Visa Requirements for Benin: Complete Guide 2026

Benin e-visa

Benin has implemented an electronic visa (e-visa) to simplify entry. This system allows travellers from 48 eligible countries to obtain their entry authorisation online, without visiting an embassy or consulate.

The official application website is evisa.gouv.bj. Beware of third-party sites that charge additional fees for the same process. The official site is the only intermediary needed.

Since 2026, Benin has also relaxed conditions for ECOWAS nationals (Economic Community of West African States) who can enter freely with a simple ID card.

For more details on organising your trip, see our practical info for Grand-Popo. You will find all supplementary information on health, currency and telecommunications.

Visa types

Tourist visa (short stay) -- valid 30 days, single or multiple entry. The most common visa for travellers coming to discover Grand-Popo and the Beninese coast.

Business visa -- 30 days, multiple entry. For business travellers.

Transit visa -- maximum 3 days. For travellers crossing Benin to reach a neighbouring country (Togo, Niger, Burkina Faso).

Long-stay visa -- 1 to 5 years, multiple entries. For frequent travellers or residents. Higher cost but more economical if you plan several trips.

Visa exemption -- nationals of ECOWAS countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo) do not need a visa to enter Benin. A valid national ID card suffices.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Go to evisa.gouv.bj

Create an account with your email address. You will receive a confirmation code.

Step 2: Fill in the form

Enter your personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, passport number). Be precise: any error can lead to refusal or delay.

Step 3: Upload documents

• Copy of your passport (ID page)
• Passport photo (passport format, light background)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or accommodation certificate)
• Return flight ticket (for tourist visas)

Step 4: Pay the fee

Payment by bank card (Visa, Mastercard). The site is secure.

Step 5: Receive your visa

The visa is sent to you by email as a PDF. Print it and present it on arrival at Cotonou airport or at the Hilacondji border post (if arriving from Togo).

Step 6: On arrival

Present your passport, printed e-visa and return ticket to the border officer. The check is generally quick -- allow 10 to 20 minutes at Cotonou airport.

Required documents

• Passport: valid at least 6 months after planned entry date. Minimum 2 blank pages.
• Passport photo: 35 x 45 mm format, white or light background, recent (less than 6 months).
• Proof of accommodation: hotel booking in Grand-Popo or invitation letter if staying with a private individual.
• Return ticket: flight or proof of departure from the territory (bus, car...).
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate: compulsory for all travellers over one year old. Without this certificate, entry may be refused.
• Proof of financial means: not systematic, but it is prudent to have a copy of bank statements or a credit card statement.

Processing times and costs

Express processing: a 50% surcharge allows visa issuance within 24 to 48 hours in some cases. Check the option during your online application.

Extension

If you wish to extend your stay beyond your visa's validity, two options are available:

Online extension -- log into your account on evisa.gouv.bj and follow the extension process. Possible before your visa expires.

Extension at the Border Police Directorate -- in Cotonou or departmental capitals. Allow a morning for administrative procedures.

Extension fee: about 10,000 FCFA (15 EUR) per additional month, up to 90 days.

Note: do not exceed your visa duration without authorisation. Overstay fines range from 5,000 to 20,000 FCFA (7.5 to 30.5 EUR). In case of prolonged overstay, deportation is possible.

Tips

Apply at least 2 weeks before departure. Announced times are minimums; during peak periods (December-January), processing can take longer.

Check your passport validity. Nothing more stressful than a passport expiring during your stay. Renew it if necessary before leaving for Grand-Popo.

Print your e-visa in multiple copies. Keep one in your carry-on, one in your luggage and a digital copy on your phone.

The yellow fever certificate is mandatory, not optional. Border officers systematically request it. Without this document, you may be refused entry or subjected to forced vaccination.

Take out travel insurance. It is not required at entry, but hospitalisation or medical evacuation can be costly. Check that your insurance covers Benin.

Photocopy all your documents. Leave one set with a relative and keep copies separate from originals in your luggage.

To prepare your arrival in Grand-Popo, see our guide how to get to Grand-Popo from Cotonou.

FAQ

Do French nationals need a visa for Benin?

Yes, French nationals must obtain an e-visa before departure. The process is simple and entirely online. Processing time is 3 to 7 working days.

Can I get a visa on arrival at Cotonou airport?

No, visa on arrival has not been available since 2024. All travellers must obtain their e-visa in advance on the official site evisa.gouv.bj.

What is the maximum tourist stay in Benin?

The maximum duration with a tourist visa is 30 days. It is possible to extend up to 90 days by applying for an extension.

Is the yellow fever vaccine really mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory and checked on entry. The international vaccination certificate (yellow card) must be presented on arrival. No exceptions are made, even for short stays.