Benin entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Benin. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits, and you must apply online before departure. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and typically takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Benin. Apply at evisa.gouv.bj/en/ — the official Benin eVisa portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Bosnia and Herzegovina passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Benin. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Cotonou Airport asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. A flight booking confirmation works — it doesn't need to be a paid ticket. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days. A printed booking confirmation is safest. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (Euros or CFA francs) or a debit/credit card statement showing enough funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, having €200–€300 in cash or a bank statement avoids problems. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (and possibly fined). Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. You must apply and receive approval online before your flight. Airlines check this before boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa website (evisa.gouv.bj/en). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare documents for travel
Gather your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them in your hand luggage for quick access.
4
Arrive in Benin
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO), proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process is usually quick — 10–20 minutes.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Bosnia and Herzegovina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 (~$77 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; each entry limited to 30 days.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
For longer stays; requires proof of accommodation and funds.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$165 USD) application fee
For those 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
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders applying online. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €75 (~$82 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders transiting through Benin do not require 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 hubsCardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Benin; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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
Avenue Clozel, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Rue du Commerce, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the capital region.
Practical information for BA 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 = 564.01 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
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around 50,000 XOF (about €75) for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. Prices can change, so check the official portal.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or check with the Benin immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. There is no visa on arrival for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders. You must have the eVisa before you travel.
No, the standard eVisa is single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Benin, you'll need a new eVisa each time.
Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.