GoCote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

The Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of C ô te d'Ivoire on Mutual Exemption of Visa for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders came into effect on December 19, 2015. According to the agreement, citizens of the People's Republic of China holding valid ordinary passports for diplomatic, official or public affairs of the People's Republic of China and citizens of the Republic of C ô te d'Ivoire holding valid diplomatic or official passports of the Republic of C ô te d'Ivoire are exempt from visa requirements if they enter, exit or transit through the other contracting party for a period not exceeding 30 days.

Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports traveling to Cote d'Ivoire generally need to obtain visas in advance at the Chinese Embassy. Those holding passports valid for more than 6 months can also apply for online electronic visas, but relevant procedures must be completed in advance through the inviting party.

When applying for a visa, the validity period of the passport must be at least 6 months longer than the scheduled stay period.

To apply to the Embassy in China: Log in to the website: http://snedai.com (French and English versions), select the "Obtenir un visa dans les embassies" section at the embassy, download the visa application form from the above website and pay the visa fee (58 euros, excluding bank fees) to obtain a receipt; Bring the original passport and three copies of the first three pages, one photo (4.5cm * 3.5cm), original and copy of birth certificate, copy of academic certificate or student ID card, accommodation and flight tickets, original and copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Preventive Measures (commonly known as the Yellow Book), invitation letter, completed and signed visa application form, payment receipt, appointment certificate, and relevant materials prepared according to the required visa type to the embassy to apply for a visa. If the inviting party is a company in Cote d'Ivoire, including a Chinese enterprise, in addition to the invitation letter, the company also needs to provide a tax payment certificate and authenticate the invitation letter.

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 5pm.

Online application: Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports can apply for a visa to visit China online. Login webpage: http://snedai.com (French, English version), select the E-VISA column, fill in the relevant information and pay the fee. Online electronic visa: 73 euros. If the application is successful, the applicant will obtain the "Certificate of Completion of Registration" via email. If the application is subsequently officially approved by the immigration department, the applicant will obtain the "Airport Visa Application Permit" via email. Otherwise, the immigration department will send a "Notice of Visa Refusal". Applicants need to present two documents, the "Certificate of Completion of Registration" and the "Airport Visa Application Permit," to complete their flight procedures. Upon arrival at the airport, they will go to the "Airport Visa Area" to present their visa application documents. After verifying the documents and collecting biometric data, the staff will print and paste the visa. The applicant retrieves their passport and visa on the designated date.

For specific matters, please consult the Embassy of Cote d'Ivoire in China. The embassy's requirements shall prevail. Embassy address: No. 9 North Street, Sanlitun, Beijing; Contact phone number: 010-65321482 (switchboard); Fax: 010-65322407

When entering or leaving the border, carefully fill out the entry and exit card. When entering the country, it is necessary to present the International Certificate of Vaccination or Preventive Measures (commonly known as the Yellow Book) and a valid passport with a valid visa, which must be inspected and stamped by the border police before entering. After entering the country, stay in Ke according to the prescribed time. When leaving the country, go to the airport 2-3 hours in advance to handle the procedures, and submit a valid passport and visa to the border police for inspection and stamping before leaving the country.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1. It is strictly prohibited for tourists to carry internationally prohibited items such as drugs, weapons, etc. when entering or leaving the country. When entering the country, those carrying foreign currency worth over 1 million CFA francs (approximately 2000 US dollars) need to declare it. When leaving the country, it is strictly prohibited to carry the West African franc, a currency of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, to countries outside of the Union. Can carry foreign currency worth no more than 500000 CFA francs (approximately 1000 US dollars); For those who exceed 500000 CFA francs, they need to provide proof of currency declaration at the time of entry or a permit issued by the General Administration of Customs, or exchange it for a traveler's check. When entering or leaving the airport, carrying luggage is subject to customs inspection, and any prohibited items found will be confiscated and fined. If you want to bring local wooden carvings and other handicrafts when leaving the country, you need to apply for an export permit at the National Museum of Science and Technology in advance, otherwise the airport customs will not release them.

2. The Ministry of Health and Science strictly requires personnel to receive the yellow fever vaccine in advance and enter the country 10 days after injection. Those who do not hold a yellow fever vaccine injection certificate will be required by officials from the Ministry of Health and Science to receive the vaccine on-site at the airport, otherwise they will not be allowed to enter the country.

Residency and Naturalization

Chinese citizens arriving in Kosovo are required to stay in Kosovo according to the validity period of their visa. If you need to extend your visa, you should bring your passport and valid visa to the ONI immigration office for processing. If you need to apply for a 5-year long-term residence permit, you should hold your passport, valid visa, work certificate, certificate of no criminal record, birth certificate, or a one-year residence permit that you have previously applied for. You can make an appointment online (www.carte-resident. ci) to apply for it, and you also need to go to the local police station to apply for a temporary residence permit.

Foreign citizens who marry citizens of the Republic of China and their children born in the Republic of China may apply to obtain citizenship of the Republic of China.

If you want to apply for citizenship, you need to first apply to the High Court of Abidjan. The court will propose relevant qualification review requirements based on specific circumstances, such as naturalization motivation, proof of no criminal record, etc. The court will forward the materials that have passed the preliminary examination to the Minister of Justice for further review. The materials that have been reviewed will be handed over to the President for signature and approval of the naturalization application.

Ivory Coast currently has 3 orange (high-risk) areas, while the rest of the areas are yellow (medium risk). Specifically, as follows:

1、 Orange region: Konge, Taixini, and Buna provinces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens to travel cautiously to the above-mentioned areas in Cote d'Ivoire in the near future. Local personnel and institutions have closely monitored the development of the situation, maintained high vigilance, strengthened security precautions and emergency preparations, and ensured personal and property safety. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.

2、 Yellow region: Other regions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds personnel in other areas of Cote d'Ivoire to strengthen prevention and pay attention to safety. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas embassies and consulates will continue to closely monitor changes in the overseas security situation, dynamically adjust relevant risk assessments, and release and update corresponding security reminders in real time on platforms such as the China Consular Service Network. Please continue to pay attention.

public security

Since the Watara government came into power, the overall security situation has been stable, but security issues such as theft, roadside robbery, and home robbery are relatively serious. In 2017, several incidents of armed soldiers demanding salaries occurred, causing certain social unrest. Overseas Chinese and travelers planning to travel to China should remain vigilant, strengthen their own safety measures, and not be careless.

In the urban areaTry not to go out at night and avoid unhealthy places. Do not go alone to neighborhoods with poor safety conditions during the day. If you must go, you need to travel together and inform a friend in advance. Do not wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of cash. It is recommended to carry a small amount of cash when going out for emergency backup. When driving, it is necessary to close the windows and lock them tightly. Do not place anything on your seat, especially when stuck in traffic. Pay special attention to nearby parked vehicles and be alert to being followed.

Go to another provinceIf you must go, please notify your friends in advance. Due to the frequent occurrence of "roadblock robbery", it is important to avoid traveling after dark and especially to avoid traveling alone. Due to tribal conflicts and war refugee issues, it is advisable to avoid going to the western regions or areas near the Liberian border as much as possible. If it is necessary to go, it is important to understand the situation there in advance.

When checking documentsTo travel, conduct research, or do business in science, one must have a valid and legal visa. When leaving, one should carry their ID card, residence permit, or passport with them to avoid imprisonment and fines due to lack of documentation. When encountering police or military police vehicle inspection and verification, one should stop and consciously accept the inspection. Do not ignore and quickly pass the level, otherwise it may attract the danger of pursuit and shooting.

When encountering armed robberyDo not resist, do not make any movements or gestures, as it may be mistaken for resistance and attract the other party to shoot. At the same time, pay attention to the other party's characteristics in order to report it later. Criminals are generally divided into two categories: professional robbers, who often have strong self-control; The other type is "hooligans", who often commit crimes after drinking or using drugs, usually in a hurry, and their behavior is unpredictable. When encountering criminals, one should keep a clear mind and give them what they ask for (such as cars, jewelry, mobile phones, cash, etc.) in order to save their life.

natural disaster

During the rainy season, there will be torrential rain, which can cause small-scale floods. There are no other natural disasters such as typhoons or earthquakes.

FDA

It is recommended to boil the municipal water supply before drinking, and mineral water is available for sale in the city. The overall food safety situation is acceptable, and the food sold in regular restaurants can be consumed with confidence. However, the food sold on the roadside lacks hygiene and quarantine, so it is not recommended to purchase.

Urgent Help

Bandit police: 110/170/111

Criminal Investigation Officer: 00225-2720212300

Fire alarm: 180

Rescue: 185/2722445353

Police Headquarters: 00225-2720224823

Embassy Consular Protection Hotline: 00225-0758322468

Global Link Protection Call Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 12308

air traffic

The air traffic network in Cote d'Ivoire is relatively developed, with airports currently in use in the economic capital Abidjan, political capital Yamoussoukro, San P é tro, Bouak é, Odienne, Korhogo, and Man. Among them, Abidjan, Bouake, and Yamoussoukro airports can accommodate large aircraft for takeoff and landing, and Abidjan Airport is the largest airport in French speaking African countries. In addition to connecting with neighboring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Benin, Togo, and Ghana, it also has international flights with state-owned countries such as France, Belgium, South Africa, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco. Currently, about 20 foreign airlines have opened regular flights to Cote d'Ivoire. Ivory Coast Airlines has opened domestic flights from Abidjan to Bouake, Korhogo, and San Pedro. Ke opened direct flights to New York, USA in May 2018. There are no direct flights between Ke and China, and transfers can be made through Paris, Dubai, or Addis Ababa. The main way to travel to and from the airport is by taxi or private car, without public transportation.

Abidjan Airport flight inquiry website:

https://www.aeroport-abidjan.com/

The information hotline for Abidjan Airport is 00225-2271757901/2721757902.

land transport

The main mode of land transportation within the territory of Ke is road transportation. Domestic driver's licenses cannot be used directly in the local area. You should apply for a local driver's license from the local traffic management department. When applying, a medical examination and blood test must be conducted locally. Ke uses left-hand drive to drive on the right, but cannot turn to the right when there is a red light. Turning vehicles must give way to straight vehicles, and auxiliary vehicles must give way to main vehicles.

Attention: When driving, it is necessary to carry your driver's license, driving license (gray card), vehicle annual inspection certificate, and vehicle insurance with you. Do not exceed the speed limit and have the police check your documents at all times.

water communication

Abidjan Port, the economic capital of Cote d'Ivoire, is the largest natural port in West Africa and an important seaport for landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It is also one of the largest container ports on the African continent. The water depth in the port is 15 meters, and 20000 ton ships can freely enter and exit. The port can accommodate 60 ships at the same time, and each dock is directly connected to the railway in the port.

Urban transportation

The public transportation in the economic capital city of Abidjan is mainly dominated by taxis and buses. Due to the large number of vehicles and inadequate maintenance of road infrastructure, the road conditions are poor and traffic congestion is becoming increasingly severe. In addition, Abidjan has opened up water transportation in the lagoon, with ferry boats shuttling between several docks within the city.

major city

The economic capital Abidjan is a city in southern Ivory Coast, located on the Atlantic coast near the Gulf of Guinea, with a population of approximately 6 million. It is an important financial capital in Africa and is known as the Little Paris of West Africa. The Asini Beach in Abidjan can be considered one of the most beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast in West Africa.

The political capital Yamoussoukro is located about 240 kilometers north of Abidjan, on the east bank of the Bondama River. The population is 370000. In 1983, the government decided to relocate the capital here, but the relocation agenda was put on hold thereafter. To this day, government agencies and diplomatic missions from various countries are still in Abidjan. The city has horizontal and vertical, wide and flat streets, as well as higher public engineering schools and technical education colleges. The magnificent buildings represented by the world's tallest church, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, and the magnificent Boigny Foundation demonstrate the extraordinary grandeur of the political capital. There are roads leading to Abidjan and Bouake. There is an international airport in the suburbs.

Commodity prices

Ivory Coast's main products include cocoa, coffee, and cashews. Ke is the country with the largest cocoa and cashew nut production in the world. Coffee production accounts for 41% of the world's total production. Due to the fact that the items sold in Ke Supermarket mainly rely on imports, prices are generally high. The official currency in circulation is the West African franc (1 euro ≈ 656 West African francs). Large scale trade often uses checks and bank transfers, while daily consumption can be made using cash or credit cards (VISA or MASTER cards can be used locally in legitimate shopping malls and supermarkets).

Insurance Medical

Common diseases in C ô te d'Ivoire include malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, encephalitis, AIDS, and occasional yellow fever and cholera. Since the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa in 2014, there have been sporadic cases of Ebola infection in 2021. The medical conditions in China are generally average in large and medium-sized cities, while in small towns and rural areas, the medical conditions are very poor and there is a shortage of medical supplies. National hospitals charge low fees, but have a large number of patients. Private hospitals charge higher fees. The National Research Institute of the Ministry of Health (Tel: 00225-27 20 23 75 35) undertakes the national health and epidemic prevention work, and has an international vaccination center. The common vaccines are cholera, yellow fever, encephalitis, hepatitis B vaccine, etc.

The types of private medical insurance are divided into 100% coverage, 80% coverage, collective insurance, and designated hospital full coverage according to insurance company regulations. The premium generally ranges from 300000 to 450000 CFA francs. 100% insurance is more suitable, except for those that cannot be reimbursed according to regulations, general illnesses can be treated, treated, and reimbursed for hospitalization in various parts of the country. Elderly people over 60 years old are usually not insured.

It is recommended that permanent staff in the department rest immediately if they feel unwell; If you have a fever, please seek medical attention promptly and do not be careless.

Customs taboos

42% of residents in Cote d'Ivoire believe in Islam, 39% believe in Christianity, 12% have no religious beliefs, and the rest believe in primitive religions. Most locals rely on rice and potatoes as their staple foods, with beef and mutton as their main side dishes.

The main local festivals include National Independence Day on August 7th and traditional Islamic festivals.

Special reminder: Travel personnel should not take photos of people or objects on the streets without permission. Ivorians consider it extremely impolite to be photographed without permission. If you want to take photos of people or objects, you need to obtain the consent of the parties and the owner in advance.

Communications Power

The country code is 00225. The way to make a phone call to Ke is 00225 (country code)+local phone number (ten digits). Fixed and mobile communication covers most cities, with a call cost of approximately 1.3 RMB per minute. There are no coin operated or magnetic card phones available in the cities.

The mobile network standard is GSM, which is the same as the Chinese mobile network standard and has 4G internet service.

At present, all major cities in Kuwait can connect to the Internet at a cost of about 240 yuan/month (100M/s).

The standard power supply voltage in Cote d'Ivoire is 220V, 50HZ, and the French power socket standard is a two-phase round head (as shown in the figure below). You can purchase a conversion socket at a domestic electrical store before departure.

contact information

1. Service Hotline

Phone number inquiry desk: 120.

Bandit police: 110/170/111

Fire alarm: 180

Rescue: 185/2722445353

Police Headquarters: 00225-2720224823

2. Main hospitals

SAMU-CI (Emergency Center): 185/00225-2722445353.

CHU COCODY (Kekedi Public Hospital): 00225-2722481000.

POLYCLINIQUE AVICENES (Private Hospital): 00225-22721211300/0705077000 (Mobile).

PISAM (Private Hospital): 00225-2722483131/2272483112.

3. Related websites

http://www.gouv.ci (Ivory Coast Government Network)

http://www.abidjan.net (Abidjan News Network)