Benin entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is entirely online, and you must have your approval email before you travel. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Colombians.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal. The application takes about 15 minutes — upload your passport scan and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit card; approval usually comes within 3-5 business days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Benin. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Benin | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Colombian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Boarding without an eVisa will result in denial at the airport.
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory
You must have the yellow fever vaccine and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration at Cotonou Airport checks this regularly. No card = possible denial of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa portal (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 online with a credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation email within a few days.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Check your email (and spam folder) for the approval. The approval letter is your visa — print it or save it on your phone.
3
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most flights land at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. Go to the immigration desk, present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer will stamp you in. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$77 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer to apply and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a Beninese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investisseur Visa (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Benin. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | €70 (~$77 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | €5 (~$5.50 USD) per day |
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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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 Immigration
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Immigration Section
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital.
Practical information for CO 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
The official eVisa fee varies by nationality and length of stay. For Colombian passport holders, expect around 30,000–50,000 XOF (roughly $50–$85 USD). Check the official portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. If you're in a rush, there's no expedited option — plan ahead.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Denials are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity or if you have a criminal record. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply after fixing the issue.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers over 9 months old. You must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card). Immigration may ask for it at the border.
No, visa on arrival is not available for Colombian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
Overstaying can result in a fine at immigration when you leave. The amount depends on how long you overstay. It's best to leave on time or contact immigration before your visa expires.
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.