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Ivory Coast Visa for China Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Chinese citizens must apply for an e-visa for Ivory Coast via the official portal snedai.ci; apply online for Tourist or Business; processing typically 3–5 working days; fees shown during application in XOF/USD.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Ivory Coast.
  • Online application: Use the official e-visa portal snedai.ci to apply for an Electronic Tourist Visa or Electronic Business Visa; no DS-160 or UK-style forms.
  • Financial proof: The e-visa application does not require uploading bank statements; carry funds to cover your stay and be prepared to show proof if asked at border or during border checks.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Provide proof of accommodation in Ivory Coast (hotel booking or invitation letter) and a return or onward ticket.
  • Photo spec: Upload a recent passport-style photograph (35x45 mm) with white background, head centered, no tinted lenses; file format JPG/PNG, high resolution.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are not required as part of the online submission; border control may collect biometric data on arrival if requested.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory for the e-visa, but recommended.
  • Passport scan: Upload clear color scan of the biodata page of your passport (data page) showing your name, passport number, nationality, and expiry date.
  • Address in Ivory Coast: You may need to enter hotel name/address or the address of your host/invitation letter if applicable.

Visa types

  • Electronic Tourist Visa (e-Visa Touristique): Official name: Electronic Tourist Visa; Validity: 3 months from issue; Max stay: 30 days; Entry: Single; Approximate fee: 60,000–100,000 XOF (~$105–$170).
  • Electronic Business Visa (e-Visa Affaires): Official name: Electronic Business Visa; Validity: 3 months from issue; Max stay: 30 days; Entry: Single; Approximate fee: 75,000–110,000 XOF (~$125–$185).
  • Student visa (not available via e-visa): Official name: Student Visa; Availability: Requires Ivory Coast embassy/consulate processing; approximate fee: varies by embassy (not applicable to the online portal).
  • Work visa (not available via e-visa): Official name: Work Visa; Availability: Requires embassy processing; approximate fee: varies by embassy (not applicable to the online portal).

Application process

  • How to apply online: Go to https://www.snedai.ci/ and create an account.
  • How to fill: Complete the e-visa form with personal data, passport details, travel plans, and the purpose of visit.
  • Upload documents: Biodata page scan of passport, recent photo, hotel booking or invitation letter, and return flight details.
  • Pay: Pay the e-visa fee with a credit/debit card; the portal shows the amount in XOF and USD and may include a processing service fee.
  • Submit and wait: Processing time is typically 3–5 working days; expedited options (if offered) may be available for an extra fee.
  • Receive decision: Approved e-visa is issued as a PDF you will receive by email or via the portal; print a copy to carry and present on arrival.
  • On arrival: Present the printed e-visa and passport at the border; border officers will validate your entry.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fees: e-Visa fees are shown during application in CFA francs (XOF) and often converted to USD; typical ranges: Tourist 60,000–100,000 XOF (~$105–$170), Business 75,000–110,000 XOF (~$125–$185).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for online e-visa applications; if you apply via a consular appointment, a separate service fee may apply as charged by the embassy.
  • Total cost estimate: e-Visa fee plus any card processing fee; expect total in the ranges above depending on category.
  • Standard processing time: 3–5 working days.
  • Express/priority option: Some cases offer expedited processing for an additional fee; check the portal for availability and costs.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply well in advance: Start your e-visa application at least 7–14 days before departure; in peak periods allow up to 3 weeks.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: passport validity less than 6 months, passport copy not readable, photo quality issues, mismatch between travel dates and purpose, missing accommodation or invitation letter, insufficient funds or lack of return ticket.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: For Ivory Coast e-visa, use the official snedai.ci online portal; third-party agents are not required; if you need a sticker visa, contact the Ivory Coast embassy/consulate.
  • Travel advisories/bilateral notes: Check your government's travel advisory for Ivory Coast before travel; stay aware of demonstrations or security advisories in major cities and comply with local guidance.
  • Extension options inside Ivory Coast: If you need to stay longer, you can request an extension through the Ivory Coast immigration office before your current visa expires; fees and approval are at the discretion of the border authorities.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.