Benin entry requirements for Bangladesh 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
Bangladeshi passport holders need an eVisa to visit Benin. The eVisa covers tourism and business, and you must apply online before travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to passport validity and supporting documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal at least 72 hours before departure. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 30 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Benin. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Benin | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least 100,000 CFA francs (about $170 USD) for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you are not traveling destitute. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Benin. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport first.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. No card = possible denial of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.bj/en/ and fill out the application. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around 30,000 XOF, roughly $50 USD) by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email within 3-5 business days.
2
Print eVisa and pack documents
Once approved, print the eVisa PDF. Also print or save on your phone: passport bio page, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance certificate.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. They'll stamp your passport and let you through. The process usually takes 10-15 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There's a customs desk but it's usually a quick walk-through. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh 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
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Travail Salarié Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a Beninese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) + investment proof
For those investing a minimum of €50,000 in Benin. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Bangladesh passport holders; subject to change. | ~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XOF) 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
Bangladesh passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian 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 travelers arriving from endemic countries; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
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 Immigration
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Immigration Section
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for BD 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
Typically 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
Around 30,000 XOF (about $50 USD). Payment is by credit card on the application website.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter.
Yes, yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
Denials are rare but can happen if your passport is damaged or your photo doesn't meet requirements. You can reapply with corrected documents. There's no refund.
No, transit passengers also need an eVisa unless you're staying airside and not passing through immigration. Check with your airline.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). US dollars and euros are not widely accepted outside hotels. Bring some cash or use ATMs at the airport.
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.