Benin entry requirements for Nepal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Nepali passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The application is entirely online, and you should have your approval before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and typically takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required before travel | Apply for a Benin eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits. Submit your application at least 3–5 business days before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Benin. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Benin immigration, but some airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Cotonou Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host in Benin can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask for an address where you will stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or a credit card. While not always checked, having it ready avoids delays if asked. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate (the WHO yellow card) to enter Benin. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — which can be expensive and time-consuming. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
Keep digital and printed copies of everything
Immigration at Cotonou Airport may ask to see your eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Have both a printed copy and a backup on your phone. A dead battery or lost paper can cause delays.
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 passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Benin.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most international flights land at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a quick bag scan. Exit into the arrivals hall where you can find taxis and ride-hailing services.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Beninese embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
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 (Travailleur)
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 residence.
student visa
Student Visa (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
Investor Visa (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in Benin. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €75 (~$82 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$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
Nepal passport holders transiting through Benin do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport, you must obtain an eVisa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Nepal.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Benin; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Common in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
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 Documentation et de l'Immigration
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Porto-Novo
Immigration Office Porto-Novo
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for NP 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
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and duration. As of 2026, a single-entry tourist eVisa costs around 30,000 XOF (about $50 USD). Check the official portal for the latest fees — they can change.
Processing usually takes 2 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. During peak travel seasons, it can take longer.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or check with the Benin immigration office in Cotonou for other options before your visa expires.
Yes, Benin requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the WHO yellow card.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline. Benin does not offer visa on arrival for Nepali passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border points, including land crossings from Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria. Just show the printed eVisa at the border post.
It's not officially required at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars, and local hospitals often require upfront payment. Get a policy that covers medical expenses and evacuation.
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.