Benin entry requirements for Denmark passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 16, 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
Danish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. This rule has been in place since 2024 and remains unchanged for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Benin. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask for an address where you will stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash or a card to cover your stay — around 100,000 XOF (€150) per day is a safe benchmark. ATMs are available in Cotonou but less reliable elsewhere. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Benin does not offer visa on arrival for Danish passport holders. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. Airlines may also deny boarding without a valid eVisa.
Yellow fever vaccination required
Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months. Carry your yellow card — it's often checked at immigration.
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 details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3–7 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, gather: passport (6+ months validity), printed eVisa, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, proceed to immigration. Present your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will stamp you in. No additional forms or fees at the counter.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check — declare any large sums of cash or restricted items. Then you're free to exit.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Denmark Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 16, 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 (approx. $75 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $107 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $160 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $214 USD)
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 (approx. $107 USD)
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 (approx. $535 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in Benin. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | €70 (approx. $75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $107 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration upon departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD/day), max €500 (approx. $535 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
Denmark passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO)
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions recommended.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service Immigration
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital.
Practical information for DK 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 = 564.03 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
No. Benin does not offer visa on arrival for Danish citizens. You must obtain an eVisa before departure.
The official eVisa fee is not listed in the database, but as of 2026 it typically costs around €50–€80 depending on the type (single entry vs. multiple entry). Check the official portal for current prices.
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to avoid delays.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa.
Yes. Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 9 months old. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) — it may be checked at immigration.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of arrival.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Benin (e.g., overnight layover), you must have an eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.