Benin entry requirements for Latvia 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
Latvian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2025, the eVisa is valid for tourism and business stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal at least 5 days before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of 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 Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers may ask for it during immigration questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 USD for your stay. Immigration may ask for this if you look under-funded. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — which costs time and money.
eVisa is for single entry only
The standard eVisa allows one entry. If you leave Benin (even for a day trip to a neighbouring country), you'll need a new eVisa to return.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en, fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport data page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
You'll get an approval email with a PDF attachment. Print it and save a copy on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Latvia, the airline will check your eVisa, passport validity, and onward ticket. Have them ready.
4
Arrive at Benin immigration
At Cotonou Airport (the main entry point), join the queue for foreign passports. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short wait — 15–30 minutes usually.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia 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 portal.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€75 (approx. $82 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must be used within validity.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, family reunion) and sponsorship.
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, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a Beninese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in Benin. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days, max stay 30 days per entry. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport upon departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max cap €300 (approx. $330 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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Benin, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) 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 Documentation et de l'Immigration
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Porto-Novo
Direction Départementale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for immigration services; less crowded than Cotonou.
Practical information for LV 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
Usually 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The official fee is around €40–€60 depending on the type (single entry or multiple entry). You pay online by credit card during the application.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. If you need a longer stay, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes. Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may ask to see it.
Denials are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity or if you have a criminal record. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information.
No. The eVisa is the only option for Latvian passport holders. There is no visa on arrival at Cotonou Airport.
Not officially required, but it's smart to have a credit card or some cash (Euros or CFA francs) available. Immigration rarely asks, but it's a good backup.
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.