Ivory Coast Health and Social Affairs Visa

The Ivory Coast Health and Social Affairs Visa is issued to foreign nationals travelling to Ivory Coast for medical treatment, humanitarian work, or other social-related purposes. This visa allows the holder to enter the country for a temporary stay and must be obtained before travel unless the applicant qualifies for visa-on-arrival.

This visa is intended for individuals whose travel purpose is related to medical care, social services, humanitarian activities, or related personal or institutional support activities. It does not authorise employment or long-term residence.

• The visa is typically issued for a maximum stay of up to 90 consecutive days.
• The application may be submitted at an Ivory Coast Embassy or Consulate, through the e-Visa system, or via the visa-on-arrival process where eligible.
• Applicants must provide documentation supporting the medical or social purpose of their visit.
• The visa allows entry and temporary stay only and does not grant work authorisation.
• Foreign nationals intending to remain in Ivory Coast beyond 90 days must apply for a Residence Permit.

This visa category is commonly used by individuals seeking medical treatment, participating in social programmes, or accompanying individuals for humanitarian or care-related purposes.

Last Updated: 27/02/2026

Applicants for the Ivory Coast Health and Social Affairs Visa must submit documentation confirming their identity, travel plans, and the medical or social purpose of their visit. All documents must be valid and may be required in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.

Applications are submitted through an Ivory Coast Embassy or Consulate, the official e-Visa platform, or via an approved visa-on-arrival process where eligible.

Documents required from the applicant:

• Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the intended stay.
• Completed visa application form.
• Recent passport-sized photographs.
• Confirmed flight reservation or travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation in Ivory Coast.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• Birth certificate.

Documents required to support medical or social purpose:

• Medical certificate or letter from a hospital or healthcare provider in Ivory Coast confirming treatment arrangements; or
• Invitation letter from a recognised medical institution, humanitarian organisation, or social services provider in Ivory Coast; or
• Official documentation confirming participation in a recognised social or humanitarian programme.

Additional supporting documentation may include:

• Proof of sufficient financial means to support the stay.
• Letter of support from sponsor or host in Ivory Coast.
• Proof of return or onward travel.
• Additional documents depending on the applicant’s nationality and specific circumstances.

Immigration authorities may request further documentation depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances and purpose of travel.

The processing time for the Ivory Coast Health and Social Affairs Visa depends on the application method, the applicant’s nationality, and the completeness of the submitted documentation.

• e-Visa processing time: Typically issued within 48 to 72 hours after approval, followed by biometric registration upon arrival at Abidjan Airport.
• Embassy or Consulate application processing time: Estimated 5 to 10 working days, depending on the diplomatic mission and individual case.
• Visa-on-arrival processing time: Usually processed upon arrival, provided prior approval has been granted and all required documents are available.
• Biometric registration: Completed upon arrival in Ivory Coast as part of the visa issuance process.

Estimated total timeline: Approximately 2 to 10 working days depending on the submission method and administrative processing requirements.

Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete, additional verification is required, or during periods of high application volume.

Applicants for the Ivory Coast Health and Social Affairs Visa must pay government visa processing fees as part of the application. The fees vary depending on the application method and nationality.

Government visa fee (e-Visa or Embassy application): Approximately EUR 73.

Visa-on-arrival administrative processing fee: Included in the visa fee, subject to confirmation depending on application channel.

Biometric registration fee: Typically included as part of the visa issuance process.

Additional costs may include document translation into French, certification, courier services, and administrative processing fees depending on the embassy or service provider.

All visa fees are subject to change and must be paid according to the requirements of the Ivory Coast immigration authorities or diplomatic mission processing the application.

The application process for the Ivory Coast Health and Social Affairs Visa depends on the applicant’s nationality and travel circumstances. Applications may be submitted online through the e-Visa system, at an Ivory Coast Embassy or Consulate, or through the visa-on-arrival process where permitted.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility and visa type

Applicants must confirm that their travel purpose qualifies under the Health and Social Affairs Visa category. This includes medical treatment, humanitarian activities, or social support-related visits. Supporting documentation confirming the purpose of travel is required.

Step 2: Gather required supporting documents

Prepare all required documentation, including a valid passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and medical or social support documentation such as a hospital letter or invitation from a recognised organisation.

Step 3: Submit the visa application

Submit the application through one of the following channels:

• Online via the official Ivory Coast e-Visa platform.
• At an Ivory Coast Embassy or Consulate in the country of residence.
• Through the visa-on-arrival pre-approval process, where applicable.

Step 4: Pay the government visa fee

Pay the applicable visa processing fee during the application process. Payment methods vary depending on the submission channel.

Step 5: Receive visa approval and travel to Ivory Coast

Once approved, applicants will receive visa authorisation. For e-Visa applicants, final visa issuance and biometric registration are completed upon arrival at the designated entry point.

Step 6: Complete biometric registration upon arrival

Biometric registration, including fingerprint capture and identity verification, is completed upon arrival in Ivory Coast as part of the visa issuance process.

The visa holder may then enter Ivory Coast and remain for the authorised period stated on the visa.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, an Envoy Global company, we follow Google’s standards for transparency. The information provided on this page is based on the latest publicly available immigration laws, regulations, and official guidance relating to Côte d’Ivoire. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal opinion, or official instruction.

IBN Immigration Solutions is a private immigration services firm and is not affiliated with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, its immigration authorities, or any government department or agency. Immigration rules, requirements, and procedures may change without notice, and applicants are responsible for confirming current requirements with the relevant authorities.

Clients who engage our services do so for professional assistance in preparing and managing applications for visas, work authorisation, residence permits, and related immigration processes.