Benin entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online and straightforward — you apply before you travel, and the approval is sent to your email. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes up to 72 hours. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Benin. Airlines check this before boarding. | 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 ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Border officers may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash (at least 200,000 XOF) ready. Officers rarely check, but it covers you if asked. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration at Cotonou Airport may check it. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, passport scan, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation on your phone. Also print paper backups. Power outages and network issues happen — don't rely solely on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa website (evisa.gouv.bj/en). Fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the visa fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a paper copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Benin.
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. Have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
4
Pass through immigration control
Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask how long you're staying. Answer clearly. The process is usually quick — 5 to 10 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs — green channel if you have nothing to declare. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$75 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$107 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$160 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire – Salarié
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$214 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$107 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour – Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$535 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a Beninese business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | €70 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$107 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | €30 (~$32 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$535 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
France 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), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Benin or a Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) – Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors due to risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
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. 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 residence permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central – Service Immigration
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for FR 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
Processing usually takes 2 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email as a PDF.
The official fee varies by nationality and visa type. For French passport holders, the eVisa for tourism typically costs around 50,000 XOF (about €75). Check the official website for the exact amount at the time of application.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Overstaying can result in fines.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may ask to see it on arrival.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline. Benin does not offer visa on arrival for French passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
The standard eVisa is for a single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Benin, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa each time.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your date of entry into Benin, not your departure date.
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.