Benin entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin for tourism or business. The process is entirely online, and you must have your approved eVisa before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the only option for short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes up to 3 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Benin law, but airlines may enforce 6 months. | 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 host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely check it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 100,000 CFA (~€150) per day of stay. Officers seldom ask, but it's safer to have evidence. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Belgian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. You must apply and receive approval for an eVisa before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be denied entry.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You need a yellow fever vaccination and must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration will ask for it. Get the shot at least 10 days before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa website (evisa.gouv.bj/en/). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration when you arrive.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land, have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation easily accessible. Keep them in your hand luggage, not checked bags.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (or other entry point)
Most international flights arrive at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. Go through immigration, present your passport and eVisa approval. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer questions clearly. After that, collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$75 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online via eVisa portal.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$107 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$160 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur Salarié
1 year, renewable
~€200 ($214 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 ($107 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 ($535 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in a Beninese business. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Belgium passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD) |
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
Belgium passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
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 des Étrangers
Boulevard de la Marina, 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
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for BE 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but it can be faster. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and duration. As of 2026, a single-entry tourist eVisa costs around 50,000 XOF (about €75). Check the official website for the current fee.
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 for other options.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers over 9 months old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
You will likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Belgian passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
The standard eVisa is for single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Benin, you'll need a new eVisa each time.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), the printed eVisa approval, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. They may also ask for proof of sufficient funds.
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.