Benin entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Nigerian passport holders can enter Benin without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket. This policy remains in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Benin. Airlines check this at check-in. 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 or digital copy ready. A bus ticket to a neighboring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Immigration may ask for an address where you will stay. A simple booking confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (CFA francs, euros, or US dollars) or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Around 100,000 CFA (~$170) per week is a safe benchmark. ATMs are available in Cotonou but not everywhere. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) when entering Benin from Nigeria. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the border (and pay a fee). Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Keep a copy of your documents
Save digital copies of your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking on your phone and email. If you lose your passport, these make replacement much faster.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you leave
Make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and at least one blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Get travel insurance and a local SIM/eSIM if you want.
2
Arrive at the airport or land border
At Cotonou's Cadjehoun Airport (COO) or any land border crossing, go to the immigration counter. There's no visa application — just join the queue for foreign passports.
3
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed. Answer any questions clearly.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (up to 90 days). Check the stamp before you walk away. That's it — you're in.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Beninese embassy in Abuja or Lagos. Requires passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers. Same application process.
Long-stay visa (visitor)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For longer stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Permit (Carte de Séjour)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and police clearance. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD (estimated)
For enrollment in a Beninese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in Benin. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Grants residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~5,000 XOF / ~$8 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
Nigeria passport holders transiting through Benin airports (e.g., Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport, visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries (including Nigeria); must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedCholeraConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Benin; prophylaxis recommended, especially in rural areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended. Use mosquito repellent and 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 (Immigration)
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa issues and permits. Bring all documents.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central (Immigration Section)
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for the capital region.
Practical information for NG 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. Nigerian passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Up to 90 days per visit. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for an extension or a different visa before your 90 days are up.
The visa-free entry is not extendable. You would need to leave Benin and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at the Benin immigration office before your 90 days expire.
You will likely be denied entry. Benin requires at least 6 months of passport validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, yellow fever vaccination is required for all travelers arriving from Nigeria. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at the border. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes. The main land border crossings are at Seme (near Badagry) and other official points. The same visa-free rules apply — just your passport and a return ticket. Expect longer queues at busy times.
Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). It's pegged to the euro. Bring some cash (euros or dollars) to exchange at the airport or border. ATMs are available in cities but may not always work with foreign cards.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.