Benin Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Benin, located in West Africa, welcomes international visitors for tourism, business, and other purposes. The country has implemented an electronic visa (e-Visa) system to streamline the entry process for most foreign nationals. Travelers should be aware that visa requirements vary depending on nationality, with ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) citizens enjoying visa-free access, while most other nationalities must obtain an e-Visa or traditional visa before arrival. The immigration process in Benin typically involves presenting your passport, visa documentation, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and supporting documents such as return tickets and accommodation details. The main international gateway is Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, though travelers may also enter through land borders with neighboring countries. It's essential to ensure all documentation is in order before departure, as requirements are strictly enforced at ports of entry. Benin requires all international travelers to show proof of yellow fever vaccination, making this one of the most critical pre-travel preparations. Additionally, travelers should be prepared for potential language barriers, as French is the official language. Having documents translated or available in French can facilitate smoother interactions with immigration and customs officials. Processing times at entry points can vary, so patience and preparedness are key to a successful arrival experience.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Benin's visa policy distinguishes between ECOWAS member states, which enjoy visa-free access, and other countries, most of which can apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) online. A small number of nationalities must apply for traditional visas through embassies or consulates.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days

Citizens of ECOWAS member states can enter Benin without a visa for tourism, business, or transit purposes

Includes

ECOWAS citizens must present a valid national identity card or passport. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is still mandatory for entry.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

30 days (single or multiple entry options available)

Most nationalities worldwide can apply for an electronic visa online before traveling to Benin

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand All European Union countries China India Japan South Korea Brazil South Africa Most other countries not listed in visa-free category

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Benin e-Visa portal (www.evisa.gouv.bj) at least 5-7 business days before travel. Upload required documents including passport copy, photo, yellow fever certificate, and travel itinerary. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Print the approved e-Visa and present it upon arrival.
Cost: Approximately 50-100 EUR depending on visa type (tourist, business) and number of entries. Payment is made online via credit/debit card.

The e-Visa must be obtained before travel; visa on arrival is not available for most nationalities. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. The e-Visa can be extended once in-country if needed.

Embassy Visa Required

Varies by visa type, typically 30-90 days

A small number of countries must apply for traditional visas through Benin embassies or consulates

How to Apply: Contact the nearest Benin embassy or consulate to submit an application in person or by mail. Required documents typically include completed application form, passport-size photos, valid passport, yellow fever certificate, invitation letter (if applicable), and proof of financial means. Processing time is usually 5-10 business days.

This applies to countries without e-Visa access or those requiring special clearance. Check with your nearest Benin diplomatic mission for specific requirements.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Benin, travelers proceed through immigration control, baggage claim, and customs inspection. The process is generally straightforward if all documentation is properly prepared. Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport is the main entry point, though land border crossings are also available.

Disembarkation and Health Screening

After landing, proceed to the terminal where you may encounter health screening stations. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are checked at this stage or at immigration. Have your certificate readily accessible.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, e-Visa (printed copy), yellow fever certificate, and completed arrival/disembarkation card to the immigration officer. Officers may ask questions about your visit purpose, duration, and accommodation.

Passport Stamping

If all documents are in order, the immigration officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp indicating your permitted stay duration. Verify the dates are correct before leaving the counter.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the baggage carousel. Report any missing or damaged luggage to airline representatives immediately.

Customs Declaration and Inspection

Complete a customs declaration form if you have items to declare. Proceed through customs where officers may inspect your luggage. Declare all required items including large amounts of currency, restricted goods, or items exceeding duty-free allowances.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, exit to the arrivals hall where you can arrange transportation, exchange currency, or meet your contacts.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Benin. Should have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Visa or e-Visa

Printed copy of approved e-Visa (for applicable nationalities) or visa stamp in passport. ECOWAS citizens exempt.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months and older, regardless of country of origin. Must be the official International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Benin, either return ticket or onward travel documentation. May be requested by immigration officers.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you will be staying in Benin. May be requested during immigration interview.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate ability to support yourself during your stay. Rarely requested but advisable to have available.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print all documents including e-Visa, yellow fever certificate, hotel reservations, and return tickets. Internet access may be limited, so don't rely solely on digital copies.

Arrive at the airport with patience and allow extra time for processing, especially during peak travel periods. Lines can be long and processing may take 30-60 minutes or more.

Have small denomination CFA francs (XOF) available for tips, transportation, or minor purchases upon arrival. Currency exchange is available at the airport but rates may not be favorable.

Keep your yellow fever certificate in an easily accessible location separate from your passport, as it's often checked at multiple points during entry.

Be polite and respectful with immigration and customs officers. Answer questions clearly and concisely. Avoid making jokes about security, visas, or your luggage contents.

Take note of the date stamped in your passport and the permitted duration of stay. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or future entry bans.

Consider learning basic French phrases, as this is the official language and English proficiency among officials may be limited.

Keep copies of all important documents separate from the originals, and leave copies with someone at home in case of emergency.

Customs & Duty-Free

Benin customs regulations allow travelers to bring in reasonable quantities of personal items and limited duty-free goods. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form and may be subject to baggage inspection. Honesty in declaring items helps avoid penalties, which can include confiscation, fines, or prosecution.

Alcohol

1 liter of alcoholic beverages (spirits or wine)

Must be 18 years or older. Commercial quantities are subject to duty and require proper documentation.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. Amounts exceeding this limit are subject to customs duty.

Currency

Amounts exceeding 1,000,000 CFA francs (XOF) or equivalent in foreign currency must be declared

Declaration is mandatory for amounts above this threshold. Failure to declare can result in confiscation. Keep exchange receipts for re-export of foreign currency.

Gifts and Personal Items

Personal effects and gifts with a total value not exceeding 150,000 CFA francs (approximately 250 USD/EUR)

Items must be for personal use and not for resale. Commercial goods require proper import documentation and payment of duties.

Perfume

Reasonable quantities for personal use (typically up to 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette)

Excessive amounts may be considered commercial and subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - Benin has strict drug laws with severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives - Unless proper permits obtained in advance from Benin authorities
Counterfeit goods and pirated media - Including fake designer items, pirated DVDs, and counterfeit currency
Pornographic materials - Strictly prohibited under Benin law
Endangered species products - Items made from protected animals, plants, or their derivatives (ivory, certain animal skins, etc.) under CITES regulations
Certain chemicals and hazardous materials - Including toxic substances and materials that pose environmental or health risks

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Must be accompanied by valid prescription and in original packaging. Carry only quantities reasonable for personal use during your stay
Professional equipment - Cameras, laptops, and other professional equipment may require temporary import permits. Declare these items and keep receipts to facilitate re-export
Drones and radio equipment - Require special permits from Benin telecommunications and aviation authorities
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products - Require phytosanitary certificates to prevent introduction of pests and diseases
Live animals and animal products - Require veterinary health certificates and import permits. Subject to quarantine requirements
Cultural artifacts and antiques - Export of cultural heritage items is restricted. Ensure items can be legally exported if purchasing locally

Health Requirements

Benin has specific health requirements for entry, most notably the mandatory yellow fever vaccination. Travelers should also take precautions against other diseases prevalent in West Africa and ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Mandatory for all travelers aged 9 months and older. Must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) must be presented at entry and will be checked. This is strictly enforced.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through contaminated food or water
Typhoid - Recommended, especially if visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or eating street food
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals, require medical treatment, or engage in activities with blood exposure risk
Meningitis (Meningococcal) - Recommended, particularly during dry season (December-June) when meningitis risk is higher
Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities, working with animals, or in areas with limited medical access
Polio - Ensure routine vaccination is up to date
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) - Ensure routine vaccination is current
Tetanus-Diphtheria - Ensure boosters are current (every 10 years)

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Benin are limited, particularly outside major cities, and serious medical conditions may require evacuation to neighboring countries or Europe. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. Many healthcare providers require cash payment upfront, so insurance that provides direct billing or rapid reimbursement is advantageous.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements can change rapidly in response to disease outbreaks or public health emergencies. While COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements have been largely relaxed as of late 2024, travelers should check current requirements 1-2 weeks before departure. Consult the Benin Ministry of Health website, your country's travel health advisory service (such as CDC for US travelers or NHS for UK travelers), or the WHO website for the latest information on health requirements, disease outbreaks, and recommended precautions.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Benin Immigration (Direction Générale de l'Émigration et de l'Immigration)

Official immigration authority for visa information and immigration matters

e-Visa portal: www.evisa.gouv.bj - For online visa applications and inquiries

Your Country's Embassy or Consulate in Benin

Contact your embassy or consulate for citizen services, emergency assistance, and travel advice

Register with your embassy upon arrival for safety updates. Most embassies are located in Cotonou. Check your government's travel advisory website for contact details and current security information.

Emergency Services in Benin

Police: 117 or 166 | Fire: 118 | Medical Emergency/Ambulance: 112 or local hospital numbers

Emergency response may be limited outside major cities. Response times can be slow. Consider having contact information for private medical clinics and your embassy's emergency number.

Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport

Main international airport - Airport code: COO

For flight information, lost luggage, and airport services. Limited English may be spoken; French is primary language.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Benin)

For official government information and diplomatic matters

Website: www.diplomatie.gouv.bj (primarily in French)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa (if required based on nationality). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the travel. This letter should include contact information for the parent(s), details of the trip, and the accompanying adult's information. If traveling with only one parent, bring the child's birth certificate and consent letter from the other parent. In cases of sole custody, bring legal documentation. Children require yellow fever vaccination if over 9 months old. Some airlines may have specific requirements for unaccompanied minors.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets to Benin requires advance planning. Dogs and cats must have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, certifying the animal is free from contagious diseases. Pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry. An import permit from Benin's Ministry of Agriculture may be required - contact the ministry or Benin embassy well in advance. Microchipping is recommended for identification. Airlines have specific requirements for pet transport in cabin or cargo - check with your carrier. Upon arrival, pets may be subject to inspection and quarantine. Consider that veterinary care in Benin is limited.

Extended Stays and Visa Extensions

Tourist visas and e-Visas are typically issued for 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de l'Émigration et de l'Immigration in Cotonou before your current visa expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and may require proof of accommodation, financial means, and a valid reason for extension. Apply at least one week before visa expiration. Overstaying your visa can result in fines (typically calculated per day of overstay), detention, deportation, and future entry bans. For long-term stays (work, study, residence), you must apply for the appropriate visa type and may need to obtain a residence permit (carte de séjour) from immigration authorities.

Business Travelers

Business travelers should obtain a business e-Visa rather than a tourist visa. Required documents include an invitation letter from the Benin-based company or organization, detailing the purpose and duration of the visit. Business visas may allow multiple entries. Carry business cards, company identification, and documentation of your business activities. If importing samples, equipment, or materials for business purposes, ensure you have proper customs documentation and temporary import permits if needed. For extended business assignments, a work permit may be required.

Journalists and Media Professionals

Journalists, photographers, and film crews must obtain special accreditation from the Benin Ministry of Communication and Media before arrival. Tourist visas are not appropriate for journalistic activities. Contact the Benin embassy or Ministry of Communication well in advance to apply for a journalist visa and accreditation. Provide details of your assignment, itinerary, and media organization. Professional camera equipment and satellite phones may require special permits. Unauthorized journalistic activities can result in detention, equipment confiscation, and deportation.

Dual Nationals and Former Benin Citizens

Dual nationals should carefully consider which passport to use for entry. Benin recognizes dual nationality, but if you hold Benin citizenship, you should enter using your Benin passport. Former Benin citizens who have renounced citizenship should enter on their current nationality's passport with appropriate visa. Consult with the Benin embassy if you have questions about citizenship status and entry requirements.