Benin entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The entire process is online, and you must have your approved eVisa before you travel. Since 2026, the eVisa is the only way to get a tourist visa for Benin.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at evisa.gouv.bj/en. The online form takes about 15 minutes — you'll need a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, and the fee is around $50–$100 USD depending on entry type.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Icelandic passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Benin does not officially require 6 months validity beyond your stay, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Benin | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may check it before letting you through. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, a printed booking confirmation saves time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD for a short stay. Officers almost never check this for Icelandic passport holders, but it's good backup. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
You cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. The eVisa must be approved and printed before you fly. Airlines check this before boarding.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your trip and carry your yellow card with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa website (evisa.gouv.bj/en/). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3-7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print at least two copies — one to keep with your passport, one as a backup. Save a digital copy on your phone too.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before you leave for the airport, double-check you have: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, and first night's accommodation booking. Keep them together in a travel wallet.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most international flights land at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. After deplaning, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel shuttles wait.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€75 (approx. $82 USD)
Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires sponsorship or strong justification.
work visa
Travail Salarié Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrollment in a Beninese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD)
For those investing at least €50,000 in a Beninese business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €200 (approx. $220 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
Iceland 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 travellers arriving from endemic countries or if transiting through an endemic area.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; avoid bites.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions advised.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 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 – Service Immigration
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for IS 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
Processing usually takes 3-7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality and length of stay. For Icelandic passport holders, expect around €50-€80 for a single-entry tourist visa. The exact amount is shown during the online application.
No, the tourist eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from outside the country.
Yes, Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) 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 Icelandic passport holders. The eVisa must be approved before you travel.
No, the standard tourist eVisa is single-entry. If you leave Benin and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card is usually fine.
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.