Benin entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Israeli passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. You must apply online and get approval before traveling. As of 2026, visa on arrival is not available for Israeli citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Processing takes up to 72 hours, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Israeli passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Benin. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Benin immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — 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 to carry | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or host invitation letter can speed up the immigration process. Keep a printed copy or have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You may be asked to show you have sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card as evidence — around $100–$200 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Israelis
There is no visa on arrival option for Israeli passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines check this at check-in.
eVisa is single entry
The Benin eVisa is valid for a single entry. If you leave Benin (even to a neighbouring country), you'll need a new eVisa to re-enter.
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 (€50–€70 depending on processing speed) with a credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email within 72 hours.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and to immigration in Cotonou.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and onward ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs check for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $75 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $107 USD)
For travellers needing multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $160 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $214 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer to apply for work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $107 USD)
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 (approx. $535 USD) + investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in a Beninese business. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days. | €50 (≈ $55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €75 (≈ $82 USD) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | €10 per day (≈ $11 USD), max €500 (≈ $550 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
Israeli passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Benin or a Schengen/US/UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Benin, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for immigration matters.
Practical information for IL 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
Standard processing takes up to 72 hours. Some applicants get approved in 24 hours. Apply at least 3 business days before your flight to be safe.
The fee is €50–€70 depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is by credit card on the official evisa.gouv.bj website.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply for a new eVisa.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers over 9 months old. You'll need to show the certificate (the 'Yellow Card') at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
There is no visa on arrival for Israeli passport holders. You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Cotonou airport. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, not just the airport. Show the same approval email at the land border post.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Benin.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.