How Filipinos Can Enter Visa Free to Ivory Coast [Visa Free Guide to Ivory Coast]

With French colonial heritage, abundant beach resorts and rainforest, Côte d'Ivoire is a must-see in West Africa. Though the majority is Muslims, Ivory Coast has the largest Catholic Church, which is a replica of the Cathedral in the Vatican. It also boasts of 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Philippine Passport Holders can enter Ivory Coast without a visa. It’s one out of four countries in Africa you can enter without a Visa. However, for other nationalities, you can see the list below if you are visa-exempt or need an eVisa. A guide and an overview of the Ivory Coast are also included in this article. Enjoy!

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Visa Free Countries

The following Nationalities are not subject to the visa requirements and can enter Ivory Coast for 90 days. Cote d’Ivoire Tourism’s List:

Benin

Burkina-Faso

Cape Verde

Central African Republic

Chad

Congo (Brazzaville)

The Gambia

Ghana

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Liberia

Mali

Mauritania

Morocco

Niger

Nigeria

Philippines

Senegal

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Togo

Tunisia

EVisa for Ivory Coast

The passport holders of the following countries can get an eVisa without consultation from the Ministry for Security as per this list:

Algeria

Andorra

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Belarus

Belgium

Belize

Bermuda

Bhutan

Bosnia

Botswana

Brazil

Brunei

Bulgaria

Burundi

Cameroon

Canada

Cayman (Islands)

Comoros (Islands)

Costa Rica

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominica (Republic)

Ecuador

Eritrea

Estonia

Ethiopia

Fiji

Finland

France

Gabon

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guyana

Haiti

Holy kits and Nevis

Honduras

Hungary

India

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Kazakhstan

Kosovo

Kuwait

Latvia

Lesotho

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Macao

Macedonia

Madagascar

Maldives

Malawi

Malaysia

Maldives

Malta

Mauritius (Islands )

Mexico

Monaco

Montenegro

Mozambique

Namibia

Nauru

Nepal

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Oman

Outer Mongolia

Panama

Papua

Paraguay

Peru

Poland

Portugal

Puerto Rico

Qatar

Romania

Russia (Federation)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Martin

Saint Vincent

Sainte Kitts and Nevis

Salvador

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Solomon (Islands)

Somalia

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Suriname

Swaziland

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Tajikistan

Tanzania

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkey

Turkmenistan

Tuvalu

Uganda

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom of Great Britain

United States of America

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

Vanuatu

Vatican

Venezuela

Yugoslavia

Zambia

ZimbabweCyprus

Requirements for Entering Ivory Coast

Valid Passport - valid for at least 6 months from date of departure
Hotel Reservation or Accommodation
Return or Onward ticket
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Proof of Means for Stay
EVisa Fee and Receipt - EURO 73

Step-by-Step Guide of Ivory Coast EVisa

STEP 1: Scan the bio-page of your passport and prepare your airline ticket, hotel booking, and Visa or Mastercard.

STEP 2: Go to this website and start your application.

1. Choose your visa and continue to the next step.

2. Enter your details until you are done.

3. Review your application.

STEP 3: Pay the visa fee of EURO 73 and submit your application. A receipt will then be sent to you.

STEP 4: Wait for the e-mail of your DST Approval within 2 days from your application. Print this and the receipt and submit it upon your arrival with your passport and yellow vaccine certificate.

Overview of Ivory Coast

Capital: Yamoussoukro (seat of government), Abidjan (economic)
Language: French
Currency: West African CFA franc (1 USD = 590 CFA Franc)

Ivory Coast or commonly known by its French name Côte d'Ivoire due to a lot of ivory when it was discovered. This West African country is on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana. It was under French rule until it gained independence in 1944.

The religions in Ivory Coast are diverse ranging from Muslims, Christians, Animists, and Jewish; gorgeous mosques and churches are found here. There are many ethnic groups in the Ivory Coast as well as descendants of French nationals. The cuisine here is uniquely flavored - with cassava or bananas as common ingredients. Expect something really amazing as you explore the streets of this quaint country.

Going to Ivory Coast

The international airport in Ivory Coast is located in Abidjan. There are direct flights from the US (New York), Europe (Portugal, Belgium, France), Middle East Countries (like UAE), and many African countries.

There are no direct flights to Ivory Coast, for Philippine Passport Holders you can either enter via stopping to Turkey then Benin or from Hong Kong or Singapore to Ethiopia before arriving in Ivory Coast.

What to do Ivory Coast

1. See wildlife at Tai National Park or Comoé National Park

Tai National Park and Comoe National Park are UNESCO World Heritages in Ivory Coast. They are protected due to wildlife preservation and that its flora and fauna are diverse. See chimpanzees, crocodiles, birds, hippos, and many more animals in their natural habitat. Both are peaceful, clean, and something you will truly enjoy!

2. Attend mass or appreciate architecture at Basilica of Our Lady of Peace or St. Paul’s Cathedral

Do you know that the world’s largest church isn’t in Europe or the Americas? Well, it’s in Africa on Ivory Coast. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is the largest place of worship that fits 18,000 people. While the Basilica is quite similar to the one in Rome, St. Paul’s Cathedral, boasts its unique architecture. Both are great churches to see in Ivory Coat.

3. Relax at beaches in Assouinde and Assinie

Enjoy the crystal blue waters and the white sandy beaches of Assouinde or Assinie. They are coastal towns full of resorts near the Atlantic Ocean. Check the resorts and enjoy the peace and quiet as well as the sound of the waves as you unwind in the Ivory Coast.

4. Tour around the city of Grand-Bassam

Grand-Bassam was the capital during the French colonial period for 3 years. It’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage. Enjoy the French town center; with houses from the 19th century. There is also a museum here where you can learn the history of the Ivory Coast.

5. Hike or camp on Mount Nimba

Mount Numba is another UNESCO World Heritage that is shared with Guinea. It’s full of flora and fauna and endemic species. Though its hard to go to this place, the view and adventure are totally worth it.

6. See a local tribe

Ivory Coasts is very diverse and has many tribes, so you should see one. Go to their villages and talk to them or witness their presentation. It’s totally enchanting and will make you appreciate their culture more and more.

Frequently Asked Questions for your travel to Ivory Coast

1. Is Ivory Coast Visa-free?

For Philippine Passport Holders, it is visa-free when you go to Ivory Coast. For other nationalities, see the list above!

2. Is it safe to travel to Ivory Coast?

Ivory Coast is not a really safe place to travel. Crime rates are not low as there is political unrest and petty crimes, be always vigilant. I always recommend buying travel insurance since we don’t know what will happen to us. Check out Safety Wing, my insurance provider.

3. Is it expensive in Ivory Coast for tourists?

Ivory Coast is not that expensive, you can live by USD 50 a day. There are also places where it’s very expensive (usually where there are many ex-pats or business people.)

4. When is the best time to visit Ivory Coast?

November to March has the most pleasant temperatures as it is warm and dry.

5. Where should I stay in Ivory Coast?

You can stay at Abidjan as it is near the airport and safe. You can also try staying in Grand Bassam.

Ivory Coast is a unique destination you will truly enjoy. Just get your French ready or download google translate as English isn’t really popular there. Enjoy the French Influence, lush rainforests and stunning beaches in this part of the world!