Benin entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders need an e-visa to travel to Benin. The eVisa is straightforward to obtain online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the only way to get permission to enter for tourism or business.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for your Benin eVisa at evisa.gouv.bj/en/ at least 5 business days before travel. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 30 days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Benin. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Benin | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Immigration may ask for it to confirm where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least 200,000 XOF (about 1,200 AED) for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you have enough money for accommodation and expenses. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before departure and carry your yellow card. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa-free entry or visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained online before travel. Apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en/, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport data page. Pay the fee (around 30,000 XOF, about 50 USD) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF by email. Print two copies — one to hand to immigration, one as backup. Also save a copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short wait — 10–20 minutes if not busy.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Usually no customs check for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$76 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
Suitable for travellers planning multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$163 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a recognized Beninese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Benin. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €200 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Benin
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Benin do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa is needed if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Benin may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during floods or poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cotonou
Direction Générale de la Police Nationale – Service Immigration
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central – Service Immigration
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for immigration matters.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalPorto-Novo
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 574.19 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Benin does not offer visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take up to a week. Apply at least 10 days before your flight to be safe.
Around 30,000 XOF (about 50 USD). Payment is by credit card on the eVisa website.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new visa.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, it's officially required for entry. You may be asked for proof of vaccination at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow card.
Immigration will likely send you to a back office to print it yourself or pay a fee. Avoid the hassle — bring two printed copies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.