Ivory Coast

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Côte d’Ivoire’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Côte d’Ivoire set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Côte d’Ivoire, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Côte d’Ivoire.

Applying for a visa

Apply and pay for an e-visa online at least 10 working days before you travel to allow time for your application to be processed. Once it is approved, you will be able to collect your visa on arrival at Abidjan airport.

If you are not an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) national, you must hold a valid visa or have had your application for an e-visa approved before you travel.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Côte d’Ivoire, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Côte d’Ivoire guide.

Ebola Screening

As a public health measure, Côte d’Ivoire has introduced screening for travellers arriving from countries affected by the Ebola outbreak, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. You should expect to provide health information, undergo health screening, and may be monitored for up to 21 days after arrival.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Côte d’Ivoire (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Côte d’Ivoire 

You can take up to 500,000 West African CFA francs in cash into Côte d’Ivoire. You must declare any foreign currency.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Côte d’Ivoire

Ambulance: 185

Fire: 180

Police: 110, 111 or 170

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Côte d’Ivoire
• dealing with a death in Côte d’Ivoire
• Being arrested or imprisoned in Côte d’Ivoire
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Côte d’Ivoire on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.