Benin entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders must get an eVisa to enter Benin. The entire process is online — no embassy visit needed. Since 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Benin eVisa at evisa.gouv.bj/en. The process takes about 3 working days and costs around $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Cotonou Airport checks it before stamping you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Maltese passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Benin does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — as long as your passport is valid for the duration of your stay, you are fine. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Cotonou Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready on your phone. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about $200 USD per day of your stay. Officers rarely request it, but it is a standard requirement in the rulebook. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You must carry your yellow fever vaccination card (the 'yellow card') when entering Benin. Immigration officers will ask for it. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at the airport.
eVisa is the only option for Malta passport holders
There is no visa on arrival for Maltese citizens. You must obtain the eVisa online before you travel. No embassy visit is required.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.bj/en/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. 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 it on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most international flights land at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket ready.
4
Present documents at immigration
Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will check your details, stamp your passport, and let you through. This usually takes 2–5 minutes per person.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs — green channel if you have nothing to declare, red if you do. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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 (approx. $77 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Travail Salarié Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Beninese company. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in a Beninese business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Malta passport holders. | €70 (~$77 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €5 (~$5.50 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 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
Malta passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; ensure safe food and water.
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 office for visa extensions and permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Immigration Section
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital.
Practical information for MT 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around €50–€70 depending on the type (single entry vs multiple entry). You pay online with a credit card during the application.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa.
Yes, it's mandatory. You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Airlines check for valid visas before departure. You must have the eVisa approval before you travel.
Yes, you can apply for a multiple-entry eVisa if you plan to leave and re-enter Benin. The single-entry eVisa is for one entry only.
Your eVisa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
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.