Benin entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Romanian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Romanian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. Apply at the official Benin eVisa portal at least a few days before departure. The online form takes about 15 minutes — have your passport scan and a digital photo ready.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Benin. Benin does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask 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 a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they rarely accept verbal confirmation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Benin. Officers may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have a bank statement or a credit card showing available funds. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around 500 USD equivalent in cash or card is a safe buffer. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Benin does not offer visa on arrival for Romanian passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Airlines may deny boarding without it.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your trip and keep the card with your passport.
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 details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get the eVisa by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in and upon arrival in Benin.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most flights land at Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. After disembarking, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
4
Pass through immigration
Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport and let you through. Collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 (~$77 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
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 pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolment in a recognised Beninese educational institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 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 a single-entry tourist eVisa, valid for 30 days. | €70 (approx. $75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days, each stay up to 30 days. | €100 (approx. $107 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €500 (approx. $535 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
Romanian passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Benin may transit without additional visa.
- Diplomatic passport holders may have different rules.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round throughout Benin. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 – Service des Étrangers
Avenue de la République, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for residents in the capital region.
Practical information for RO 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 = 564.01 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 3–5 business days, but it can be longer during peak travel periods. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the duration and type. As of 2025, a single-entry tourist eVisa costs around 50,000 XOF (about €75). Check the official website for current prices.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply, or contact the Benin immigration office before your visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the eVisa support team for guidance.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border points, including land borders from Togo, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. Just show the approved eVisa at the checkpoint.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is a good idea.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.