Benin entry requirements for Mexico passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Mexican passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. As of 2026, the process takes a few days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Benin eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits. Processing takes up to 3 business days, and you receive a PDF approval by email — print it and carry a copy.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Mexican 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 departure | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. A ticket to any destination outside Benin works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, a printed booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to funds. There is no official minimum amount, but having at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or card is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel. No card = possible denial of entry.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for Mexican passport holders. Apply online at evisa.gouv.bj/en/ before you fly. Processing takes 3-5 business days.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj/en/ and fill out the application. You'll need a digital passport photo and your travel details. Pay the fee (around $50-70 USD) by card. Approval usually comes in 3-5 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll show this at immigration when you arrive.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most visitors fly into Cotonou. After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check — declare anything valuable. Then you're free to leave the airport.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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€70 (~$77 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
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.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Beninese educational institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in a Beninese business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | €70 (~$77 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (~$550 USD). | €10 (~$11 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
Mexico passport holders transiting through Benin do not need 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 US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (Cotonou)
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all travellers to Benin.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; food and water precautions recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 residence permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and registration for foreigners.
Practical information for MX 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 = 564.8 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 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The cost is around $50-70 USD, paid online by card.
No. Mexican passport holders must have an approved eVisa before arriving. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into Benin.
Yes, it's mandatory. You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter with a new visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
Immigration may deny you entry. Always have a booked onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Benin can be high — a hospital stay might cost hundreds per day. Insurance is cheap and covers emergencies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.