Benin entry requirements for Croatia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Croatian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. You apply online before you travel and receive approval by email. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Croatian citizens.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Benin eVisa at the official portal. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits. Processing takes a few business days — apply at least a week before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Benin. No specific minimum validity beyond departure date is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier. | 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 showing your departure from Benin within the eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers may ask for it during entry questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have sufficient funds for your stay. No specific minimum amount is published, but a few hundred dollars equivalent is a safe buffer. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) on arrival. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport (at your expense) or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Apply early — no rush option
The eVisa takes 3–7 business days. There's no expedited service. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid stress.
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-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around €50–€70 depending on processing speed). You receive a confirmation email within 3–7 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa
Once approved, you get a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Immigration at Cotonou Airport (COO) will ask to see it before they stamp you in.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer checks your documents, takes a photo, and stamps your passport. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs check for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard eVisa; apply online before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
For travellers planning multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 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
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in a Beninese business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | €70 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$107 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport. | €10 per day (~$11 USD), max €300 (~$320 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
Croatia passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is present throughout Benin; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Avoid tap water and street food; ensure food is thoroughly cooked.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round nationwide. 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 des Étrangers
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central de Porto-Novo
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for HR 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 = 574.19 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
Standard processing takes 3–7 business days. There's no official expedited option, so apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee is around €50–€70, depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is online by credit or debit card.
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 1 year old. You need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) on arrival. No card means possible vaccination at the airport or denial of entry.
There is no visa on arrival for Croatian passport holders. You will be denied entry and put on the next flight back. The eVisa must be obtained before travel.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel — a flight ticket out of Benin to any destination. A bus or ferry ticket may not be accepted; a flight is safest.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.