Benin entry requirements for Norway passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Norwegian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin in 2026. The application is online — you apply before travel and receive approval by email. No visa on arrival is available for Norwegian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at evisa.gouv.bj/en at least 5 days before departure. The eVisa costs around $40–$80 USD depending on entry type (single or multiple entry) and processing speed. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Cotonou Airport will stamp you in based on this.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Norwegian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure from Benin. Airlines at Oslo Gardermoen check this before boarding. Two blank pages are required for the entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit required | Immigration at Cotonou Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket before they let you through. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready. A bus or ferry ticket to a neighboring country also works if you're overlanding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Benin. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance to show you can cover your stay. Benin is cash-heavy outside Cotonou — bring euros or dollars to exchange at the airport or local banks. | Recommended |
eVisa is the only option
Norwegian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Benin. You must apply online before you travel. No exceptions.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers. Carry your yellow card — immigration at Cotonou Airport may check it. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa portal (evisa.gouv.bj/en/). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval document. Print it out and also save a copy on your phone. The eVisa is linked to your passport number — you don't need to visit an embassy.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most travellers fly into Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer stamps you in — usually straightforward. Keep your boarding pass handy.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick for tourists. Then you're free to leave the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 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, up to 90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$220 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Travail Salarié Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For those investing at least $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. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €75 (approx. $82 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration upon departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €500 (approx. $550 USD) |
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
Norway passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for any country may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Common in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance measures advised.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Benin. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 residency permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central de Porto-Novo
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for NO 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 = 563.11 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
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email.
No. The eVisa is the only option for Norwegian citizens. There is no visa on arrival at Cotonou Airport or at land borders.
The official eVisa fee is around €50–€70 depending on the type (single entry vs multiple entry). Check the portal for the current amount — it's paid online by credit card.
Yes. Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) — immigration may ask to see it.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or check with the Benin immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires.
Rejections are rare for Norwegian passport holders if you meet all requirements. If rejected, you'll get a reason — usually missing documents or incorrect photo. You can reapply after fixing the issue.
You need proof of onward travel — a bus ticket or flight out of Benin. A screenshot of a booked bus or flight is fine. Immigration wants to see you're not staying indefinitely.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.