What do you need to travel to Ivory Coast?

A passport valid at least six months beyond entry, an e-visa obtained online before departure for 73 euros, a yellow fever certificate from at least ten days before arrival, and travel insurance with medical repatriation.

How far in advance should you plan a trip to Ivory Coast?

Start eight weeks out with the passport check, book a travel medicine appointment at six weeks, and apply for the e-visa about three weeks ahead.

When is the best time to visit Ivory Coast?

November to March in the south, December to April in the north. Flights are cheapest from May to November.

Do you need to speak French in Ivory Coast?

In practice yes. French is official and spoken everywhere; English is limited to hotels and international business.

Do you need travel insurance for Ivory Coast?

Yes, with medical repatriation. Treatment is paid at the time and reclaimed afterwards, and provision thins out outside Abidjan.

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Planning a trip to Ivory Coast: everything to sort before you fly.

Visa, vaccinations, money, season, insurance and what to pack — the practical layer of a trip here, in one place. None of it is difficult, but some of it has deadlines: the yellow fever jab must be at least ten days before entry, and the e-visa needs two to three weeks. This page is the checklist, with links to the longer guides for each item.

The Plateau district of Abidjan seen from the lagoon, with its cylindrical tower

Le Plateau, Abidjan

Two deadlines, everything else is flexible

The yellow fever vaccination must be given at least ten days before entry, and it is checked on arrival — without it you are refused. The e-visa usually takes two to four working days but should be applied for two to three weeks ahead. Start with those two and the rest can be arranged in the final fortnight.

The checklist, in order

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Detailed guides

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Data from the moment you land: eSIM for Ivory Coast

Maps, WhatsApp and mobile payment all need a connection, and the queue at the airport SIM counter is the last thing you want after a night flight. An eSIM is set up before departure and activates on landing.

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