Benin entry requirements for Cameroon passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Cameroonian passport holders can enter Benin without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy has been in place since at least 2024, so no advance application is needed for tourism or short business trips.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Benin. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Benin | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers rarely check it, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry cash (CFA francs, euros, or US dollars) or a debit/credit card. No fixed amount is published, but around 100,000 CFA (~$165) per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry is straightforward
No visa, no fee, no application. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. The process at Cotonou Airport usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date, you may be denied boarding even if you have a ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Cotonou Airport or land border
Most travellers fly into Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. At immigration, join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 90 days.
2
Present documents and receive entry stamp
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp with the date of entry.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no visa fees to pay. You're free to enter Benin.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Benin embassy or consulate; may allow longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsorship and documentation.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Benin. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors with significant business in Benin. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~5,000 XOF/day, ~$8 USD) |
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not standard for visa-free stays; check with immigration. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Cameroon 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) in Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Cameroon.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCholeraConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Benin; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; occurs in urban and rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service Immigration
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for CM 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. Cameroon passport holders can enter Benin visa-free for up to 90 days. No advance application is needed.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Benin before your 90 days expire.
Extensions are not automatically granted. You would need to visit the Direction Générale de la Police Nationale in Cotonou to request an extension. There is no standard fee published, and approval is at their discretion.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
No. There is no visa fee for Cameroonian passport holders entering Benin visa-free.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land borders. Have your documents ready for inspection at the border post.
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.