The Ivory Coast imposes a departure tax for travelers leaving the country by air. This fee, known as the embarkation or airport tax, is typically collected at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan.
Credit cards, notably Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in larger hotels, upmarket restaurants, and major supermarkets in cities such as Abidjan. However, acceptance may not be as prevalent as in more developed nations, and smaller enterprises, street sellers, or rural locations may not accept credit cards.
Tourists in the Ivory Coast may encounter language barriers, but these are generally manageable with some preparation.
Proof of accommodation and a return or onward ticket upon entry for visa-required travelers verifies your travel plans to ensure visitors do not overstay or violate their permitted duration of stay.
If your Cote d'Ivoire visa has expired, you should act immediately to avoid legal issues. Here's what you can do:
Because the USA is not on the list of prohibited countries for visa-free travel to Ivory Coast, an e-visa is REQUIRED for all US visitors. Currently, the Ivory Coast Ministry offers two (2) types of electronic visas to US citizens:
Tourist e-visa: This type of visa is used for tourism activities and allows for multiple entries for stays of up to 30 days (1 month).
Business e-visa: US travelers are authorized to stay in Ivory Coast for 30 days (1 month) on each business visit.
Both of these visas are valid for three months from the date of issue and allow multiple entries.
The Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Business e-Visa is valid only for entry at Abidjan Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ). It is not valid at land or sea borders.
Yes, you can apply for an Ivory Coast e-Visa on short notice if your business travel plans change suddenly through our Rush Visa system.
The Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) e-Visa processing time is typically 3–5 business days from submission of a complete application, based on the urgency of your application.
The Côte d'Ivoire business e-Visa (also called the Ivorian e-Visa for business purposes) is designed for short business trips (e.g., meetings, conferences, or negotiations).