Benin entry requirements for Slovakia 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

Slovak passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits.

Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal. The application takes about 15 minutes — upload your passport scan and a passport-style photo. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your Slovak passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Benin does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host can speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but having around €500–€1,000 available is a safe bet.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Do not attempt to board a flight to Benin without an approved eVisa. Airlines check this before boarding. There is no visa on arrival.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get it at least 10 days before travel. Immigration may ask to see it.

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 online (around €70-100). Approval usually comes within 3-7 business days.
2
Prepare your documents
Print your eVisa approval, keep a copy on your phone, and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. Screenshots are fine.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. The process is straightforward — expect 10-20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick. Then you're free to leave.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $75 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. $107 USD)

For frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $214 USD)

Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).

work visa
Travail Salarié Visa
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $214 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Beninese company. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (approx. $160 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $535 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a Beninese business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online.€50 (approx. $55 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period.€75 (approx. $82 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure.€10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500

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

Slovak passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) in Cotonou

Health & vaccines for Benin

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
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 reduce risk.

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 - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Handles extensions for residents in the capital region.

Practical information for SK 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police117
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3-7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. The fee is paid online during application (around €70-100).
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply. Plan your trip within the eVisa's validity.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your entry date.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You may be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No. Slovak passport holders must have an eVisa regardless of other visas or residence permits. There are no visa waiver agreements.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can re-apply with corrected info. Contact the Benin embassy if needed.
No. You must get the eVisa before travel. There is no visa on arrival at Cotonou Airport or land borders.

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.