Benin entry requirements for Mozambique 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
Mozambican passport holders can enter Benin without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket — no application needed.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Benin | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Benin does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay. Airlines flying into Cotonou may still enforce the 6-month rule, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Benin | Immigration at Cotonou Airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear PDF on your phone. If you are flying out to another country, the ticket must show you leave within the 90-day visa-free period. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 100,000 XOF (~$165 USD) per week of stay. Immigration does not always check, but budget airlines flying into Cotonou sometimes request proof before boarding. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
Benin strictly enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement. You must carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) and be prepared to show it at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Benin, not from when you plan to leave. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most international flights land at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present documents at immigration
Hand over your passport and return ticket (printed or on phone). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee, no forms.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Mozambique 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Beninese embassy; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (work, study).
work visa
Work Permit / Carte de Séjour
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a Beninese institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Benin (e.g., $50,000 USD). Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourist visits; no separate visa fee. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within the 90-day period. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Unknown (not available) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | 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
Mozambique passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO)
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Mozambique; must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Benin; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season.
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 issues and permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service Immigration
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and residency permits.
Practical information for MZ 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. The visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Benin before day 90 and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at a Benin embassy before travel.
Yes, Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travelers. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. Six months from your entry date is a hard rule.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. Common crossings include the Hilacondji border from Togo and the Seme border from Nigeria. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
No. There is no arrival declaration required for Mozambican passport holders. Just show up with your passport and ticket.
Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in Cotonou and major towns.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need to meet the same visa-free entry requirements (valid passport, return ticket).
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.