If you are not an Ivory coast citizen but foreign national planning to visit the country at any point, you definitely need an Ivory Coast e visa or an Ivory Coast visa. In this post, we review the e visa introduced by the government and how to obtain it.
Ivory Coast Visa Policy
Ivory Coast, or Core D’Ivoire in French, is an African country located in the Western region of the country with a visa policy for different types of visitors. Those who want to visit the country for a long time require a Conventional visa issued by the embassy or consulate in their respective countries.
However, short-stay visitors don’t require a normal valid visa but an e visa, which they can obtain online. Furthermore, the country’s visa policy determines who can and cannot enter the country and through which visitors can enter. For instance, there are visa-exempt countries whose citizens don’t need a visa to enter Ivory Coast, and they are predominantly fellow West African countries that are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
So if you are not from an ECOWAS country, you need a visa to visit Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast E Visa
The Ivory Coast e visa is a multiple entry visa that can be obtained online. This visa is for visitors who wish to visit and stay in the country for a short time. E visas are easy to apply for using a simplified process. Applicants can apply for the Ivory Coast visa online using their internet connected smartphone or computer without the need to visit the Ivorian embassy or work through a third-party agent.
Currently, about 120 nationalities qualify for the electronic visa, and successful applicants will receive their e-visa directly to their email if they submit the right documents. This way, they avoid long queues at the airport or border entry points
An approved e visa offers the holder multiple entries and is valid for 90 days, counting from the day of issue. Furthermore, it permits visitors to enter the country through Abidjan’s Port Bouet Airport for short stays. But note that the holder must leave the country on or before the 90 days; otherwise, they will have violated Ivorian immigration e visa laws.
What Can I Use The Ivory Coast E Visa For?
You can apply for an e-visa for the following purposes.
Tourism: Citizens who require a visa and are from eligible e-visa countries can apply for it if they wish to visit for tourism. The visa permits them to visit any part of the country to enjoy the amazing sights and sounds as well as other historic landmarks.
Business: Business persons with commercial interests in Cote D’Ivoire may visit with the e visa provided they don’t stay beyond the 90-day grace period.
Transit: Those who wish to use the Ivory Coast as a transit country to connect to their final destination may apply for a Transit e visa. This allows them to stay and rest for a few days before continuing their journey.
An approved e visa offers the holder multiple entries and is valid for 90 days, counting from the day of issue. Furthermore, it permits visitors to enter the country through Abidjan’s Port Bouet Airport for short stays. But note that the holder must leave the country on or before the 90 days; otherwise, they will have violated Ivorian immigration e visa laws.
Ivory Coast Visa Application Requirements
Here are the visa application requirements to apply for an Ivory Coast Visa.
Valid Passport
You need a valid passport to successfully apply for the Ivory e-visa. The passport must be issued by your home government and bear your details. Also, the passport must have at least 6 months of validity left, counting from the day of arrival. Applicants must scan and upload the passport bio page to the online application form.
Copy Of Return Tickets
A scanned copy of the return flight ticket is required. This way, the applicant can prove that they have every intention to return to their home country at the expiration of their e-visa or the conclusion of their visit.
Proof Of Accommodation
Proof of accommodation is required, which may be an Airbnb, hotel, or house of a relative or friend
Email Address
E-Visa applications are strictly done online, so an email is required to receive the approved e-visa.
Bank Card
A bank debit or credit card is required to make an online payment for the visa fee.
It is advisable to submit your e-visa application form about a week before your planned date for your trip, as the review process may take a few days. To avoid delays, endeavor to fill out the application form accurately and submit only valid documents.
Looking to apply for an Ivory Coast e visa? Visit the VisaHQ portal to access and complete the application form.