Benin entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. You apply online before traveling. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard way to get authorization for tourism, business, or transit.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for single or multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Benin. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Cotonou Airport enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Cotonou Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight before stamping you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host speeds up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 USD for your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but it's a standard requirement on paper. | Recommended |
eVisa required before boarding
Airlines will check for your eVisa at check-in. Without it, you may be denied boarding. Apply well in advance and carry a printed copy.
Yellow fever vaccination mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival. No card = possible denial of entry or quarantine.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa portal (evisa.gouv.bj). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa document. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most international flights land at Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large sums of cash or restricted items. Then you're free to exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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~$100 USD
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
Requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study, family).
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Benin. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Benin (e.g., $50,000 USD). Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Canadian passport holders. | ~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office; subject to approval. | ~$30 USD (approx. 18,000 XOF) per month |
| Overstay finePay at immigration before departure to avoid legal issues. | ~$5 USD (approx. 3,000 XOF) per day, max $150 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
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 Immigration
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Immigration Section
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital region.
Practical information for CA 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 to 7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email.
The fee varies by visa type and duration. As of 2026, a single-entry tourist eVisa costs around 50,000 XOF (about 80 USD). Check the official portal for current prices.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires to discuss options.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
Denials are rare but can happen if your application has errors or missing documents. You can reapply with corrected information. There is no formal appeal process.
No, Benin does not offer visa on arrival for Canadian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa approval, return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. The officer may also ask about your purpose of visit.
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.