibited. Negotiate prices at markets.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Ivory Coast: What You Need to Know
Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) is West Africa's largest economy and has become politically stable following years of civil conflict (2002-2011). Abidjan Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) is a major West African hub with connections from Paris (Air France), Brussels (Brussels Airlines), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Nairobi, and other African cities. The country is the world's largest producer of cocoa. Yamoussoukro is the official capital (home to the world's largest church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace), but Abidjan is the commercial heart and where most international travelers arrive.
How to Get There
Paris (CDG) is the main gateway hub for Ivory Coast, with multiple daily Air France flights to Abidjan. Brussels and Istanbul also offer direct connections. Regional West African connections from Dakar, Accra, Lagos, and Nairobi are available. Combined West Africa itineraries often include Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast together.
Money & Banking
Ivory Coast uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF), pegged to the Euro. Credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants in Abidjan; cash is essential elsewhere. ATMs in Abidjan are generally reliable. Ivory Coast is moderately priced by African standards; Abidjan is one of West Africa's more expensive cities. Restaurant meals range from $5 (local maquis restaurants) to $30+ at international restaurants. Accommodation runs $30-120/night.
Practical Tips
Abidjan's Plateau district and lagoon waterfront have a sophisticated urban energy unlike much of West Africa. Cocody neighborhood has excellent restaurants and the National Museum of Ivory Coast. The Grand Bassam colonial quarter (UNESCO) on the coast is a preserved French colonial city. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro (modeled on St. Peter's in Rome but larger) is an extraordinary architectural spectacle. Tai National Park protects one of West Africa's last intact rainforests and critically endangered chimpanzees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for an Ivory Coast e-visa?
Apply at the official portal (snedai.ci) with your passport details, photo, return ticket, hotel booking, and bank statement. The fee is approximately $73 for a single-entry 90-day tourist visa. Processing takes 3-5 business days. Print your e-visa approval to show on arrival at Abidjan airport.
What is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro?
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is the world's largest Christian church by area, built between 1985 and 1989 by President Houphouet-Boigny at a cost of $300 million. Modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome but larger, it can hold 18,000 people and its dome is taller than St. Peter's. It sits incongruously in the capital city's landscape and is a fascinating, free-to-visit architectural spectacle.
Is Ivory Coast safe?
The country has been politically stable since 2012. The US State Department advises Level 2 (Increased Caution) due to crime and occasional civil unrest. Abidjan is generally safe in tourist and business areas but petty crime and opportunistic theft occur. Avoid political demonstrations. The western border region near Liberia and Guinea occasionally sees spillover tension.