Benin entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online and straightforward — you'll get an approval before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Benin eVisa | Apply online at evisa.gouv.bj/en before you travel. The eVisa costs around $50–$100 USD depending on duration and entry type. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until you have the approval email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your US passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Benin. Airlines at US departure gates will check this — if your passport expires before you leave Benin, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Cotonou Airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you arrive without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. A bus ticket to a neighboring country does not count. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration officers at Cotonou occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive late at night or look uncertain about your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Carry enough cash (at least $200 USD equivalent) or have a credit card with available balance. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, showing a bank statement or cash is the fastest way to clear. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your trip. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, and travel documents as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. If you lose your printed copies, digital versions can save you at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en, fill out the application, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$100 depending on duration). You'll receive approval by email in 3–5 business days.
2
Prepare your documents
Print your eVisa approval, your return ticket, and your hotel booking confirmation. Save digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. You'll get an entry stamp. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick for tourists. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$75 USD)
Apply at Benin embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$160 USD)
Available for frequent travellers; requires justification.
work visa
Work Permit (Carte de Séjour)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$215 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable based on course
~€100 (~$107 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized Beninese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for US passport holders applying online. | €70 (approx. $75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $107 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | €5 per day (approx. $5.35 USD), no cap |
| Stay extensionPossible at immigration office for up to 30 days. | €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
US citizens transiting through Benin's airports (e.g., Cotonou) 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; proof may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur during rainy season.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas.
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 Documentation et de l'Immigration
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Porto-Novo
Immigration Office Porto-Novo
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for US 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. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Processing times can be longer during holidays.
Around $50–$100 depending on the duration you select (single entry vs. multiple entry, 30 days vs. 90 days). The exact fee is shown during the application.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or check with the immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires.
Yes, Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Denials are rare for US citizens. Common reasons: incorrect photo, passport validity less than 6 months, or incomplete application. You can reapply after fixing the issue. Contact the Benin embassy if you need help.
No, Benin does not offer visa on arrival for US passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Benin can be expensive, and insurance covers evacuation if needed. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance.
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.