Benin entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal at least 5 days before departure. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Benin. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. A flight reservation is fine — you don't need a paid ticket. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 EUR (or equivalent) for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Finnish passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or land border. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Airlines check this before boarding.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You'll need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before your flight. Keep the yellow card with your passport.
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 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 copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at the immigration counter in Cotonou or at land borders.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land, have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. At Cotonou's Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport, immigration officers will check these before stamping you in.
4
Go through immigration
At the airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa. They may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly. You'll get a 30-day entry stamp.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Work Permit (Carte de Séjour)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Beninese institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Benin. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa for up to 30 days. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | €75 (~$82 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport departure. | €10 per day (~$11 USD), max €300 (~$330 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
Finland passport holders transiting through Benin do not require a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO)
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions recommended.
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 Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for FI 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 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around €40–€60 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 re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Finnish passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained before travel.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official land border crossings. Just show the printed approval along with your passport.
The standard eVisa is single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Benin (e.g., for a day trip to Nigeria), you'll need a new eVisa each time.
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.