Ivory Coast, or Côte d’Ivoire, is rapidly becoming the “it” destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of modern skyscrapers, palm-fringed beaches, and deep-rooted cultural history. From the bustling streets of Abidjan—often called the “Paris of West Africa”—to the tranquil waters of Assinie, one week is just enough to fall in love with this vibrant nation.
If you are planning your first trip, navigating the entry requirements is the first step. Here is everything you need to know about the Ivory Coast visa and spending seven days in Ivory Coast and how to secure your entry permit effortlessly.
Is One Week Enough to Explore the Ivory Coast?
While you could spend months exploring the hidden gems of the north, seven days is the perfect “teaser” duration. In one week, you can comfortably cover the economic capital (Abidjan), the historic colonial town (Grand-Bassam), and the political capital (Yamoussoukro). It allows for a fast-paced but rewarding loop of the country’s most iconic southern highlights.
What Are the Different Types of Ivory Coast eVisas Available?
You must find out the right travel authorization before loading your bags. The government has a number of electronic alternatives, which suit your needs. The most popular ones are the ones described by the experts:
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eVisa (90 Days): The ideal holiday Visa type is given to tourists who want to visit the place.
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Business eVisa (90 Days): This is used by people who are required to attend a meeting, a conference, or a trade fair.
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Study eVisa (90 Days): Study eVisa is aimed at educational programs or research for a short period of time.
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Mission eVisa (90 Days): When you are going to work in the government or an NGO.
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Health eVisa (90 Days): This is targeted at those who are to receive medical treatment in the country.
All these eVisas give a 90 days stay, which gives sufficient leeway to your trip of one week.
What Documents Do I Need for an Ivory Coast eVisa Application?
The online process is designed to be user-friendly, but you must have your “Requirements Checklist” ready to avoid delays. To apply, you will need:
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A Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry.
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Passport Scan/Photo: A clear digital copy of your bio-data page.
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Flight Reservation: Proof of your onward or return flight.
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Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter.
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Yellow Fever Vaccination: A scanned copy of your International Certificate of Vaccination (this is mandatory for entry).
How Long Does It Take to Process the Ivory Coast eVisa?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is about the “wait time.” Depending on how urgently you need to fly, you can choose from three main processing speeds:
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Standard: 6–9 Working Days
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Rush: 4–7 Working Days
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Super Rush: 3–5 Working Days
It is always recommended to apply at least two weeks before your departure to ensure a stress-free start to your holiday.
Day 1-2: Discovering the Energy of Abidjan
This will probably start in Abidjan. The first two days are spent on the tour of the district of the Plateau, where the skyline competes with the cities of Europe. The St. Paul’s Cathedral with its breath-taking architecture must not be skipped and make it a point to have a dinner of Garba (a local delicacy which is composed of attiéké and fried tuna) at one of the local allocodrome.
Day 3: Step Back in Time at Grand-Bassam
Grand-Bassam is a UNESCO World Heritage site and only a few minutes drive away from Abidjan. The stroll of the Quartier France will reveal to you a crumbling colonial building, reclaimed by nature and art galleries perched at every turn. It is the best place where one can purchase original Ivorian crafts.
Day 4-5: Yamoussoukro and the World’s Largest Basilica
Head inland to Yamoussoukro. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace found in the city has the Guinness World Record of the largest church in the world. The size and the stained glass is awe-inspiring. There you may see the so-called Crocodile Lake, which is close at hand to the Presidential Palace–then, however, be wary of coming too close!
Day 6-7: Relaxing at the Beaches of Assinie-Mafia
Wrap up your week with total relaxation. Assinie is where the wealthy of Abidjan go to escape. It’s a narrow strip of land between the lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Spend your final hours sipping fresh coconut water, riding horses on the beach, and soaking in the West African sun.
Do I Really Need a Yellow Fever Certificate for Entry?
Yes. Unlike some countries where it is only “recommended,” Ivory Coast requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for almost all international arrivals. You will be asked to show your “Yellow Card” both during the eVisa application process and upon arrival at Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport.
How Much Does an Ivory Coast eVisa Cost?
Budgeting for your visa is simple. The service fees for a professional eVisa application through an agent typically start from $130. This fee covers the government processing costs and the convenience of having a team of experts review your documents to ensure 100% accuracy before submission.
Why Choose ivory-coast-evisa.info for Your Application?
The process of visa application is a bureau-headache. Having a special agent such as ivory-coast-evisa.info has a number of benefits:
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Fast and Efficient: They can fill their online form in a matter of minutes.
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Safe & Secure: Your passport information, such as sensitive data, is highly encrypted with encryption.
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Mobile Friendly: You can make your application on your phone during transit.
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24/7 Support: In case you need to ask questions regarding your flight reservation or yellow fever scan, they have a team that is here to help.
Final Travel Tips for Your Ivorian Adventure
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Currency: The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Cash is king in markets, though cards are accepted in major Abidjan hotels.
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Card Payments: For travelers from India, the Niyo card works efficiently here. It is a great way to handle transactions with zero or low forex markup, but always keep some cash for local vendors.
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Language: French is the official language. Learning basic phrases like “Bonjour” and “Merci” goes a long way.
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Stay Connected: Buy a local SIM card (Orange or MTN) at the airport for cheap data.
Ivory Coast is a land of contrasts, hospitality, and incredible food. By securing your eVisa early and following this seven-day itinerary, you’re set for the trip of a lifetime!
