Benin entry requirements for Ukraine 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
Ukrainian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. Apply online before you travel. As of 2026, this is the standard entry requirement for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Benin eVisa at the official portal at least 5 days before departure. The eVisa costs around 50,000 XOF (~$85 USD) for a single-entry tourist visa and is valid for 30 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Cotonou Airport will stamp you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Ukrainian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Benin does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines may still check for 6 months, so verify with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Cotonou Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Benin. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready. Budget airlines like Air France or Ethiopian often check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration officers rarely ask for it, but having a printed confirmation speeds things up if they do. If staying with friends, a simple letter with their address and phone number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (around 200,000 XOF or ~$330 USD) or a credit card to show you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it's a standard question at the desk. ATMs in Cotonou dispense XOF, but bring some euros or dollars as backup. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Ukrainian passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or land border. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Yellow fever certificate required
You'll need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before your trip and carry the yellow booklet with you.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gouv.bj, fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a paper copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in and on arrival in Benin.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport (COO)
Most flights land at Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. Go to the 'eVisa' or 'Foreigners' queue. Present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up 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 · Ukraine 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, longer stay)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $107 USD)
Apply at Benin embassy or consulate; may require additional documents.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€150 (approx. $160 USD)
For frequent travellers; valid for multiple entries within validity period.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $214 USD)
Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation; renewable.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur (Work Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $214 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Benin. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant (Student Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $107 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Beninese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur (Investor Residence Permit)
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $535 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in Benin. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Benin eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Ukraine passport holders. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Benin eVisa (multiple entry, up to 90 days)For multiple entries within validity. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport. | €5 per day (approx. $5.50 USD), max €500 (approx. $550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Ukraine passport holders transiting through Benin do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.
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; proof of vaccination may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Benin, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito 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; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central – Service des Étrangers
Avenue Jean-Paul II, Porto-Novo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for immigration matters; less crowded than Cotonou.
Practical information for UA 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
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take up to a week. Apply at least 10 days before your flight to be safe.
The official fee is around 30,000 XOF (about €45) for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days. Prices can change, so check the official portal at evisa.gouv.bj.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply or check with the Benin immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it on arrival. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
No. Ukrainian passport holders must have an eVisa regardless of other visas or residence permits. There are no visa waiver agreements for Ukrainians.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Ukrainian passport holders. You must have the eVisa before you travel.
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.