Benin visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens

All six nationalities — US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish — need a visa to enter Benin. The practical route is the e-visa, which you apply for online before you fly. It covers tourism and short visits, and you should apply at least a few days before departure. Carry a printed copy and your passport with at least six months' validity. A yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required on arrival; without it you may be turned away or vaccinated at the border.

Benin does not have visa-free entry for these six nationalities. The e-visa is the standard route for tourists. It is issued for a single entry and typically allows up to 30 days, though the exact period is set when you apply. Visa-on-arrival may be available at Cotonou's airport and some land borders, but it is less predictable and can mean longer queues; the e-visa is the reliable choice.

The e-visa application is done entirely online. You will need a valid passport, a recent photo, and details of your accommodation and entry point. The process usually takes a few days, so apply well before your flight. After approval, you receive a document to print and present on arrival. Keep a digital copy as well. The fee is paid online; the exact amount depends on your nationality and length of stay (check).

On arrival, you will show your passport, the printed e-visa, and your yellow-fever certificate. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. The yellow-fever card is the one travellers most often forget; without it, you risk a vaccination at the border or refusal of entry. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Benin. Carry a few passport photos; they are useful for visa extensions and some hotels.

If you want to stay longer than your e-visa allows, apply for an extension at the immigration office in Cotonou before your visa expires. Overstaying can mean fines and delays at the border, so sort it out in advance. The extension process takes time, so start early. For most visitors, the standard 30-day tourist visa is enough for a first trip.

This page was last checked in September 2026. Visa rules change frequently; confirm the latest requirements on the official e-visa portal or with your nearest Beninese embassy before booking.