Benin entry requirements for Lebanon 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
Lebanese passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Benin. The online application is straightforward, and approvals often come within a few days. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity left from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Benin eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes up to 3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Cotonou Airport checks it before stamping you in.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 at Beirut–Rafic Hariri Airport enforce this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers may ask for it if you look like you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least 300,000 XOF (~$500 USD) available. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you're not working illegally. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Benin. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
eVisa is for specific entry points
The Benin eVisa is valid for entry at Cotonou Airport and land borders. If you plan to enter by sea or at a different airport, confirm with the embassy first.
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 and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days, but can be faster.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and save a digital version on your phone. You'll need to show this at the airport check-in counter and upon arrival in Benin.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO)
Most international flights land at Cotonou Airport. After disembarking, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes if your documents are in order.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs (usually a quick green channel for tourists). Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and ride-hailing services are available.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon 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~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF)
For frequent travellers; conditions apply.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit) via Employment
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) processing fee
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and valid work contract.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) processing fee
For enrollment in a recognized Beninese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Lebanon passport holders. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap known; avoid overstaying. | ~$5 USD (approx. 3,000 XOF) per day |
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
Transit visa is not required for Lebanon passport holders transiting through Benin 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 travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 Immigration
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and inquiries.
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 LB 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
Most applications are processed within 2–5 business days. Some are approved in 24 hours. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The official eVisa fee varies by nationality and length of stay. For Lebanese passport holders, expect around $50–$100 USD for a single-entry tourist eVisa. Check the official portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa, or check with the Benin immigration office in Cotonou for alternative long-stay options.
Yes, Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow fever certificate (the 'yellow card') upon arrival. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Always carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval, plus a digital backup on your phone.
No, Benin does not offer a visa on arrival for Lebanese passport holders. You must obtain an eVisa before travel.
Rejections are rare if you meet all requirements: valid passport, correct photo, accurate information, and proof of onward travel. Double-check your application for typos before submitting.
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.