Benin entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Benin. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits, and you must apply online before departure. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you'll need your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official government portal. Processing takes up to 3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Cotonou Airport will stamp you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Sri Lankan passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Benin. Benin does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Benin within the eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash available to show you can cover your stay. Benin rarely asks for this, but having a recent statement (equivalent to ~$500 USD) avoids surprises. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa
Go to the official Benin eVisa website (evisa.gouv.bj/en). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive and Print Your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Before you travel, gather: your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in your carry-on bag for easy access.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Airport
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (the main international airport), proceed to immigration. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. You'll be asked for your accommodation address. The officer will stamp your passport and you're in.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 ($220 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 ($110 USD) + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized Beninese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 ($550 USD) + minimum investment of €50,000
For investors establishing a business or making significant economic contribution. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | €75 (~$82 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | €5 (~$5.50 USD) 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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Benin do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or 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 additional documentation.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) - Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors due to risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 office for visa extensions and permits. 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
Handles extensions for residents in the capital region.
Practical information for LK 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
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and duration. For a standard tourist eVisa, expect to pay around 30,000 XOF (about $50 USD). Check the official website for the latest fees.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. 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 option for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must have the eVisa before you travel.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Benin is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in cities. The northern border regions have security risks — check your government's travel advisory before booking.
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.