Benin entry requirements for India 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
Indian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online — you apply before you travel, get approved by email, and show the approval at immigration. As of 2026, the eVisa is valid for tourism, business, and transit.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa covers tourism, business, and transit visits. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Benin. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policy — 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 copy or digital confirmation ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or 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 cash equivalent to roughly 100,000 CFA (~$170) per day of your stay. Officers rarely check, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Keep a digital backup of your eVisa
Save the PDF on your phone and email it to yourself. If you lose the printout, you can show the digital copy at immigration — but a printout is faster.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to https://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 30,000 XOF for a 30-day single entry). You'll get a confirmation email within 72 hours.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print at least one copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Cotonou.
3
Arrival at Cotonou Airport (COO)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and boarding pass. The officer will stamp you in. No additional forms needed.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Usually a quick process — just walk through unless you're carrying something to declare.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · India 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard eVisa option. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. Apply at Benin embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $165 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 annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Beninese educational institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in Benin. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Benin eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Indian passport holders. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Benin eVisa (multiple entry, up to 90 days)For travellers needing multiple entries. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if stay exceeds visa validity. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max cap €500 (approx. $550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Indian passport holders transiting through Benin's airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be 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; recommended for all travellers to Benin.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Benin; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Risk increases during rainy season; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round throughout Benin. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) 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 extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service Immigration
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for immigration matters. Less crowded than Cotonou.
Practical information for IN 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
Usually 72 hours, but it can take up to 5 business days during busy periods. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and reapply. Plan your trip within the eVisa's validity.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet requirements or your passport is damaged. You'll get an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected info — no penalty.
Yes, it's mandatory. You'll be asked for your yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry.
Yes, the eVisa is valid at all official entry points, including land borders from Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria. Just show the approval at the border post.
As of 2026, a 30-day single-entry eVisa costs about 30,000 XOF (roughly 50 USD). Payment is online by credit card. There's also a 90-day multiple-entry option for around 50,000 XOF.
No, Benin doesn't require an arrival declaration form. Just your passport and eVisa approval.
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.