Benin entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you must apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes up to 72 hours. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Swiss passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Benin does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your travel dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. No fixed amount is published, but showing at least €50 per day covers you. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (and pay a fine). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is single entry only
The standard eVisa allows one entry. If you leave Benin (e.g., to visit neighbouring countries), you'll need to apply for a new eVisa to re-enter. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa website (evisa.gouv.bj/en). 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 the eVisa by email. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration upon arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land, have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation easily accessible. At Cotonou Airport (the main entry point), proceed to the immigration queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly and you'll be stamped in.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€70 (~$77 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or via eVisa portal.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur Salarié
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$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 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Minimum investment threshold applies. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | €70 (approx. $77 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or airport. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Benin or a Schengen visa may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) - Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverBenin requires a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year of age arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Benin, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly during the rainy season. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
CholeraLow risk
Cholera is sporadic, mainly in areas with poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for all travellers.
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. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Expect longer processing times.
Practical information for CH 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
Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. The fee is paid online by credit card.
No, Swiss passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. There is no visa on arrival option.
The eVisa is usually valid for a single entry of up to 30 days. Check your approval letter for exact duration. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Cotonou.
You must renew your passport before applying. Benin requires at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. Airlines may also deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de la Police Nationale in Cotonou. The process takes a few days and costs around 20,000–30,000 XOF. Do this before your current visa expires.
You will likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Airlines also check for the eVisa before boarding. Don't risk it.
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.