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U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS
Travel.State.Gov > U.S. Visas > U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country > Côte d'Ivoire

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Travel.State.Gov > U.S. Visas > U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country > Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire
Republic of Côte d'Ivoire

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
 
Visa
Classification		 Fee Number
of Entries		 Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 36 Months
A-2 None Multiple 36 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 24 Months
B-1 None Multiple 12 Months
B-2 None Multiple 12 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 12 Months
C-1 None Multiple 12 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 12 Months
C-2 None Multiple 36 Months
C-3 None Multiple 36 Months
C-W-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
C-W-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D None Multiple 12 Months
E-1 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2 2 No Treaty N/A N/A
E-2C 12 None Multiple 24 Months
F-1 None Multiple 60 Months
F-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-1 None Multiple 36 Months
G-2 None Multiple 36 Months
G-3 None Multiple 36 Months
G-4 None Multiple 36 Months
G-5 1 None Multiple 24 Months
H-1B None Multiple 12 Months 3
H-1C None Multiple 12 Months 3
H-2A None N/A N/A3
H-2B None N/A N/A3
H-2R None Multiple 12 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 12 Months 3
H-4 None Multiple 12 Months 3
I None Multiple 12 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 60 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 60 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 None Multiple 12 Months
L-2 None Multiple 12 Months
M-1 None Multiple 60 Months
M-2 None Multiple 60 Months
N-8 None Multiple 12 Months
N-9 None Multiple 12 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-1 None Multiple 36 Months 3
O-2 None Multiple 36 Months 3
O-3 None Multiple 36 Months 3
P-1 None Multiple 36 Months 3
P-2 None Multiple 36 Months 3
P-3 None Multiple 36 Months 3
P-4 None Multiple 36 Months 3
Q-1 6 None Multiple 15 Months 3
R-1 None Multiple 12 Months
R-2 None Multiple 12 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
T-D 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8
ALL / ALL /

Country Specific Footnotes

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

ALL /

Visa Category Footnotes

  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)

  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

ALL / ALL /

General Documents

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Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees:  A revenue stamp of 500 CFA per document needed

Document Name: Extrait d'Acte de Naissance or Copie Intégrale d'Acte de Naissance

Issuing Authority: Mairie. If a locality does not have a Mairie, a Sous-Préfecture.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round blue color seal with the inscription ETAT-CIVIL in the center of the seal

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Officier d'Etat-Civil

Registration Criteria:

  • If parents are legally married, the father or the mother or another person on their behalf can register the birth at the City Hall.
  • If not legally married, only the father can register the birth.
  • The registration must be done within three months from the day of birth. The parent(s) must present the following documents:
    • An identification document (if another person is doing the registration, s/he must present a copy of the father or the mother’s ID);
    • a certificate of birth from the hospital or clinic;
    • the marriage certificate, if parents are legally married;
    • the revenue stamp of 500 CFA for each document requested.

Procedure for Obtaining: The request is made by filling out a form on site. The request is handled by an "agent de l'Etat-Civil". A revenue stamp of 500 CFA must be paid per document. The document may be ready within 24 hours to ten (10) days.

Certified Copies Available: Yes, however the Mairie does not certify copies but rather issues duplicate copies.  Certified copies are done solely by the Ministry of Interior upon request from a Diplomatic Mission.

Alternate Documents: None

Exceptions:  Births may be registered after the proscribed period by applying to the court for a Jugement Supplétif (Supplemental Judgment).  The court will then issue a decision on whether a birth should be registered, usually based on the testimony of witnesses “with knowledge of the events.”

Comments: The Extrait d'Acte de Naissance is a shorter version of a birth certificate, while the Copie Intégrale d'Acte de Naissance is the full version with detailed information on parents.

 

Death Certificates

Available

Fees:  A revenue stamp of 500 CFA per document needed

Document Name: Extrait d'Acte de Décès or Copie Intégrale d’Acte de Décès

Issuing Authority: Mairie. If a locality does not have a Mairie, a Sous-Préfecture.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round blue color seal with the inscription ETAT-CIVIL in the center of the seal

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Officier d'Etat-Civil

Registration Criteria:

  • A member of the deceased's family can register the death.
  • The following required documents must be submitted within 15 days from the date of death:
    • Certificate of Death issued by the hospital or clinic.
    • Copy of deceased's ID.
    • Copy of ID for the person registering the death.
    • Copy of the marriage certificate or the family record book "Livret de Famille" for the deceased
    • Fees for the registration : a Revenue Stamp of 500 CFA

Procedure for Obtaining: The request is made by filling out a form on site. The request is handled by an "agent de l'Etat-Civil."  A revenue stamp of 500 CFA must be paid per document.  The document should be ready within 24 hours to ten (10) days.

Certified Copies Available: Yes, however the Mairie does not certify copies but rather issues duplicate copies.  Certified copies are done solely by the Ministry of Interior upon request from a Diplomatic Mission.

Alternate Documents: None

Exceptions: None

Comments: The Extrait d'Acte de Décès is a shorter version of the death certificate, while the Copie Intégrale d'Acte de Décès is the full version with detailed information on the deceased.

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificates

Available

Fees: A revenue stamp of 500 CFA per document needed

Document Name: Extrait d'Acte de Mariage or Copie Intégrale d'Acte de Mariage

Issuing Authority: Mairie. If a locality does not have a Mairie, a Sous-Préfecture.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Round blue color seal with the inscription ETAT-CIVIL in the center of the seal

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Officier d'Etat-Civil

Registration Criteria:

  • A reservation for the marriage must be made three months before the date of marriage.
  • The following required documents must be submitted a minimum of ten days before the date of marriage:
    • Birth Certificates of both future spouses (copy issued within the last three months). For Ivorian citizens, this is a special version of the birth certificate, an "Extrait d'Acte de Naissance" bearing the mention "en vue de marriage." 
    • Copies of IDs for both spouses and two witnesses.
      Certificate of Residency (this document can be obtained at the police station of the spouses place of residence) dated less than two months from the date of marriage and bearing the mention "en vue de mariage".
    • Fees for the registration depend upon the Mairie.  Additional fees that vary with each Mairie may be charged. 

Procedure for Obtaining: The request is made by filling out a form directly on site. The request is handled by an "agent de l'Etat-Civil". A revenue stamp of 500 CFA must be paid per document. The document may be ready within 24 hours to ten (10) days.

Certified Copies Available: Yes, however the Mairie does not certify copies but rather issues duplicate copies.  Certified copies are done solely by the Ministry of Interior upon request from a Diplomatic Mission.

Alternate Documents: None

Exceptions: None

Comments: The Extrait d'Acte de Mariage is a shorter version of a marriage certificate, while the Copie Intégrale d'Acte de Mariage is the full version with detailed information on both spouses and their parents.

Divorce Certificates

Available

Fees: Registration fee of 10,000 CFA and an application fee of 35,000 CFA

Document Name:  Jugement de Divorce

Issuing Authority: Greffe du Tribunal

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Court-issued document with an orange, white and green stripe.  A round blue seal with the inscription of the issuing city tribunal appears at the end of the document.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Issued by the Court of First Instance of the issuing city and signed by the judge of that court.  Divorce registries are kept by the Greffier du Tribunal.

Registration Criteria: Parties applying for a divorce must submit supporting documents including their marriage certificate and the National Identity Cards of the parties.

Procedure for Obtaining:

  • For divorce by mutual consent, the parties must submit a written agreement establishing their intent, their list of assets and how they will be divided.  This document is filed with the Matrimonial Judge through the Greffe du Tribunal.
  • For divorce requests initiated by one party, either party may file their request through a bailiff/judicial officer (huissier de justice).  The court will provide an initial hearing with the bailiff and the parties.  
  • Ivoirian law only recognizes divorce by fault; the types of fault are specifically outlined in the law.  A divorce for incompatibility is not recognized and will be rejected.  The fault must be supported by material proof that is certified by a bailiff.  Even when the fault is proven, the Judge will always open a closed hearing for conciliation and encourage the parties to stay in the marriage.  A minimum period of three (3) months will be ordered for private reconciliation.  If no mutual solution can be found, the Judge will then open a public hearing, after which a legal decision may be pronounced.
  • The divorce decision becomes final when, after the decision by the judge, the winning party obtains the expedition (official draft of the divorce decree) and serves it on the opposing party.  The opposing party has one (1) month to appeal.  After one month, if an appeal is not made, the divorce decree becomes final.

Certified Copies Available: Yes, a request should be filed at the Greffier’s office.

Alternate Documents: None

Exceptions: None

Comments:  

  • An attorney may conduct a divorce proceeding on behalf of their client, however, the party the attorney represents must be present at the initial hearing.

Adoption Certificates

Available  

Fees:  35,000 CFA

Document Name:   Adoption Certificate (Simple or Plenary)  

Issuing Authority:  Tribunal of First Instance of each city, issued by the family judge

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Court-issued document with an orange, white and green stripe.  A round blue seal with the inscription of the issuing city tribunal appears at the end of the document. Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Tribunal of First Instance, Family Judge

Registration Criteria:   The child being considered for adoption must be less than 16 years of age. 

Procedure for Obtaining:  A request for simple or plenary adoption is filed with the family judge by the adoptive parent, along with the following supporting documents:

  • a photocopy of the National Identity Card or the passport of the adoptive parent;
  • a pay slip or a financial statement showing the parent’s financial means;
  • if the adoptive parent is married, the marriage certificate and a document confirming the consent of the other spouse;
  • a power of attorney, if the adoptive parent is outside Cote d’Ivoire;
  • the birth certificate of the child to be adopted;
  • the photocopy of the identity card of the biological parents of the adoptive child;
  • if one of the parents is deceased, the death certificate for that parent;
  • if both parents are deceased, the death certificates and custody document.

Certified Copies Available:  Yes, a request should be filed at the Greffier’s office.

Alternate Documents: None

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  Cote d’Ivoire acceded to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, however, has not fully implemented the administrative requirements to process international Hague adoptions.  The procedures outlined are for a domestic, local adoption only, as international adoptions are not possible at this time.

 

Identity Card

Available

Fees:  5,000 CFA for renewal or registration of a new biometric National ID Card 

Document Name: “Carte Nationale d’Identité” (commonly CNI in French)

Issuing Authority: Office National de L’Etat Civil et de L’Identification (ONECI) (https://www.oneci.ci/)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The card is orange and wallet-sized.  A photo of the holder appears on the left front side, while the Coat of Arms of Cote d’Ivoire appears on the right front side, transposed over an outline of the country’s borders.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: le Directeur de L’Office National de l’Etat Civil et de l’Identification

Registration Criteria: Ivoirian citizenship either through parentage or naturalization

Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants first pay the ID card renewal fee (5,000 CFA) at an Orange Money outlet or on the following website is www.rnpp.ci.  After paying, they should print their receipt and bring it to a CNI enrollment center.  For renewal applications, applicants need to bring their old ID.  If they have relocated, they need to also provide proof of their change in residency.  For new registrations, applicants must present a recently issued Birth Certificate and Certificate of Nationality (both issued by the relevant civil authority within the last two years).

Certified Copies Available: Yes, however the Mairie does not certify copies but rather issues duplicate copies.  Certified copies are done solely by the Ministry of Interior upon request from a Diplomatic Mission.

Alternate Documents: None

Exceptions: Previously expired National ID cards have their validity extended through June 30, 2021 by government decree. 

Comments: The validity of old Ivoirian National ID cards, issued in 2009 for ten years, was extended to June 30, 2021, by government decree on June 24, 2020. A second round of ID cards were issued in 2015, also with 10 years validity, which are still valid to date.  The government began issuing the new biometric National ID cards in February 2020.  While the roll-out was initially delayed by COVID-19 restrictions, registration centers are currently open and issuing National ID cards.

 

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Certificates

Available

Fees: 1000 CFA for Ivoirian national, and non-Ivoirian applicants living in Cote d'Ivoire

Document Name: Police Certificate / Casier Judiciaire

Issuing Authority:

  • Ivoirian National - Court of Justice in the individual’s city of birth
  • Non-Ivoirian National - Bureau du Casier Central at the Ministry of Justice

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The casier judiciaire is issued on an orange paper for Ivoirians and a yellow paper for foreigners.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:

  • Ivoirian National - Clerk of the Court, Office of the Court of Justice
  • Non-Ivoirian National - Bureau du Casier Central at the Ministry of Justice

Registration Criteria:  Applicants need to provide the following information/documents to obtain a police certificate:

  • Original + Copy of applicant's birth certificate displaying their full name and date/place of birth;
  • Fill out an application form providing:

  • Full name and date/place of birth of both parents;
  • Applicant's current profession and current domicile;
  • Indicate the period during which the applicant resided in the country;
  • Specify if the applicant was employed during that period and give employer's name and contact.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Applicants may apply for police certificates in person or through proxies. Due to an unreliable local mail system, applicants are encouraged to apply in person. Another individual may apply on someone else’s behalf.

  • Ivoirian Nationals - When applying in person or through proxies, an Ivoirian national should go to the Clerk of the Court Office, of the Court of Justice in the city of their birth.

  • Non-Ivoirian Nationals – When applying in person, a non-Ivoirian should go to the Bureau du Casier Central at the Ministry of Justice, located in the compound of the building called "Bloc Ministériel" in the Plateau area of Abidjan, Immeuble Rita, on the Rue du Commerce in front of the BSIC Bank (Banque Sahélo-Saharienne pour l’Investissement et le Commerce). Non-Ivoirian Nationals living outside Cote d'Ivoire may submit their applications through the nearest Ivoirian Embassy.

Certified Copies Available: No

Alternate Documents: None

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

 

Court/Prison Records

Available 

Fees: No fee 

Document Name:   Billet de sortie / Exit Ticket   

Issuing Authority: The respective prison administration  

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:   The billet features a round, red seal with the inscription Maison d’Arret et de Correction de ____ (city of prison where individual was detained). 

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Prison Director 

Registration Criteria:  The Billet de Sortie is issued to anyone who is released from prison.  No prisoner can be released without having first obtained this document. 

Procedure for Obtaining:   The Director of the Prison issues le Billet de Sortie to any prisoner who has completed his/her sentence, certifying the individual’s rightful release.  

Certified Copies Available:   Yes.  A request should be filed at the Prison Administration.

Alternate Documents: None 

Exceptions: None 

Comments: None 

Military Records

Available

Fees: No fee

Document Name:  La Fiche Signalétique  

Issuing Authority:  Respective military branch (Army, Navy, Police, Gendarme)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  La Fiche Signalétique features a red seal with the logo of the respective military branch.  It provides information on the individual's date of military enrollment, rank, and time in service.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  La Fiche Signalétique is issued by:

  • The Ministry of Defense for the Army (MINIDEF)
    The Direction Générale de Marine Nationale (DGMN) for the Navy
    The Direction Générale de la Police Nationale for the Police (DGPN)
    The Commandement Supérieur de la Gendarmerie Nationale for the Gendarme (CSGN)

Registration Criteria:  Individuals who served in the military, gendarmerie, police or navy may apply for a Fiche Signalitique that shows their date of enrollment, rank and time in service. 

Procedure for Obtaining:  The request is made by the individual at the Command Office of the respective military branch by submitting a handwritten request along with a copy of his/her ID.

Certified Copies Available:  No 

Alternate Documents: (Unknown)  

Exceptions: (Unknown)  

Comments: Individuals who served in the French colonial army prior to independence should write to Monsieur le Commandant du Quatrieme Bataillon d'Infanterie de Marine, Camp Gallieni, Abidjan.  Civilians who worked in the Ministry of Defense are eligible for a Position Militaire.  

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.):  Regular, Diplomatic, Official

Fees:  40,000 CFA for Regular Passports. Diplomatic and Official are issued at no fee.

Document Name:  Passeport

Issuing Government Authority:  Ministry of Interior and Security for regular passports. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for diplomatic and official passports.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Regular passports have a dark green cover, official passports have a blue cover, and diplomatic passports have a red cover.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Regular passports are issued by the Director of Border Security (DST) of the Ministry of the Interior.

Registration Criteria:  Regular passports are available to Ivoirian citizens.

Procedure for Obtaining:  

  • For regular passports, applicants may apply at passport agencies throughout the city of Abidjan.  Applicants must provide a photocopy of their national identity card, the receipt of payment of the passport fee, their birth certificate, two photos, and a photocopy of one parent’s Ivoirian identity card.
  • Diplomatic and official passport applicants apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  They must present their appointment decision and travel orders, diplomatic note, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, copy of their national identity card, employment attestation, employment card, two photos, and an application form to be completed at the MFA.

Alternate Documents:  None

Exceptions: None

Comments:  Regular passports are valid for five years and can usually be obtained three to five days after submitting the completed application.

Other Documents Available: None

Other Records

Education - Cote d’Ivoire has a centralized entity to maintain national examination records, the DECO (the National Examination Division). This state educational administrative entity keeps records for state degrees for primary and elementary education (CEPE), junior secondary education diplomas (BEPC) and high school diplomas or the baccalaureate degrees (BAC). DECO prepares, issues, authenticates, and establishes equivalencies between different state-earned educational credentials. Another entity, the DEXC, plays a similar role in for Advanced Collegiate BTS records.  Records and credentials issued by these two state owned entities are available and generally reliable.

 

For university records, Cote d’Ivoire has four main public universities and a large number of private universities and advanced business schools. Public universities are accredited by the African and Madagascar Council on Higher education (CAMES) and conform to the rigorous and high profile norms of this continental body. Record keeping in these universities are acceptable and verification from their sources is considered reliable. As to the private universities, few are accredited. Reliable verification of titles and credentials from these universities may be difficult to obtain.

Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title: Embassy

Address: Riviera Golf
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

Phone Number: (225) 27-22-49-40-00

Visa Services:

Email: abjvisa@state.gov

Comments / Additional Information: 

Visa Services

All visa categories for all of Cote d'Ivoire.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

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