Benin entry requirements for Morocco passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Moroccan passport holders can enter Benin without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business, and short visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Benin. Airlines at Casablanca and Marrakech check this before boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Benin | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel reservation or host's address ready. Officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (Euros or CFA francs) or have a bank statement showing at least 150,000 CFA (~€230) for a short stay. ATMs in Cotonou dispense CFA, but bring some Euros as backup. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) — it's checked at immigration.
Overstaying is costly
Overstaying your 90-day visa-free period can result in fines of up to 50,000 XOF (about €75) and possible detention. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Cotonou Airport or land border
Most travelers fly into Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. At immigration, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask about your stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive entry stamp
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the entry date and authorized stay (up to 90 days). That's it — no visa fee, no forms.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if arriving by air), then customs. Usually straightforward — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Morocco Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostXOF 50,000 (~$80 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy in Rabat. Requires passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostXOF 100,000 (~$160 USD)
For frequent travellers. Same application process as single entry.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostXOF 200,000 (~$320 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, or family reunion) and sponsorship.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur Salarié
1 year, renewable
XOF 150,000 (~$240 USD) + employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Benin. Requires employment contract, work permit approval, and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
XOF 100,000 (~$160 USD) + school enrollment
For students enrolled at a Beninese university or accredited institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
XOF 500,000 (~$800 USD) + minimum investment of XOF 10 million (~$16,000 USD)
For entrepreneurs and investors establishing a business in Benin. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and registration with the Investment Promotion Agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of XOF 500,000 (~$800 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | XOF 10,000 (~$16 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Morocco passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit (e.g., changing airports), a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) – Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries (including Morocco if transiting through endemic areas). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present year-round in all regions; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; practice food and water hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
All regions of Benin are high-risk. Take prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) and use mosquito nets/repellent.
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 overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and payment.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central – Immigration Section
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Smaller office; may have limited services. Call ahead for appointments.
Practical information for MA 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
No, you don't. Moroccans get visa-free access for up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport.
Up to 90 days per visit. The 90-day period starts from the day you enter. Overstaying can result in fines or trouble at departure.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a visa extension at the immigration office in Cotonou before your 90 days expire. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and sometimes proof of accommodation. Travel insurance is not required but smart to have.
No. Entry is free for Moroccan passport holders. No payment needed at immigration.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Benin immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits. For work, you need a work visa or permit arranged before arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.