Benin entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Austrian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Benin eVisa | Apply online at the official Benin eVisa portal before you travel. The eVisa is mandatory for Austrian passport holders — there is no visa on arrival option. Processing takes up to 7 business days, so apply at least two weeks before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Austrian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Benin. No specific minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Benin immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they rarely accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry a bank statement or a credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. There is no official minimum amount, but having around 200,000 CFA francs (~€300) in cash or available credit covers most short trips. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs time and money).
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival option for Austrian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight to Benin.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a paper copy and save it on your phone. You'll need it to board your flight and at immigration.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, head to the immigration desk. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no customs declaration form for personal items.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Apply online before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee
For those 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 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Beninese educational institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Benin. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Austrian passport holders applying online. | €70 (approx. $77 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (approx. $550 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
Austrian passport holders transiting through Benin's airports do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa is required.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all travelers due to risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travelers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 des Étrangers
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central de Porto-Novo
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for AT 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 = 563.11 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee is around €70–€100 depending on the type (single entry vs. multiple entry). Payment is online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Carry the WHO yellow card with you — immigration may check it.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
If you're transiting through Cotonou Airport and staying airside, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you need an eVisa.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are not widely accepted outside hotels. Bring some cash to exchange at the airport or use ATMs in Cotonou.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.