Benin entry requirements for Cyprus passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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

Cyprus passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits. As of 2026, you must apply online before traveling.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisaYou must obtain an electronic visa prior to arriving in Benin.
Required for Cyprus passport holders
Apply for an eVisa online before travel. The eVisa is mandatory for entry. Processing time and cost are not specified in the database; check the official eVisa portal for current details.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival.
At least 6 months remaining
Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Benin.Required
Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page for the immigration officer to stamp your passport.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketWhile not explicitly required, having a return ticket can prevent entry issues.
Not specified
The database does not specify a requirement for a return or onward ticket. However, it is strongly recommended to carry proof of onward travel to satisfy immigration officers.Recommended
Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself.
Not specified
The database does not specify a minimum amount of funds required. However, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to submit any arrival form before or upon entry.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for entry into Benin.Not required
Visa extensionYou cannot extend your stay beyond the eVisa validity.
Not possible
The eVisa for Benin is not extendable. You must leave before the authorized stay expires.Not required
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Carry it with your passport — immigration may ask to see it on arrival.
eVisa is digital — keep a copy
Print a paper copy of your approved eVisa and save a PDF on your phone. Immigration at Cotonou Airport will want to see it before they stamp your passport.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en/, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email.
2
Print or save the eVisa
Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. Immigration at Cotonou Airport will ask to see it before they stamp you in.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in. The process is straightforward — expect a short queue.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There's no customs declaration for personal items. You're free to go.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost$150

Requires invitation letter from Beninese company.

Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay180 days
Validity1 year
Cost$200

For extended tourism or family visits.

digital nomad
Benin Digital Nomad Visa
Up to 1 year
Free (application fee waived)
For remote workers with proof of income and health insurance. Allows stay up to 1 year with possible renewal.
Apply for Digital Nomad Visa
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Non-refundable, paid online.$70
eVisa (multiple entry, up to 90 days)For frequent travelers.$100
Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before expiry.$50
Exit fee (if overstay)Paid at border or immigration office.$20 per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Invalid or expired passport20%
Insufficient funds proof15%

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

Cyprus passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, an eVisa is required.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO)

Health & vaccines for Benin

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for entry; must be administered at least 10 days before travel.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedMeningitisConsiderRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
CholeraModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially in rural areas.

TyphoidModerate risk

Spread through contaminated food/water.

DengueModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; no vaccine widely available.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present throughout Benin. Prophylaxis recommended; use mosquito repellent and 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 des Étrangers
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00, 15:00-17:00
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00, 15:00-17:00

Practical information for CY 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 = 574.19 XOF
updated Jul 3
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
Police117
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Usually 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Cypriot passport holders, expect around €50-70 for a single-entry tourist eVisa. Check the official site for the exact amount.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Make sure you have it — immigration may ask to see it.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete. You'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected info. There's no appeal process.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Cypriot passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are not widely accepted outside hotels. Bring some cash to exchange at the airport or use ATMs in Cotonou.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.