Benin entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online, and you must have your approval email before you travel. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Irish citizens.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, and you must print the approval letter to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Irish passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Benin. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration at Cotonou Airport enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Benin routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may check it before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not always requested, having a hotel booking or host invitation letter can speed up the immigration process. If you're staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation with their contact details works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or a credit card. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself, especially if you're staying for more than a few days. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
eVisa is not visa-on-arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for Irish passport holders. You must have your eVisa approval email before you travel. Print it and keep a digital copy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en and fill out the application. Upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and also save the PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: passport (6+ months validity), eVisa approval, return/onward ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward — no additional forms needed. Expect a short queue.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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€50 (~$55 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€75 (~$82 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; each stay can be extended.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
For longer stays; requires proof of accommodation and funds.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Résident Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in a Beninese business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (approx. $550 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 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
Irish passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian 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 over 1 year of age; proof of vaccination (ICVP) must be presented upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
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 residency permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Bureau des Étrangers
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa extensions for residents in the capital region.
Practical information for IE 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
Yes. Irish passport holders must get an eVisa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply at evisa.gouv.bj/en at least a week before your trip.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and duration. Expect to pay around €50–€100. Check the official website for the current fee.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply for a new visa.
You will be denied boarding. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. Benin requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it on arrival. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Immigration may refuse entry. Always have a return or onward ticket booked. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
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.