Obtaining the Ivorian Passport: A Practical Guide

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Obtaining a passport is a crucial step for any international travel, and ensuring every detail is perfectly executed can transform a complex process into a smooth experience.

Whether you’re an Ivorian residing in the country or abroad, this comprehensive guide will accompany you through every step to obtain your passport in Côte d’Ivoire.

From preparing the necessary documents to appointments with the competent authorities, each procedure will be explained to facilitate your administrative journey and guarantee you hassle-free travel.

Explore practical tips and updated advice that will allow you to speed up the process and avoid common pitfalls.

Presentation of the Côte d’Ivoire Country Passport

The Ivorian passport is an official document in dark green color, featuring the national coat of arms in the center. At the top of the cover is the inscription “RÉPUBLIQUE DE CÔTE D’IVOIRE” in French, while below the coat of arms appears the word “PASSEPORT” in French, English, and Portuguese. The choice of dark green follows West African tradition, with the color green being common among ECOWAS member countries and often symbolizing Islam, nature, and life.

Visual Element	Description
Color	Dark green
Symbol	Coat of arms of Côte d’Ivoire
Inscriptions	Country name, “Passport” (FR/EN/PT)

The passport contains 32 pages and is written in French and English.

Personal Information and Biometric Data

• Holder’s photograph (standard format)
• Passport type
• Issuing state code
• Passport number
• Last name and first name(s)
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Place of birth
• Date of issue
• Date of expiration
• Emergency contact details
• Holder’s signature
• Issuing authority

The validity of the Ivorian passport is 5 years.

Importance and Usage

• The Ivorian passport serves as official proof of Ivorian citizenship and allows for travel abroad according to visa requirements.
• It is also used to receive consular assistance abroad.
• In Côte d’Ivoire, it serves as a recognized identity document for administrative procedures.

Security and Anti-Fraud Measures

• The Ivorian passport is a biometric document: it includes an electronic chip containing the holder’s personal and biometric data (including photograph and, depending on versions, fingerprints).
• Advanced security features are present: holograms, watermarks, UV printing, and micro-printing to prevent forgery and guarantee the document’s authenticity.
• Issuance procedures include direct capture of biometric data and rigorous verification of the applicant’s identity.

The Ivorian passport, dark green and adorned with the national coat of arms, is a secure 32-page biometric document valid for 5 years. It certifies identity and citizenship, enables international travel, and incorporates numerous anti-fraud measures to guarantee its authenticity.

Procedures for Obtaining the Ivorian Passport

Administrative steps required to obtain the Ivorian passport

• Online pre-enrollment on the platform www.monpasseport.ci
• Creating a user account and entering biographical information
• Scheduling an online appointment for physical enrollment
• Payment of passport fees via the platform (by credit card or bank payment)
• Presentation at the enrollment center or embassy with original documents for verification, photo taking, fingerprints, and signature
• Receipt of a deposit slip

Complete List of Required Documents

Category	Documents to Provide
Nationals by origin	– Photocopy of national identity card or administrative identity certificate – Birth certificate extract – Recent identity photo – Proof of residence – Payment receipt – Online generated documents (form, appointment confirmation, payment receipt)
Naturalization	– Photocopy of naturalization decree – Photocopy of national identity card or administrative identity certificate – Birth certificate extract – Recent identity photo – Proof of residence – Payment receipt – Online generated documents
Minors (under 18)	– Legalized parental authorization – Copy and original of parent’s national ID card – Birth certificate extract – Recent identity photo – Payment receipt – Online generated documents
Minors (under 12)	– Certificate of nationality not required

Associated Fees

• Passport fees in Côte d’Ivoire: variable by center, generally around 40,000 FCFA
• Passport fees abroad (embassy): 115.5 euros
• Legalization of parental authorization (for minors): €15 at embassy or variable cost at town hall

Locations and Platforms for Completing Procedures

• Enrollment and issuance centers in Côte d’Ivoire
• Air and Border Police Sub-Directorate
• Côte d’Ivoire embassies and consulates abroad
• Official online platform: www.monpasseport.ci
• Exclusive concessionaire SNEDAI website: www.snedai.com

Waiting Periods

• Issuance period: 72 hours after validation by Air and Border Police (in Côte d’Ivoire)
• Abroad: variable by embassy, but generally under 10 working days after physical enrollment

Conditions for Renewal and Issuance for Minors

• Renewal: same procedures as first application, provide expired passport in addition to standard documents
• Passport for minors: legalized parental authorization mandatory, presence of parent or guardian during physical enrollment
• For minors under 12: certificate of nationality not required
• For minors under 18: legalized parental authorization required

Available Online Services

• Pre-enrollment, appointment scheduling and payment on www.monpasseport.ci
• Form downloads on www.snedai.com
• User assistance and file tracking via personal space on the platform

Useful Contacts for Information or Assistance

Structure	Contact / Access
SNEDAI	www.snedai.com
Passport platform	www.monpasseport.ci
Embassies/Consulates	Address and phone available on local consulate website
Air and Border Police	Present at enrollment centers

For any application, it is imperative to verify the accuracy and validity of original documents. Physical enrollment is mandatory and the passport can only be collected by the holder upon presentation of the receipt and fingerprint verification.

Cost and Processing Times for the Passport

Applicant Category	Passport Fees (Côte d’Ivoire)	Passport Fees (France)	Other Fees
Adults (28 pages)	40,000 FCFA	100 €
Adults (48 pages)	60,000 FCFA	100 €
Students and minors (-19 years)	30,000 FCFA	100 €	Chancery fees: 15 €

The exact amount may vary depending on the submission location (Côte d’Ivoire or embassy/consulate abroad).

Fees are payable upon application (online payment, partner bank, or at consulate as applicable).

Standard Processing Times:

• In Côte d’Ivoire, the standard issuance period for a biometric passport is generally 7 to 15 working days after enrollment.
• Abroad (e.g., France), the period often varies between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on application volume and time of year.
• During peak periods (school holidays, year-end), processing times may lengthen.

Expedited Processing Options:

• An emergency procedure can be requested in exceptional circumstances (illness, death, urgent business travel, etc.).
• This request must be justified and addressed to the embassy or competent administration, generally by email.
• In Côte d’Ivoire, the expedited procedure can enable obtaining the passport in 48 to 72 hours.
• Additional cost for urgent processing: variable supplement (typically between 20,000 FCFA and 40,000 FCFA in Côte d’Ivoire; abroad, procedures and amounts are specified case by case during the emergency request).

Factors That Can Influence Processing Time:

• Application volume according to period.
• Completeness and compliance of provided file.
• Technical capacities of enrollment center.

Additional Information:

• Issued Ivorian passports have a validity period of 5 years.
• The rate does not vary by validity period, but by number of pages and applicant category.
• For minors, legalized parental authorization is required.
• In case of loss or theft, a police report is required and may incur additional fees.

In summary: plan for a cost of 40,000 to 60,000 FCFA (adults) and 30,000 FCFA (minors/students) for a passport in Côte d’Ivoire, with a standard processing time of 1 to 2 weeks, expeditable under conditions for an additional fee

Advantages of Obtaining an Ivorian Passport

Holders of an Ivorian passport benefit from several major advantages, both in terms of international mobility and economic and social aspects.

Facilitated Access to Numerous Countries

• Ability to travel visa-free or with visa on arrival in 54 countries worldwide, including:
• Several African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, etc.)
• Some countries on other continents (Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, Cook Islands, Micronesia, Philippines, Singapore, etc.)
• Certain countries grant visa-free stays of 30 to 90 days, depending on the destination.

Access Category	Number of Countries	Examples
Visa-free	29	Barbados, Ghana, Singapore
Visa on arrival	25	Kenya, Mauritania, Mozambique
e-Visa	Variable	Turkey, Sri Lanka

International Agreements and Recognition

• Côte d’Ivoire benefits from free movement agreements within ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), allowing Ivorian citizens to move easily within the region.
• The Ivorian passport is internationally recognized, guaranteeing access to consular services and the possibility to apply for visas to most worldwide destinations.
• Some holders of special passports (diplomatic or service) benefit from additional exemptions for visa formalities.

Economic Benefits and Opportunities

• Growth in tourism and business: Ease of travel stimulates commercial exchanges, tourism, and participation in international conferences, fairs, or exhibitions.
• Passport holders can seize employment opportunities or internships in countries accessible without visa or with visa on arrival, particularly within the ECOWAS space.
• Facilitated access to university cooperation or professional training programs in several partner countries.

Recognition and National Pride

• Possessing an Ivorian passport strengthens the sense of belonging and national pride, as a symbol of recognized identity and citizenship.
• This document embodies the ability to represent Côte d’Ivoire abroad, participate in international life, and defend one’s rights as an Ivorian citizen.

Summary of Benefits for Ivorian Citizens

• Increased mobility for tourism, business, education, and employment.
• Consular support and protection abroad.
• Strengthening of national ties and regional integration.
• International recognition of the document and Ivorian citizenship.

The Ivorian passport, beyond its administrative function, is a lever for mobility, personal development, and national influence.