Getting a visa for Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) on an Iraqi passport in 2026 is very straightforward because you can do almost everything online.

Here is the step by step process for the E-Visa, which is the easiest way for you to enter.

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Step 1: The Online Application (Pre-Enrollment)

You do not go to an embassy yet. You must start on the official website: https://snedai.com/e-visa/

1. Fill out the form: Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your Iraqi passport.

2. Upload Documents: You will need to upload clear scans of:

   • The Bio page of your passport (must be valid for at least 6 months).

   • Your hold on flight ticket (Round trip).

   • Proof of accommodation (A hotel booking or an invitation letter).

3. Pay the Fee:

   • The cost is €73 (approximately $80 USD).

   • You must pay this online using a Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard).

Step 2: Receive the Approval (The Receipt)

• Within 48 hours, you will receive an email.

• This email contains your "Pre-Enrollment Document."

• Important: This is NOT the visa yet. You must print this document and take it with you to the airport.

Step 3: Arrival at Abidjan Airport

You must fly into Felix Houphouet-Boigny Airport (ABJ) in Abidjan. This e-visa does not work at land borders.

1. The E-Visa Office: When you land, follow the signs for "E-Visa" before you go to the main immigration line.

2. Biometrics: You will show them your printed Pre-Enrollment document. They will take your fingerprints and a digital photo.

3. The Sticker: They will print the visa sticker and put it in your Iraqi passport right there.

Step 4: The Health Requirement (Yellow Fever)

You cannot enter the country without a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (The "Yellow Card").

• The health officers in Abidjan airport will check it. (If you don’t have one, don’t worry; they can vaccinate you at Abidjan airport for a fee)

Summary of Requirements for Iraqi Citizens:

• Passport: Valid for more than 6 months.

• Cost: €73 (Paid online).

• Vaccine: Yellow Fever (Mandatory).

• Entry Point: Must be Abidjan Airport.

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My Experience​

After I applied through the official website, I received an email two days later requesting a signed invitation letter from my hotel. I messaged the hotel through Booking.com; they replied quickly and provided the signed letter, even though I hadn’t paid for the room yet! My booking was just on hold, but they were kind enough to send a confirmed, signed letter anyway. I then sent it to SNEDAI (the official e-visa platform).

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A week passed and I still hadn't heard back from the authorities, so I emailed them. About 10 hours later, I finally received my pre-enrollment permit confirmation. I printed it out and headed to the airport.

At the check-in counter, the staff took a photo of my permit confirmation and asked for a confirmed return flight. Since I already had one, I showed it to them. The Sulaymaniyah (ISU) airport staff were so nice, they helped me so much because I had arrived quite late!

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I flew with FlyDubai, transiting through Dubai and then Addis Ababa. In Addis, I switched to Ethiopian Airlines. After a long 26-hour journey, I arrived at Abidjan Airport. First, the Ivorian medical staff checked our Yellow Fever certificates. Luckily, I got mine in Johannesburg back in 2017 because I knew that one day I’d make it to this part of the world and that vaccine is valid for life! If you don’t have one, don’t worry; they can vaccinate you at Abidjan airport for a fee.

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Next, I walked to the e-visa office. They scanned my permit, took my photo, and recorded my fingerprints. Then, they placed a 3-month multi-entry visa sticker in my passport. I headed to the immigration officer, who checked my boarding pass, stamped my passport, and said, 'Welcome to Côte d’Ivoire, I hope you enjoy your stay.'

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I went to the luggage belt, but after an hour, I lost hope. Luckily, I had an AirTag in my bag! It showed my luggage was still back at the airport in Addis Ababa. I went straight to the lost luggage office to file a report.

So, I officially made it to country number 81 safely... but with only my cabin bag Haha

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I visited the airport lost luggage office every day because they never answered the phone. After several visits, I almost gave up, but then I found the Ethiopian Airlines office and reported it there. It took six days for my luggage to arrive! In fact, I got it back on my very last day. I literally picked up my bag from the Arrivals Hall and went directly to the Check-in counter at the Departures Hall Haha

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Thank you, Côte d’Ivoire, the land of hospitable people. I enjoyed my trip to the max. Even though my French skills are limited, everyone helped me so much. Highly recommended!

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