Do ECOWAS Nationals Need an Ivory Coast Visa?

No, ECOWAS nationals do not typically require a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire for short stays of up to 90 days, depending on the reason for their trip. They require a valid passport, an ECOWAS Travel Certificate, or a national identity card, if such ID is recognized for entry under bilateral agreements, as well as a yellow fever vaccination certificate. For visits longer than 90 days, further approvals are required.

Ivory Coast visa requirements for ECOWAS Nationals

Eligible Countries

ECOWAS member states whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Côte d'Ivoire include below countries:

Benin
Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Liberia
Mali
Niger
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Togo

Duration

ECOWAS nationals may stay in Côte d'Ivoire for up to 90 days per entrance without a visa. This applies to activities like tourism, business, and family visits. For stays longer than 90 days, an extension or a residency permit is required.

Entry Requirements

ECOWAS nationals do not need a visa but must have a valid passport or an ECOWAS Travel Certificate, which is a standardized travel document given by some member nations instead of a passport.

Côte d'Ivoire enforces the yellow fever vaccine requirement for all immigrants, including ECOWAS citizens.

Immigration agents may occasionally request proof of sufficient finances or a return ticket from ECOWAS nationals, but this is rarely routinely enforced.

Important Notes

ECOWAS nationals may still be denied entry if they lack necessary documentation (for example, an expired passport or a missing yellow fever certificate) or pose a security/health concern, as decided by Ivorian border officers.

If an ECOWAS national desires to stay for more than 90 days (for job, study, or residency), they must apply through the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST) or consult the Ivorian Ministry of Security and Civil Protection. ECOWAS nationals must provide justification for long-term stay, such as a work contract or university enrollment, to obtain a residence permit.

While the ECOWAS free movement policy is generally steady, travelers should be aware of any temporary border restrictions or health criteria (via news or ECOWAS pronouncements).

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