Côte d'Ivoire, a country in West Africa, attracts many visitors every year thanks to its paradisiacal beaches, rich culture and dynamic economy. A visa is often required to enter Côte d'Ivoire. For a number of years now, it has been possible to apply for a visa electronically to make the process easier.. In this article, we present the documents you need to apply for an e-visa for Côte d'Ivoire and the procedure to follow at a visa agency or on the official website.
What is an e-visa?
An electronic visa, also known as an e-visa, is a digital document authorising a foreign national to enter and stay in a country for a specified period. Unlike the traditional visa, which is affixed to the passport, the e-visa is issued in electronic form and must be printed out by the applicant. The Ivorian government has introduced this system to make the process easier and reduce waiting times for travellers.
SNEDAI: the competent visa authority for Côte d'Ivoire
La Société Nationale d'Edition de Documents Administratifs et d'Identification (National Company for the Publication of Administrative and Identification Documents) (SNEDAI) is the institution responsible for issuing visas for Côte d'Ivoire. To obtain an electronic visa, you need to go through the official SNEDAI website or an approved visa agency.
Documents required to apply for an e-visa
To apply for an e-visa for Côte d'Ivoire, a number of documents are required. Here is the list of documents to be provided:
- A valid passport : Applicants must hold a valid passport with an expiry date of more than six months from the date of entry into Côte d'Ivoire.
- A passport photo : A recent passport-size photo (35×45 mm, white background) complying with international standards is required to complete the application.
- Proof of address : A document proving the applicant's home address is also required (electricity or telephone bill or rent receipt), sworn to by the applicant's local council.
- The application form : The electronic visa application form must be completed online on the SNEDAI website or that of the chosen visa agency. The form contains personal information, details of the stay and the applicant's contact details.
- Payment of visa fees : Visa fees, generally between €50 and €100 depending on the duration and type of visa, must be paid online when you register.
The procedure for applying for an e-visa
Once you have gathered the necessary documents, here are the steps to follow to apply for an e-visa:
- Go to the official SNEDAI website or that of an approved visa agency and create a user account.
- Fill in the online application form, making sure that all the information requested is correct.
- Download supporting documents (photo ID, passport, proof of address).
- Pay your visa fees online.
- Once the application has been validated by SNEDAI, the applicant will receive an e-mail containing the electronic visa in PDF format. It must be printed and presented to the relevant authorities on arrival in Côte d'Ivoire..
How long does it take to obtain an e-visa and is it valid?
The time taken to obtain an electronic visa for Côte d'Ivoire generally varies between 48 hours and one week. However, it is advisable to apply at least two weeks before the planned date of travel to avoid any inconvenience.
An agency service 