Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced e-Visa System
Ivory Coast has streamlined its e-Visa process for 2026, allowing most travelers to apply online with faster approvals (often within 72 hours) for a fee of around 75,000 XOF. This digital system reduces the need for embassy visits and includes options for tourist, business, and transit visas valid up to 90 days.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Ivory Coast, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Always verify with your issuing country for any additional re-entry requirements to avoid complications upon return.
Children and minors need their own passports, and it's wise to carry certified birth certificates for family travel.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of several West African nations like Ghana, Senegal, and Mali can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, promoting regional travel. For others, including EU, US, and Canadian passport holders, an e-Visa or visa on arrival is available at major airports like Abidjan's Félix Houphouët-Boigny International.
Always confirm your nationality's status on the official Ivory Coast immigration website, as exemptions can change.
Visa Applications
Apply for an e-Visa online via the official portal (evisa.gouv.ci) at least 15 days before travel, providing a passport scan, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of sufficient funds (around 50,000 XOF per day). The process costs 50,000-100,000 XOF depending on visa type and duration, with approvals emailed directly.
Traditional visas through embassies require similar documents plus biometrics, taking 5-10 working days for processing.
Border Crossings
Air arrivals at Abidjan or Bouaké airports involve straightforward e-Visa checks and health screenings, with processing times under 30 minutes. Overland borders with Ghana or Liberia may require additional vehicle documentation and can take 1-2 hours due to customs inspections.
Maritime entries via ports are rare for tourists but follow similar visa protocols with advance notification to authorities.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, trip delays, and activities like beach safaris or eco-tours in Taï National Park is highly recommended due to limited healthcare facilities outside major cities. Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases and start from 5,000 XOF per day from international providers.
Ensure your policy covers repatriation, as medical flights can cost over 10 million XOF in emergencies.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 90 additional days can be applied for at the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire in Abidjan or regional offices, requiring proof of onward travel, accommodation, and financial means. Fees range from 30,000-50,000 XOF, and applications should be submitted at least 7 days before expiration to avoid overstay fines of 10,000 XOF per day.
Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officials, so provide strong supporting documents.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Ivory Coast uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Abidjan by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or Booking.com.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at local maquis or street vendors for dishes like grilled fish and plantains under 3,000 XOF, avoiding upscale restaurants to save up to 60% on meals. Visit markets in Abidjan or Yamoussoukro for fresh fruits and ready-to-eat options at bargain prices.
Opt for set menus (menu du jour) which often include multiple courses for a fixed low price.
Public Transport Passes
Use shared taxis (wôro-wôro) or bush taxis for intercity travel at 5,000-10,000 XOF per leg, far cheaper than private hires. In Abidjan, daily bus passes cost around 2,000 XOF and cover multiple routes efficiently.
Group travel with others to split costs on longer journeys to places like Grand Bassam.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches in Assinie, vibrant markets in Treichville, and walking tours of Abidjan's street art, all at no cost for authentic cultural immersion. National parks like Banco have low entry fees (under 5,000 XOF) but offer free hiking trails.
Many festivals and community events throughout the year are open to visitors without admission charges.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops in Abidjan, but cash is king for markets, taxis, and rural areas where ATMs are scarce. Withdraw from bank ATMs for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges which add high fees.
Carry small denominations (1,000-5,000 XOF notes) to avoid change issues with vendors.
Park & Tour Discounts
Purchase a multi-entry pass for national parks like Taï or Comoé at 20,000 XOF for the season, covering multiple visits and guided options. Combine with local tour operators for bundled deals that reduce per-activity costs by 20-30%.
Travel off-peak during rainy seasons for discounted eco-tour packages.
Smart Packing for Ivory Coast
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the hot, humid climate, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and mosquito-prone evenings. Include modest attire like knee-length skirts or shirts for visiting mosques in northern regions or respectful cultural sites.
Quick-dry fabrics are ideal for sudden rains, and layer with a light scarf for air-conditioned buses or cooler highland areas.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C and E plugs (220V), a portable power bank for remote areas with unreliable electricity, and a waterproof phone case for beach trips. Download offline maps of Abidjan and national parks, plus translation apps for French and local Dioula phrases.
A solar charger is useful for eco-adventures in areas like the savannas where outlets may be limited.
Health & Safety
Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory), a comprehensive first-aid kit with anti-malarials, bandages, and rehydration salts, plus any personal prescriptions. Include high-SPF sunscreen, DEET insect repellent, and water purification tablets for rural hydration.
Travel insurance docs and a basic medical kit for tropical illnesses like diarrhea are essential, given variable healthcare access.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for market explorations, a reusable water bottle with filter, a lightweight rain poncho, and a money belt for securing cash and passport. Include copies of all documents in a waterproof pouch and a small lock for hostel lockers.
Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting in parks, and a headlamp is handy for evening walks or power outages.
Footwear Strategy
Choose closed-toe sandals or lightweight hiking shoes for dusty roads and park trails in Taï National Park, paired with breathable sneakers for city strolling in Abidjan. Waterproof boots are vital for rainy season mud, and flip-flops suffice for beach relaxation in Grand Bassam.
Pack extra socks to combat humidity-induced sweat, and opt for quick-dry materials to handle frequent laundering.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable soap, shampoo, and lotion to suit the humid environment, plus antifungal powder for foot care in tropical heat. A compact umbrella or hat for sun/rain protection, and wet wipes for hygiene on long bus rides without facilities.
Don't forget electrolyte packets for hydration during active days, and a small sewing kit for clothing repairs in remote spots.
When to Visit Ivory Coast
Dry Season (December-March)
The best time to visit with sunny weather averaging 28-32°C, low humidity, and minimal rain, ideal for beach holidays in Assinie and wildlife viewing in national parks. Festivals like the Abidjan International Carnival add vibrant cultural energy without the crowds of peak summer elsewhere.
Accommodations are reasonably priced, and roads are in top condition for overland travel to Yamoussoukro.
Short Dry Period (July-August)
A brief drier spell with temperatures around 27-30°C offers good opportunities for urban exploration in Abidjan and eco-tours, though short rains may occur. This shoulder season means fewer tourists and lower prices for hotels and flights.
Great for attending local music festivals and enjoying fresh seafood harvests along the coast.
Long Rainy Season (April-July)
Expect heavy afternoon showers with highs of 30-33°C and lush greenery perfect for nature lovers hiking in the rainforests of Taï. Budget accommodations drop by 20-30%, but plan indoor activities like museum visits in Abidjan for rainy days.
Waterfalls and rivers are at their most spectacular, enhancing scenic drives to the north.
Short Rainy Season (September-November)
Transition period with intermittent rains and warm 28-31°C weather, suitable for cultural immersion in markets and villages before the dry season rush. Harvest festivals celebrate yams and cocoa, offering authentic experiences at reduced costs.
Avoid if prone to flooding, but ideal for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF). Fixed to the Euro; cards accepted in cities but cash essential for rural areas and markets.
- Language: French is official; local languages like Dioula, Baoulé, and Bété widely spoken. English understood in tourist spots and business hubs.
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0 year-round
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/E plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire; 180 for ambulance services
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants, 1,000-2,000 XOF for guides or porters
- Water: Tap water not safe; drink bottled or purified water to avoid health issues
- Pharmacies: Available in cities; look for "Pharmacie" signs. Stock basic meds but bring prescriptions
