Benin entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is entirely online, and you must have it approved before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity left from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal before you fly. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, and you need to upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with you — border officers will ask to see it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Swedish passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Benin. Airlines check this at check-in, and Cotonou immigration enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Cotonou Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or a credit card ready showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it on hand. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Swedish passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel. Airlines may deny boarding without a valid eVisa.
Yellow fever certificate mandatory
You must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Immigration at Cotonou Airport may ask to see it. Without it, you could be denied entry or fined.
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 details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with a PDF attachment. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in and upon arrival in Benin.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport
Most international flights land at Cotonou Airport (COO). After disembarking, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs — usually a quick green/red channel system. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for multiple trips within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For longer stays; requires proof of purpose.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorisation de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer to sponsor and obtain work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Benin. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Benin. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | €70 (approx. $75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $108 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (approx. $540 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension fee for additional stay, subject to approval. | €30 (approx. $32 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
Swedish passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; food and water precautions essential.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Benin, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 (Immigration)
Avenue de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central de Porto-Novo
Rue du Commerce, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for immigration services.
Practical information for SE 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 3–5 business days, but it can take up to a week during busy periods. Apply at least 10 days before your flight to be safe.
The official fee is around €50–€70 depending on the type (single entry vs. multiple entry). Check the official portal for the exact amount — it changes occasionally.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa, or contact the Benin immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You may be asked to show it at the airport. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Your eVisa application will be rejected. You must renew your passport first. The 6-month validity is a strict requirement.
No, Swedish passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
Benin is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in markets and busy areas. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid walking alone at night, and use registered taxis.
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.