Benin entry requirements for Argentina passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Argentine passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin for tourism or business. Apply online before traveling; approval typically takes 3 business days. As of 2026, this is the standard entry requirement.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Benin. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash (at least 200,000 XOF or equivalent) ready. Immigration may ask to see proof of sufficient funds for your stay. | Recommended |
Airlines may enforce passport validity
Benin doesn't officially require 6 months of passport validity beyond your departure, but some airlines do. Check with your carrier before flying to avoid being denied boarding.
Malaria is a real risk
Malaria is present year-round in all regions of Benin. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use DEET-based repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
eVisa is straightforward
The online application takes about 10 minutes. Approval usually comes within 3 business days. Print the PDF and carry it with your passport — you don't need to visit an embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj and fill out the application. You'll need your passport scan and a digital photo. Pay the fee (€70 single entry, €100 multiple entry) and submit. You'll receive a PDF by email within 3 business days. Print it.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: printed eVisa, passport with blank page, return ticket (printed or screenshot), hotel booking, and bank statement. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
After landing, head to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–5 minutes. You'll get a 30-day stay.
4
Exit and collect luggage
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs check for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 date
Cost€70 (~$77 USD)
Apply online or at embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Extension possible per stay.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.) and sponsor letter.
work visa
Travailleur Temporaire Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) + employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Beninese company. Requires work permit approval and valid contract.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized Beninese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) + investment proof
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in a Beninese business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days. | €70 (approx. $75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | €100 (approx. $107 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | €5 (approx. $5.35 USD) per day |
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
Argentina passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you must obtain an eVisa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) - Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if you have transited through an endemic area for more than 12 hours.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists but can occur in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use DEET-based repellent and sleep under mosquito 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 office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service Immigration
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Smaller office, may have longer wait times. Best to visit early.
Practical information for AR 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 = 563.41 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
Yes, you need an eVisa. Apply online at evisa.gouv.bj before you travel. It costs €70 for a single-entry tourist eVisa and takes about 3 business days to process.
Yes, you can extend your 30-day stay by another 30 days at the immigration office in Cotonou, Porto-Novo, or Parakou. Bring your passport, visa, and proof of funds. The extension is free, but overstay fines are €5 per day.
You'll be fined €5 per day, up to a maximum of €500. Pay at the immigration office or at the airport upon departure. Overstay history can affect future visa applications.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from an endemic country or have transited through one for more than 12 hours. Otherwise, it's not mandatory but strongly recommended. Carry your vaccination certificate.
Yes, if you remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket, you can transit without a visa for up to 24 hours at Cotonou Airport. If you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you need an eVisa.
Top reasons: insufficient funds (30% of rejections), no return ticket (25%), incomplete application (20%), suspicious travel pattern (15%), and overstay history (10%). Double-check your application and upload clear documents.
No. For work, you need a Travailleur Temporaire Visa (€200 + employer sponsorship, valid 1 year). For study, a Visa Étudiant (€100 + proof of enrollment, valid 1 year). Apply at a Beninese embassy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.