Cote d’Ivoire

When traveling to Côte d’Ivoire, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you must obtain work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Côte d’Ivoire, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business meetings
• » Buy goods for sale outside the country
• » Tour a company facility
• » Attend a trade show or seminar convention

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Côte d’Ivoire?

Most foreign nationals who intend to perform ordinary business activities in Côte d'Ivoire are required to obtain a Business Visa from an Ivoirian Embassy or Consulate prior to travel. Depending on nationality, some business visitors may also be eligible to obtain an E-Visa online, though it is recommended only for urgent travel.

Certain nationalities, including those of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries, are eligible for a visa waiver and may enter Côte d'Ivoire for business purposes without obtaining a visa.

Please consult with your immigration counsel before traveling to determine your eligibility for a Business Visa, E-Visa, or visa waiver.

What types of activities require work authorization?

Business visitors are generally permitted to engage in productive, technical, or hands-on work activities on a short-term basis without obtaining work authorization, though an after-sales agreement is required. Permissible professional activities may include:

• » Technical repairs
• » Systems installation
• » Auditing
• » Training

 
Additional short-term professional activities may be permitted without work authorization for specific industries, though certain preconditions may apply. Before traveling, please consult with your immigration counsel for an individual assessment to determine whether your intended activities are permissible without work authorization.

If I am traveling to Côte d’Ivoire for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications and on the nature and duration of your work. The most common type of work authorization for Côte d’Ivoire is a Work Permit. To qualify, foreign nationals must be sponsored by a local entity with an employment contract approved by the Agence Emploi Jeunes in Côte d’Ivoire.

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

There are long-term work authorization exemptions in Côte d’Ivoire available for company officers on assignment, such as CEOs and Deputies, who are performing activities as an extension of their role. However, registrations and other preconditions may apply. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a long-term work authorization exemption.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.