Benin entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. It covers tourism and business trips. You apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is mandatory for New Zealand passport holders — there is no visa on arrival option. Submit your application at least 5–7 days before travel to allow processing time.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Benin. Benin does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but your airline may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | 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 Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Benin. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have access to at least 200,000 CFA francs (about 500 NZD) in cash or a working international debit/credit card. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Benin. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (and possibly fined). Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for New Zealand passport holders. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. Start the process at least a week before your departure.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa website (evisa.gouv.bj/en). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel dates. Upload a digital passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50–$80 depending on processing speed) with a credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days for standard service, or 1–2 days for express. Check your email (and spam folder) for the eVisa approval PDF. Print it or save it on your phone.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport
At Cadjehoun Airport (COO) in Cotonou, proceed to immigration after baggage claim. Present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. You'll get an entry stamp. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Exit immigration and collect luggage
After the immigration check, collect your checked bags from the carousel. Then proceed to customs — usually a quick bag scan. You're free to exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 USD (70 USD)
Apply at Benin embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (100 USD)
Good for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)
Requires sponsor or strong justification.
work visa
Work Permit / Carte de Séjour
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer to sponsor and obtain work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD + proof of enrollment
For enrollment in a recognized Beninese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD + investment proof
For those investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000) in Benin. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for New Zealand passport holders applying online. | ~$50 USD (50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)If applying at embassy; eVisa is more common. | ~$70 USD (70 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central – Service Immigration
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Secondary office for immigration matters.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 558.8 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
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. Express processing (1–2 days) is available for an extra fee. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The standard eVisa fee is around $50–$60 USD. Express processing costs about $70–$80 USD. Prices are set by the Benin government and can change, so check the official portal for current rates.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa, or contact the Benin immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires to discuss options.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Cotonou Airport. There is no visa-on-arrival for New Zealand passport holders. You must have the eVisa before you travel.
The standard Benin eVisa is single-entry only. If you plan to leave and re-enter Benin (e.g., for a day trip to Nigeria), you'll need a new eVisa for each entry.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), printed or digital eVisa approval, return/onward ticket, and first-night hotel booking ready. Immigration may ask to see any of these. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.