Benin entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Dutch passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin in 2026. The process is straightforward and entirely online — no embassy visit required. Plan ahead, as approval can take a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Benin. Apply at the official Benin eVisa portal at least a few days before your trip. The online form takes about 15 minutes and you'll receive the approved visa by email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Dutch passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Benin. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may check for at least 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Benin within your visa's validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration may ask for it if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
You must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. No card, no entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before you fly.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa PDF, passport scan, return ticket, and accommodation booking on your phone. Also carry printed copies. Power outages and network issues happen — paper backups save headaches.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa website (evisa.gouv.bj/en). Fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval as a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Keep it accessible — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket confirmation, and first night accommodation booking. Screenshot everything on your phone as backup.
4
Arrive at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO)
Most international flights land here. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — typically for up to 30 days.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs — green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're free to enter Benin.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (~$76 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$163 USD)
Requires sponsorship or proof of sufficient funds.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Netherlands passport holders applying online. | €70 (~$76 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (~$109 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstay. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a 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 all travellers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all visitors.
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.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; risk is highest in rural areas.
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 des Étrangers
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central de Porto-Novo
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for NL 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 = 561.56 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
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official portal is evisa.gouv.bj/en.
The fee varies depending on the visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Expect around €50–€100. Check the official site for the exact amount at the time of application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa.
Yes, yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month period is counted from your date of entry into Benin.
No, Benin no longer offers visas on arrival for Dutch passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
Contact the Benin eVisa support team through the official portal. If it's been more than 5 business days, follow up. Do not travel without an approved visa — you'll be refused entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.