Benin entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
As a UAE passport holder, you can enter Benin without a visa for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa requirementUAE citizens do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to Benin for short stays. Visa-free entry for UAE passport holders | No visa is required for stays up to 90 days. Enter Benin with a valid UAE passport and receive entry permission on arrival. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your travel dates, or you may be denied boarding. At least 6 months validity | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Benin. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBenin immigration will stamp your passport on arrival and departure; a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Benin before your visa-free period ends. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of a return or onward ticket showing departure from Benin within 90 days. | Required |
| Proof of fundsAlthough not always requested, having proof of funds can help if questioned by immigration. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in Benin. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration before traveling. Not required | No arrival declaration or online form is required for UAE citizens entering Benin. | Not required |
| Vaccination certificateBenin is in a yellow fever zone; carrying the certificate is wise even if not always checked. Yellow fever | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; check if your itinerary includes such countries. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry confirmed
UAE passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Benin for up to 90 days. No visa application or eVisa is needed — just walk up to immigration with your passport.
Yellow fever certificate is a must
Without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate, you may be refused entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before your flight and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you travel, make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and one blank page. Get your yellow fever vaccination and carry the certificate with you.
2
Arrive at the airport
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (the main international gateway), proceed to the immigration desk for foreign visitors. There's no visa to obtain — just join the queue for passport control.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your yellow fever certificate and proof of onward travel. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry permit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your checked luggage and proceed through customs. You're free to enter Benin.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 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:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or residence permit)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of employment or residence
CostVaries; typically XOF 50,000–100,000 (about $85–$170)
Requires sponsorship from employer or local organization; apply at Benin embassy or consulate.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a recognized Beninese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Benin. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stayPossible at immigration offices in Cotonou or Porto-Novo; apply before current stay expires. | Approx. XOF 30,000 (about $50) |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Most international flights include departure tax; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
UAE passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days, including airside transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO)
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; 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 floods or poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 extensions and permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central – Service Immigration
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for immigration matters.
Practical information for AE 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, UAE passport holders can enter Benin visa-free for up to 90 days. Just show your passport at immigration.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The stay is not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or contact the immigration authorities.
Yes, Benin requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show it at immigration, and it's also a good health precaution.
You may be denied entry. It's best to renew your passport before travelling to Benin.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a residence permit from the immigration office in Benin.
Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay. It's wise to carry a return ticket and some cash or cards.
Besides yellow fever, it's recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines and consider malaria prophylaxis, as malaria is present in Benin. Consult your doctor before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.