Benin entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Great news: from 2026, Malagasy passport holders can enter Benin without a visa for up to 90 days. Just bring your passport and a return ticket — no application or fee needed.
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 check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Benin | Immigration at Cotonou Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — they will check it before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers at the border occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (Euros or CFA francs) or have a bank statement showing you have enough for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, 200–300 EUR per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa needed
Malagasy passport holders can enter Benin visa-free for up to 90 days. No application, no fee — just your passport and a return ticket.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel and carry your yellow card.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and return your passport. No forms to fill out.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Validity3 months from issue date
CostUnknown (estimated ~$50 USD)
Apply at Benin embassy or consulate; may allow longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostUnknown (estimated ~$100 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostUnknown (estimated ~$200 USD)
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit and Residence Card
1 year, renewable
Unknown (estimated ~$300 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
Unknown (estimated ~$150 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Beninese institutions. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Unknown (estimated ~$500 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Benin (e.g., $50,000 USD). Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Benin airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO) - Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Madagascar.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCholeraConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout Benin; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and 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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for MG 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 = 562.67 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. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Benin before day 90 and re-enter, or apply for a longer-stay visa at a Benin embassy before travel.
Yes, Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card — you may be asked at immigration.
Yes, the visa-free entry applies at all border points — airports, land borders, and seaports. Just have your passport and return ticket ready.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Cotonou Airport.
No. There is no arrival declaration or pre-registration required for Malagasy passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are not widely accepted outside major hotels. Exchange at the airport or use ATMs in Cotonou.
No. The visa-free entry is fixed at 90 days. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa at a Benin embassy before you travel. No visa on arrival is available for Malagasy passport holders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.