Expected Costs & How To Start

FAQ:

Finances

What affects cost variations?  Timing for buying airline tickets and preferred stops, vaccination availability at health departments vs private clinics, team size, schedule and room preferences.

When do I send in day costs? If you are paying trip per day costs by check or through the AG giving site, send it in 3 months in advance of your arrival for processing. 

If you are paying by wire transfer, then only 1 month in advance is required. If you are bringing cash your flight must arrive before 10pm.

Should I bring cash or card? We suggest bringing your card in case of emergency, as well as familiarizing yourself with how to report a stolen card from overseas and informing your back of your travel plans.

How can I call my family each day? International phone plans through AT&T and Boost have worked in the past for visitors, as well as creating a Google Voice number to use when you have a local internet connection. If you opt for Google Voice, you will need to create your Google Voice number two weeks in advance of leaving the states.

Vaccines

What are the vaccines? Yellow fever is required. Hep A and Typhoid are highly recommended. Malaria prevention is also highly recommended. 

Where do I get the vaccines? The VA, health department, travel clinics and primary doctors. 

How do I research vaccines? You may visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index

When do I need to have the vaccines? No later than 3 months before the departure date.

Visa

Is the visa $75.00? Yes. Apply for an electronic visa through https://snedai.com/e-visa/ for a multiple-entry visa. Be sure to print your receipt and approval to bring it with you to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Airport. (These will come in 2 separate emails) There you will receive your official visa in your passport.

Is the visa guaranteed after payment? No, it is not. There are no refunds.

What do I need to know about the visa? You will need to 1) apply with your name as shown on your passport 2) you'll also need an invitation letter from us 3) an address for reference 4) and your flight itinerary

Souvenirs

What about souvenirs? Notify your bank about your trip if you prefer to withdraw money from an ATM rather than bringing cash. If you need help deciding how much to bring for souvenirs we can guide you based on how many people you are planning to buy for. 

Flight

When is the best time to buy tickets? At least 3 months before departure. Not during peek season. 

Please do: The entire team should take the same flight, purchase flight protection in case of cancellation with your ticket if possible, and send us a copy of the flight itinerary.

What flight should I look for? No more than 2 stops, as short a flight duration as possible, and as few airline changes as possible.

All other costs

What are day costs used for? A  $75 - $100 a day cost covers all meals, lodging, transportation, and leisurely team activities.

Are there exceptions to the daily cost? Yes, costs may be less for groups and individuals who opt out of staying at hotels, share rooms, married couples, and teams of 3 or fewer.

How do I apply and purchase required insurance? You will receive this information during the application process through wideopenmissions.org 

First steps to working with us

Where to start? Go to www.wideopenmissions.org 

 Steps to Preparing to Come to the Ivory Coast

Updated 5/10/2026

1) Start this process 6 months before you plan to arrive in the Ivory Coast.

2) If you are not traveling alone, choose a team coordinator responsible for compiling paperwork and navigating the application website www.wideopenmissions.org/go-short-term/short-term-trips

3) Need help with any of these processes? We can help you step by step via video call.

4) Ensure that your passport is valid, having at least 3 empty pages and 3 months left before the expiration. Use your name exactly as shown on your passport for all paperwork and travel into the Ivory Coast. Make and carry a copy of your passport photo page to carry with you while in the Ivory Coast

5) Ensure that every team member is signed up for ACE/CHUBB insurance. You will find the sign-up information on the application website.

6) Health departments may offer vaccines at a lower cost than specialized clinics or private doctors. 

7) Ideally, you will finish the wideopenmission application process 2-5 months before purchasing round-trip airline tickets because ticket prices can be cheaper when purchased 1-3 months in advance of the departure date. Send a copy of your flight itinerary to your hosts.

8) Apply for the online visa at https://snedai.com/e-visa/. It will cost $75.00. You will need: A) a picture of your passport photo page, B) your flight itinerary, and C) an invitation letter from your hosts. Have all your documents ready because the application session may time out.

Please keep an eye on your inbox for confirmation of application approval and payment. This will come in two separate emails. Read any other emails pertaining to your evisa as well. Print a copy of the confirmation of application approval and payment to bring with you to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, airport

9) Enroll online with the U.S. Embassy STEP Program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) at www.step.state.gov

10) Start learning French phrases