One of the top tourist destinations in Africa, the government of the Ivory Coast has made strides in improving the visa application process. You can make your application and get your approval within 48 hours.
Just as it is in all other countries worldwide, you will need to get a visa to visit Ivory Coast. According to the Ivory Coast visa policy, only citizens from 23 countries around the globe don't need a visa for entry.
Ivory Coast Visa Free Countries
Every country in the world has rules meant to govern who enters the country and under what circumstances. At the same time, countries have a list of nationalities that do not need a visa. This exemption gives the citizens of these countries the right to enter the country without a visa.
The policy is a result of accords and treaties held by two counties allowing visits without a visa. The entire system is based on reciprocity.
The Ivory Coast visa free countries also enjoy this benefit because of the many treaties held by the government. Ivory Coast has a list of 23 countries whose residents can cross the border without a visa. The rule also extends to refugees and stateless individuals residing in those 23 countries. You can find the list of visa-free countries here.
However, it is essential to note that the length of stay in the country without a visa differs from country to country. Some nations are allowed up to 90 days without a visa, and others only up to 30 days.
How To Apply For Cote D'ivoire Visa
You can apply for a visa for Ivory Coast in several ways. You can choose any of the below processes to get your visa.
Ivory Coast online Visa Application
Another way you can make your Ivory Coast visa application is through their E-visa platform. It is an easy and time-saving method that you can quickly complete from the comfort of your home.
To get the visa, all you have to do is log in to the platform and fill in all the necessary information as requested. 0nce you are done, ensure you review the document to ensure you have a field in the correct information.
If you are satisfied with the information, attach all supporting documents to your application before submitting it for approval. The review and approval process will take a maximum of 72 hours, i.e., 3 working days. Pay attention to the Ivory Coast visa requirements to prevent issues with your application.
If your visa for Ivory Coast application is approved, you will get a notification in your email. Get the Entry Visa Letter to print and carry it with you to Ivory Coast through your email.
When you arrive in the country, head to one of the Ivory Coast immigration offices at the airport, you will need to produce the entry visa letter and all your supporting documents at the port.
If you use the e-visa application, remember to only enter Ivory Coast through Port Bouet Airport in Abidjan. It is the only port of entry authorized for the E-visa in the Ivory Coast.
The immigration officer will, at this point, collect your biometric information and hand you a visa. Please note that the Immigration officer holds full discloser as to whether you enter the country.
Embassy Application
If you can't make an Ivory Coast online visa application, you can obtain the visa for Ivory Coast from the embassy. The main difference between this and the e-visa is that you will get a physical visa.
Make the visa application in your resident country by visiting the Ivory Coast embassy. You will have to be physically present in the embassy at the time of application. No third party can make the application on your behalf.
You can download the application form from the official embassy site and fill it in. Ensure that you get the correct form, as this will prevent processing delays. You will then present this form along with all required supporting documents in person at the embassy.
An immigration officer will then review your application and conduct an interview. The officer will then decide on whether to approve or decline your application. This decision is based on whether you meet all the requirements.
You should be aware that the immigration officer holds discretion on the approval of your visa even if you provide all the requested documents. If your visa is approved, you will choose whether to wait for the visa or have it sent to you.
Ivory Coast Visa On Arrival
Another answer to the question, 'how to apply for how to apply for Cote d'Ivoire visa'? Is to make an application on arrival.
For this application method, you must apply for a pre-approval letter from the Ivory Coast official embassy website. You will have to make this application before you depart for the country else you will not be allowed in the country.
Once you have made this application, you will receive your approval letter through your email. At this point, you should download the pdf document and print it. When you get to any of the international airports in Ivory Coast, present the letter to the immigration officer.
The immigration officer will then capture your biometric info and hand you a visa. You can apply for the 30-day single entry visa or the 90-day multiple entry visa this way.
How Much Is The Ivory Coast Visa?
According to the official embassy website, the amount paid for a Visa will be anything from USD 70 to USD150. This price will depend on the type of visa you are applying for.
If you use an independent agency to make your application, note that an additional fee will be implemented.
Ivory Coast Visa Processing Time
According to Ivory Coast official website, the processing time for a Cote d'Ivoire visa is approximately 48 hours. This time is, however, only for the e-visa on the official government website. If you choose to apply through a visa application agency, the processing time may differ by a few days.
Ivory Coast Visa Requirements
If you want to apply for an Ivory Coast tourist visa, here is the list of documents you will need. We advise that you carry any other additional documents with you that might help with the approval process.
Required Documents:
- A passport that is valid for at least another 6 months after the date of entry into the Ivory Coast
- Return ticket confirming departure out of Ivory Coast
- 2 recent passport photos
- Passport holders should have at least a blank page on their passport. We, however, recommend you having two
- You will need to have a way to pay for the visa. The payment can be made using a debit or credit card for e-visa applications. For in-person applications, use bank draft, money order, or mail to the embassy. The embassy will accept no personal check
- You will need to provide proof of adequate financial support for the length of your visit to Ivory Coast (bank statement)
- Hotel confirmation or letter of invitation showing the address where you will live while in Ivory Coast
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate. Visitors originating from yellow fever endemic regions within the previous 6 months must have this certificate
- Those travelling for business will need to provide the following in addition to the above documents.
- Letter of invitation provided by an organization in Ivory Coast. The letter will have to be signed by a manager and have the company's official stamp and seal
- Two recent ID photos are scanned
- Confirmation of the accommodation (hotel confirmation, apartment rental contract, etc.)
Ivory Coast Visa Types
There are two visa types that you can apply for, they include:
Short term visa
This visa will be available to all foreign nationals upon successful application to the Embassy of Ivory Coast. The visa is valid from 1 to 3 months from the approval date.
Long-Stay Visa
This visa is valid for 6 months to 1 year. To request a long-stay visa, you will need to get approval from the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance through the receipt of let land (pre-visa).
For you to get this visa, you must first apply for a short-stay visa. You will then pre-enrol online and:
- Choose the length of visa you want
- Fill out all the information on the provided form, provide travel and local contacts available online, and upload all required documents
For getting a long term work visa, you need to have:
- Letter of invitation provided by an organization in Ivory Coast. The letter will have to be signed by a manager and have the company's official stamp and seal
- Two recent ID photos are scanned.
- Four (4) copies of the employment contract form
- Professional references (diploma, certificate of employment, or work certificate)
- One copy of your criminal record
- One copy of your resume
- A medical examination certificate
Getting a visa for Ivory Coast is fast, easy, and convenient, thanks to the e-visa platform and the visa on arrival option.
With so many options for visa application, you have no reason to travel to Ivory Coast and experience the Ivory Coast culture. Do your research to make sure you are safe not just in Ivory Coast but in all other countries you visit.
