Benin entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required before travel | Apply for a Benin eVisa at evisa.gouv.bj/en/ at least 5 days before departure. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 30 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Benin. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight within your eVisa validity period. Have a printed itinerary or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host in Benin. Officers rarely ask, but having a printed copy avoids delays if questioned. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry cash (CFA francs, euros, or US dollars) or a bank statement showing at least $100 per day of your stay. ATMs are scarce outside Cotonou. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Without your yellow card, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for Iraqi passport holders. You must get the eVisa before flying. No embassy visit needed — just the online application.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa portal (evisa.gouv.bj/en). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print it out — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Benin. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, go to the immigration desk. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in. The process is straightforward — expect a short queue.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick. Then you're free to leave the airport.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€75 (approx. $82 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee
For foreign workers 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 students enrolled in a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Benin eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for up to 30 days. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Benin eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day beyond authorized stay. | €5 (approx. $5.50 USD) per day |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | €150 (approx. $165 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Iraqi passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen 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; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Benin; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 Immigration
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles residence permits and visa extensions.
Practical information for IQ 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
Typically 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around 30,000 XOF (about $50 USD) for a single-entry visa. Pay online with a credit or debit card.
No — the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply after fixing the issue. There's no appeal process.
Yes — Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) — immigration may check it.
No — the eVisa is required for all Iraqi passport holders, even if you're just transiting. Apply before you travel.
You may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Cotonou Airport. Always carry a printed copy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.