Benin entry requirements for Algeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Algerian passport holders can enter Benin without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business, and short visits. No application or fee is needed before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Benin eVisa | Apply online at the official Benin eVisa portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits up to 90 days. Processing takes 3–7 business days, and you receive a PDF to print and present at the border.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Benin. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Benin law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. A bus or ferry ticket to a neighboring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers rarely check it, but having it avoids delays if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least 200,000 CFA francs (~$330 USD) in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers seldom request it, but it covers you for unexpected expenses. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have the yellow fever vaccine and carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration may ask for it on arrival. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
No visa, but still prepare
Even though no visa is needed, immigration officers can still ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have these ready on your phone or printed.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date) and print or save your return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance details. No visa application needed.
2
Arrive at the airport in Benin
At Cotonou's Cadjehoun Airport (the main international entry point), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in with a 90-day stay. No fee.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Benin.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Algeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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~$50 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Apply at Beninese embassy or consulate; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Suitable for frequent travelers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in XOF)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Work Permit / Carte de Séjour
1 year, renewable
~$150–300 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship, labor contract, and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (plus school fees)
For enrollment in a recognized Beninese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (depending on investment)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in a Beninese business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; you must leave and re-enter if you wish to stay longer. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly standardized; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Algerian passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), you must meet visa-free entry requirements.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) - Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Benin; prophylaxis recommended for all travelers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travelers; risk increases during rainy season or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions of Benin. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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 immigration office for visa-related inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service Immigration
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits; less crowded than Cotonou.
Practical information for DZ 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
No. Algerians can enter Benin visa-free for up to 90 days. No application or fee is required.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Benin and re-enter, or apply for a longer-stay visa at a Benin embassy before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Benin immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) and may be asked to show it on arrival.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). You can exchange euros or US dollars at banks and exchange offices in Cotonou. ATMs are available but may not accept all foreign cards.
Yes, the same visa-free policy applies at land borders. You'll need to show your passport and may be asked for your return ticket. Border crossings can be slower than airports.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Benin. Leave before your 90 days are up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.