Entry/Exit Requirements

Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire website for the most current visa information.

The Government of Côte d’Ivoire requires U.S. citizens to have a valid visa for entry into Côte d'Ivoire, as well as a passport with more than six months of remaining validity. U.S. citizens traveling to Côte d'Ivoire should check with the nearest Ivoirian embassy or consulate for details regarding the latest visa procedures and fees. A new e-visa system went into effect in February 2014. Although these e-visas are now available at the airport upon arrival, they must be requested online prior to arrival in Côte d’Ivoire. You can obtain more information by accessing the website for Côte d’Ivoire evisas. In addition to visa and passport requirements, an international health certificate showing current yellow fever immunization is required for entry into Côte d’Ivoire. Without proof of yellow fever immunization, the traveler may be required to submit to vaccination at entry before clearing immigration, at a cost of 7,000 CFA (approximately 14 USD).

An exit permit is required for all high-value pieces of art being removed from Côte d'Ivoire. The export permit costs 2,000 CFA plus 500 CFA per object (approximately 1-4 USD). Only the National Museum has the authority to issue the permits.

Foreign travelers are sometimes approached at ports of entry by individuals with offers to expedite passport control and customs, and are then asked to pay an exorbitant fee, both for the service and for the passport and customs officers. Travelers to Côte d’Ivoire are advised that there is no need to pay a police officer or customs officer for any service rendered during an arrival or departure, and that they should not surrender their passports or other important documents to anyone except easily identifiable government officials in uniform.

U.S. citizens intending to establish a residence in Côte d’Ivoire must apply for a residency permit (titre de séjour) at the Office d’Identification Nationale. (Note: Titres de séjour are not issued to children under the age of 16 who are documented on their parents' visas.) In 2015 some titre de séjour holders experienced problems at land borders since they no longer had Côte d’Ivoire visas. According to Ivoirian officials, however, an entry visa is no longer required for holders of valid titre de séjour traveling from neighboring countries. U.S. citizen travelers who encounter problems at land borders should contact Embassy Abidjan’s Consular Section.

Travelers may obtain the latest information and details on entry requirements from the Embassy of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007, tel. (202) 797-0317. If you are currently overseas, you should inquire at the nearest Ivoirian embassy or consulate.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Côte d'Ivoire.

Due to the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in neighboring countries, the Government of Côte D’Ivoire has enacted several travel-related measures. Airport personnel are using remote scanner to scan passengers for fever.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.