Benin entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Greek passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Benin. The entire process is online — no embassy visit required. Since 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 3–5 business days, so submit at least a week before departure. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Greek 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 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 flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin can speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely demand it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 200,000 CFA francs (~€300) per week of stay. Officers rarely check, but it covers you if asked. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Without it, you may be refused entry or quarantined. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for Greek passport holders. The eVisa must be approved before you fly. Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee (around €50–€80 depending on duration) by credit card. Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with a PDF. Save it to your phone and print a copy. Keep it with your passport.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most flights land at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. After disembarking, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket ready.
4
Go through immigration
Present your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp you in. The process is usually straightforward — expect a short queue. If asked, show your accommodation booking and return ticket.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large sums of cash (over €10,000 equivalent). Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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)
Apply at Benin embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$107 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$160 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$214 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer to apply on your behalf. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$107 USD) + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized Beninese institution. Requires acceptance letter and financial proof.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$535 USD) + investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Benin. Includes business setup assistance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €5 (~$5.50 USD) per day, max €150 (~$165 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
Greece 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 travelers arriving from endemic countries or if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
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 travelers; 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 office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central – Immigration Section
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital.
Practical information for GR 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 = 563.11 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 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight. Rush processing is not available.
The fee varies by duration: around €50 for a 30-day single entry, up to €80 for a 90-day multiple entry. Pay by credit card on the eVisa website.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa on arrival for Greek passport holders. The eVisa must be obtained before travel.
Yes, but you still need the eVisa. The same online application applies. At land borders, present your eVisa approval and passport. Expect longer processing times at land crossings.
No, it's not a requirement for the visa application. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Benin can be high and cash payments are often required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.