Benin entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
German passport holders must get an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is fully online — no embassy visit needed. As of 2026, you apply before travel and receive approval by email.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Benin eVisa at evisa.gouv.bj/en. The online form takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, but apply at least 5 days before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your German passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Benin does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding — have your booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host reduce questions at immigration. Officers rarely ask, but having it printed saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but budget airlines flying into Benin sometimes ask for proof of funds at check-in. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
German passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Airlines will check it at check-in.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Benin, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email.
2
Print or save your eVisa
Once approved, print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. Some airlines check it at check-in.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most international flights land at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
4
Present documents at immigration
Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy — they may ask.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$75 USD)
Apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$107 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$160 USD)
Requires proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
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 annually
~€100 (~$107 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Beninese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$535 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in a Beninese business. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa for up to 30 days stay. | €70 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$107 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | €5 (~$5.35 USD) per day, max €150 (~$160 USD) |
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
Germany passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsCardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport (COO)
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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 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 de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital.
Practical information for DE 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 = 558.8 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 2–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll get the approved eVisa by email.
The official fee varies by nationality and is set by the Benin government. Check the evisa.gouv.bj/en website for the current amount — it's usually around €50–€80.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
Yes, yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Airlines check for the eVisa before issuing a boarding pass. There is no visa-on-arrival option for German passport holders.
The standard eVisa is for a single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Benin, you'll need a new eVisa each time.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return or onward ticket, and proof of first night accommodation. Keep them together in a folder.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.