Benin entry requirements for Lithuania 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
Lithuanian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is entirely online — you apply before you travel and receive approval by email. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Lithuanian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes 3–7 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Benin. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Benin. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Immigration may ask to see you have enough money for your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Without the WHO yellow card, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (and pay a fine). Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
Local currency and cash
Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). ATMs are available in Cotonou but may not accept all foreign cards. Carry some euros or US dollars to exchange at a bureau de change. Credit cards are accepted only at upscale hotels and restaurants.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://evisa.gouv.bj/en/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around €50–€70 depending on processing speed) by credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email within 72 hours.
2
Print or save the eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a paper copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and again at immigration in Benin.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most flights land at Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. After disembarking, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Have your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–5 minutes per person.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). Taxis are available outside — negotiate the fare before getting in.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Lithuania 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 (~$55 USD)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; extension possible.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
For longer stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 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 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Benin. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Minimum investment threshold applies. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Benin eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Lithuanian passport holders. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Benin eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €75 (~$82 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay. | €5 (~$5.50 USD) per day, max €150 (~$165 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Lithuanian passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Benin or a 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 or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers but can occur during outbreaks; food and water precautions advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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 residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for immigration matters. Less crowded than Cotonou.
Practical information for LT 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 = 564.91 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
Standard processing takes up to 72 hours. Some applicants get it in 24 hours, but don't count on that. Apply at least 3 business days before your flight.
The fee varies by processing speed. Expect around €50 for standard (3–5 days) and up to €70 for express (24–48 hours). Payment is by credit card on the official website.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply for a new eVisa, or contact the Benin immigration office in Cotonou before your current visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the WHO yellow card.
There is no visa-on-arrival for Lithuanian passport holders. You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. Always apply before you travel.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border crossings, including land borders from Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria. Just show the approval email at the checkpoint.
A digital copy on your phone is usually accepted, but printing a paper copy is safer — phone batteries die and screens break. Keep both.
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.