Benin entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is entirely online, and you must have your approval email before you travel. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Colombians.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits. Processing usually takes 2-3 business days — apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Benin. Benin does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. A bus or ferry ticket to a neighboring country also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A printed booking confirmation is safest. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or a credit card showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having proof avoids delays. Around 500 USD equivalent is a safe minimum. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Colombian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Boarding without an eVisa will result in denial at the airport.
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory
You must have the yellow fever vaccine and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration at Cotonou Airport checks this regularly. No card = possible denial of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa portal (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 online with a credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation email within a few days.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Check your email (and spam folder) for the approval. The approval letter is your visa — print it or save it on your phone.
3
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most flights land at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. Go to the immigration desk, present your passport and eVisa approval. The officer will stamp you in. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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€70 (~$77 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer to apply and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a Beninese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investisseur Visa (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Benin. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Colombian passport holders. | €70 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$107 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay. | €5 (~$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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
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 travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Immigration Section
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital.
Practical information for CO 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
The official eVisa fee varies by nationality and length of stay. For Colombian passport holders, expect around 30,000–50,000 XOF (roughly $50–$85 USD). Check the official portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. If you're in a rush, there's no expedited option — plan ahead.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Denials are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity or if you have a criminal record. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply after fixing the issue.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers over 9 months old. You must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card). Immigration may ask for it at the border.
No, visa on arrival is not available for Colombian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight.
Overstaying can result in a fine at immigration when you leave. The amount depends on how long you overstay. It's best to leave on time or contact immigration before your visa expires.
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.