Benin entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Polish passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard way to get permission to travel.
Apply for Benin eVisaOfficial portal: Benin eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for tourism and business visits. Processing usually takes 2–3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Polish passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Benin. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Cotonou will deny entry if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Benin | Immigration at Cotonou Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or a credit card showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be denied entry if you cannot show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel and carry the yellow card with your passport.
eVisa is the only option
There is no visa on arrival for Polish passport holders. Do not attempt to travel without an approved eVisa — you will be turned away at check-in.
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 online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email as a PDF. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone.
3
Travel to Benin
At the airport in Poland, show your eVisa approval and return ticket at check-in. On arrival in Benin (usually Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport), go to the immigration desk, present your passport and eVisa, and get your entry stamp.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism, extendable once for 30 days at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€75 (approx. $82 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€150 (approx. $164 USD)
For longer stays, requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Étudiant Visa (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investisseur Visa (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Benin. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if you exceed authorized stay. | €5 (approx. $5.50 USD) per day, max €150 (approx. $165 USD) |
| Stay extension (if available)Extension may be possible at immigration office; subject to approval. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per extension |
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
Poland passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa required for airside transit up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO), Cotonou
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season.
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 Police Nationale - Service des Étrangers
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and registration for residents in the capital.
Practical information for PL 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 = 574.19 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 official fee is around €70–€100 depending on the type (single entry vs. multiple entry). You pay online during the application. There are no additional embassy fees.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. Rush processing is not always available.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new eVisa.
Yes. Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport photo doesn't meet specs or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You'll get a refund minus a small processing fee. Reapply with corrected documents.
No. Benin no longer issues visas on arrival for Polish passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are not widely accepted outside hotels and big shops. Bring some cash in XOF or use a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.