Do Ivorian citizens need a visa to travel to France, the United States, or Canada?

Yes, Ivorian passport holders require a visa for France, the United States, and Canada. These are visa-required destinations where you must apply at the respective embassy or consulate before travel. For France and Schengen countries, apply for a Schengen visa. For the USA, apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa. For Canada, you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Processing times vary from 2-8 weeks, so apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.

Which countries offer visa-on-arrival for Côte d'Ivoire passport holders?

Ivorian citizens can obtain visa-on-arrival in 25 countries including: Madagascar, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Ethiopia, Iran, Lebanon, Macao, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palau, Samoa, St. Lucia, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Djibouti, Namibia, and Niue. Requirements and fees vary by country—typically you'll need a valid passport (6 months validity), return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. Always verify current requirements with the destination's embassy before travel.

Can Ivorian passport holders travel freely within ECOWAS countries?

Yes, Ivorian citizens enjoy freedom of movement within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). You can travel visa-free to all 15 ECOWAS member states: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. You only need a valid national ID card or passport. ECOWAS protocols also grant the right to reside and work in member states, though some countries may require registration for extended stays or employment.

What documents are required to apply for or renew a Côte d'Ivoire passport in 2025?

To apply for or renew an Ivorian passport, you need: (1) Birth certificate or national identity card, (2) Proof of Ivorian nationality, (3) Two recent passport-sized photos (white background), (4) Completed application form, (5) For renewals: old passport, (6) Proof of residence, (7) Payment of applicable fees (approximately 25,000-60,000 XOF depending on processing speed). Biometric passports are now standard. Processing takes 2-4 weeks for regular service. Apply at the Office National d'Identification (ONI) or Ivorian embassies abroad.

Is military service mandatory for Ivorian citizens, and does it affect passport issuance?

Côte d'Ivoire does not currently enforce mandatory military service for its citizens. While military service laws exist on paper, conscription has not been actively implemented in recent decades. The country maintains a voluntary professional military. Therefore, military service obligations do not affect passport applications or renewals for Ivorian citizens. Young men are not required to present military service certificates when applying for passports or traveling abroad.

Which countries require Ivorian passport holders to apply for an e-visa?

Ivorian citizens can apply for electronic visas (e-visas) to 40 countries including: India, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Gabon, Cameroon, Albania, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Colombia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Syria, Cuba, Bhutan, and even Côte d'Ivoire itself (for reciprocal purposes). Apply online through official government portals before travel.

Can Ivorian passport holders visit the United Kingdom, and what visa is required?

Ivorian passport holders require a visa to visit the United Kingdom. You must apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa before travel through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system. The application involves completing an online form, paying the visa fee (approximately £100-115), providing biometrics, and submitting supporting documents (bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, accommodation proof). Processing takes 3-6 weeks. The UK does not offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Ivorian citizens. Transit visas may be required even for airport connections.

How has the Côte d'Ivoire passport ranking changed over the past 10 years?

The Ivorian passport ranking has fluctuated between 72nd and 92nd position globally from 2015-2025. It ranked 85th in 2015 (54 visa-free destinations), dropped to 92nd in 2021 (56 destinations), improved to 83rd in 2024 (59 destinations), and stands at 84th in 2025 (58 destinations). The visa-free count has remained relatively stable between 53-59 destinations. Improvements came from increased African integration (ECOWAS, African Union initiatives) and bilateral agreements, though the passport remains in the lower-middle tier of global passport power.

Do Ivorian citizens have the right to work in other African countries with their passport?

Within ECOWAS countries, Ivorian citizens have the right to work under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. However, most countries require work permits or registration even within ECOWAS. Outside ECOWAS, Ivorian passport holders need work visas and permits like any foreign national. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to improve labor mobility, but implementation varies. For countries like Rwanda and Kenya (visa-free access), separate work authorization is still required. Always verify work permit requirements with immigration authorities of your destination country before accepting employment.

Cote d'Ivoire Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 58 Countries

The Côte d'Ivoire passport currently ranks 84th globally in 2025, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 58 destinations worldwide. This West African travel document has shown moderate improvement in mobility over the past two decades, rising from 52 visa-free destinations in 2011 to its current count. While offering limited travel freedom compared to top-tier passports, it grants Ivorian citizens access primarily to African nations and select countries in Asia and Oceania. The passport's ranking has fluctuated between the low 80s and low 90s in recent years, reflecting gradual changes in international travel agreements and diplomatic relations.

Global Rank

#84

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Cote d'Ivoire passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

128

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Cote d'Ivoire passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

31 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

25 countries

🔐 ETA Required

2 countries

Seychelles
Mozambique

💻 E-Visa

41 countries

❌ Visa Required

128 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Cote d'Ivoire's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 19 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Cote d'Ivoire Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Compare Cote d'Ivoire Passport with Other Passports

See how Cote d'Ivoire's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Cote d'Ivoire (You are here)	#84	58	42/100	17/100
Ghana	#74	69	42/100	63/100
Tunisia	#75	68	45/100	64/100
Uganda	#76	67	42/100	62/100
Cape Verde Islands	#77	66	45/100	N/A/100
Zambia	#77	66	42/100	61/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Ivorian passport holders can access 58 destinations without a prior visa. This includes 29 visa-free countries, 25 visa-on-arrival destinations, and 2 countries offering electronic travel authorization (eTA). The Côte d'Ivoire passport ranks 84th globally on the Henley Passport Index. Visa-free access includes ECOWAS member states (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo), plus Singapore, Morocco, Tunisia, Philippines, Ecuador, Haiti, and several Caribbean nations.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Cote d'Ivoire's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Cote d'Ivoire Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 58 Countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Cote d'Ivoire's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 19 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Cote d'Ivoire Passport with Other Passports

See how Cote d'Ivoire's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Cote d'Ivoire (You are here)	#84	58	42/100	17/100
Ghana	#74	69	42/100	63/100
Tunisia	#75	68	45/100	64/100
Uganda	#76	67	42/100	62/100
Cape Verde Islands	#77	66	45/100	N/A/100
Zambia	#77	66	42/100	61/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Cote d'Ivoire passport

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Cote d'Ivoire's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Cote d'Ivoire Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Cote d'Ivoire Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Ivorian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Ivorian citizens need a visa to travel to France, the United States, or Canada?

Which countries offer visa-on-arrival for Côte d'Ivoire passport holders?

Can Ivorian passport holders travel freely within ECOWAS countries?

What documents are required to apply for or renew a Côte d'Ivoire passport in 2025?

Is military service mandatory for Ivorian citizens, and does it affect passport issuance?

Which countries require Ivorian passport holders to apply for an e-visa?

Can Ivorian passport holders visit the United Kingdom, and what visa is required?

How has the Côte d'Ivoire passport ranking changed over the past 10 years?

Do Ivorian citizens have the right to work in other African countries with their passport?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Cote d'Ivoire passport

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Cote d'Ivoire's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Cote d'Ivoire Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Cote d'Ivoire Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Ivorian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do Ivorian citizens need a visa to travel to France, the United States, or Canada?

Which countries offer visa-on-arrival for Côte d'Ivoire passport holders?

Can Ivorian passport holders travel freely within ECOWAS countries?

What documents are required to apply for or renew a Côte d'Ivoire passport in 2025?

Is military service mandatory for Ivorian citizens, and does it affect passport issuance?

Which countries require Ivorian passport holders to apply for an e-visa?

Can Ivorian passport holders visit the United Kingdom, and what visa is required?

How has the Côte d'Ivoire passport ranking changed over the past 10 years?

Do Ivorian citizens have the right to work in other African countries with their passport?

Explore More Passport Rankings