The Benin e-Visa Entry rules in response to COVID-19
Entry visas are restricted. Entry and exit at border crossings is limited to “extreme necessity” and authorised in liaison with bordering countries.
Testing/screening on arrival and departure
Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport has reinforced measures in place for visitors arriving in Benin. All arriving passengers must undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing - one test on arrival and a second test 14 days after the first negative test result. These tests are at passenger expense; fees are 100,000 FCFA (approximately £136) inclusive for two tests, payable to airlines at the time of booking flights. Passengers will be required to leave their passports with Immigration Police for 72 hours until the first test results are received.
Benin Visa departing
All departing passengers must undergo testing at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport or Palais des Congres. Fees are 50,000 FCFA (normal service) or 75,000 FCFA (premium service). There is an online guidance page (in French) which explains the steps for arriving and departing passengers.
Quarantine requirements
Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be subject to government-mandated isolation measures and will receive treatment free of charge. Quarantine areas will be guarded by defence and security forces to ensure that quarantine regulations are strictly adhered to, and the government of Benin will retain passengers’ passports until all testing and isolation requirements are met to ensure compliance.
Benin Visa regular entry requirements
All visitors need a visa to enter Benin. You should get a short stay or multiple entry e-visa by applying and paying online. The visa will then be issued on arrival at the airport in Cotonou.
Benin Visa Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. You do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
An e-Visa for Benin may be issued as either a multiple entry visa that permits a total stay of either 30 or 90 days or as a single entry visa that allows a total stay of 30 days. To visit the country for longer purposes, it will be necessary to apply for a visa for Benin from an embassy. Check eligible countries for Benin e-Visa
Visas for Nigeria, Ghana and Togo
Non-resident British nationals in Benin who wish to travel to Nigeria and Ghana cannot get entry visas in Benin. You should apply for these before travelling to Benin. You can get a visa for Togo at the Togolese Embassy in Cotonou or at the Togo/Benin border.