Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Streamlined E-Visa System
Benin has enhanced its e-visa platform for faster processing, allowing most travelers to apply online with approvals in 3-5 days. The fee remains affordable at around $50, and it's valid for up to 30 days. Ensure you apply via the official Benin e-visa website to avoid scams and delays at entry points.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Benin, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
It's advisable to have a photocopy of your passport stored separately, as replacements can be challenging in remote areas. Always verify requirements with your embassy before travel.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of ECOWAS member states (like Nigeria and Ghana) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, promoting regional travel.
For other nationalities, visas are required, but short-term tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Cotonou International Airport for select countries with prior approval.
Visa Applications
Apply for an e-visa online through the official Benin immigration portal, submitting a passport scan, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate; fees range from $50-100 depending on visa type.
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but apply at least two weeks in advance to account for any issues. Paper visas are available at Beninese embassies worldwide for those preferring in-person applications.
Border Crossings
Entry is straightforward at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport, where e-visas are verified quickly, but land borders with Togo or Nigeria may involve longer waits and cash payments for fees.
Ensure all documents are in order, as random checks occur; COVID-era health declarations are no longer required but health insurance is recommended for medical evacuations.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, evacuation (crucial in rural areas), trip cancellations, and activities like wildlife safaris in Pendjari National Park.
Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases; reputable providers offer plans starting at $5-10 per day, with higher limits for adventure travel.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire in Cotonou, requiring proof of funds and a valid reason like extended tourism.
Fees are approximately $30-50, and processing takes 3-7 days; overstay fines are steep at $10 per day, so plan ahead for longer stays.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Cotonou by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for regional flights from Europe or Africa.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at maquis (local eateries) for affordable meals under 3,000 XOF, skipping touristy spots to save up to 50% on food costs.
Markets like Dantokpa in Cotonou offer fresh produce, grilled meats, and traditional dishes like pâte at bargain prices for an authentic culinary experience.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared bush taxis or moto-taxis for intercity travel at 2,000-5,000 XOF per leg, far cheaper than private options.
Local bus cards or informal passes in cities like Porto-Novo can bundle rides, often including access to ferries for Ouidah coastal trips.
Free Attractions
Visit public beaches in Grand-Popo, voodoo temples in Ouidah, and national parks' entry points, which are cost-free or low-fee for authentic cultural immersion.
Many historical sites like the Abomey palaces offer free guided walks on certain days, and community festivals provide vibrant experiences without entry costs.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and Cotonou shops, but carry cash (CFA francs) for markets, rural areas, and small vendors where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for better rates than airport exchanges, and exchange euros directly as CFA is pegged to the euro for stability.
Park & Site Passes
Purchase a multi-entry pass for national parks like Pendjari at 10,000 XOF for a week, ideal for wildlife viewing and saving on repeated fees.
It covers guided safaris and entry to multiple sites, paying for itself after one or two visits while supporting conservation efforts.
Smart Packing for Benin
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and mosquito deterrence during evenings.
Include modest attire for visiting voodoo sites and rural villages, plus quick-dry fabrics for humid conditions; avoid revealing clothing to respect local customs.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/E for 220V), solar charger or power bank for remote areas with unreliable electricity, and a waterproof phone case.
Download offline maps like Maps.me for navigation in low-signal zones, and apps for French translation since English is limited outside tourist spots.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, and prescriptions for malaria prophylaxis like Malarone.
Include DEET-based insect repellent, yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory), and water purification tablets for rural hydration safety.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for market explorations, reusable water bottle with filter, lightweight hammock for eco-lodges, and CFA cash in small notes.
Bring passport copies, a money belt for security in crowded areas, and a headlamp for power outages common in non-urban regions.
Footwear Strategy
Choose closed-toe sandals or lightweight hiking shoes for dusty roads and national park trails, plus flip-flops for beach relaxation in Ouidah.
Waterproof boots are essential for wet season mud, and ensure all footwear is breathable to combat humidity and foot infections in tropical climates.
Personal Care
Include high-SPF sunscreen (50+), biodegradable soap and toiletries, and a sarong for versatile use in humid weather or as a privacy screen.
Travel-sized wet wipes and antifungal powder help with sweat and dust; pack a compact mosquito net for overnight stays in non-screened accommodations.
When to Visit Benin
Dry Season (December-April)
The best time for travel with sunny days and temperatures of 25-32°C, ideal for wildlife safaris in Pendjari National Park and exploring the Atlantic coast.
Fewer rains mean better road conditions for overland trips to Abomey and Ouidah, with vibrant festivals like the Porto-Novo Carnival adding cultural flair.
Hot Season (March-May)
Expect intense heat up to 35°C with low humidity, perfect for beach lounging in Grand-Popo but challenging for strenuous activities inland.
Local harvest festivals and market seasons peak, offering fresh mangoes and traditional dances; pack extra hydration gear for outdoor adventures.
Wet Season (June-September)
Rainy months with lush greenery and temperatures of 24-30°C, bringing fewer tourists and lower prices for eco-tours in the Amazon-like forests.
Short afternoon showers make mornings great for village visits and birdwatching; the landscape's vibrancy enhances photography and nature hikes.
Harmattan Season (October-November)
Cooler winds from the Sahara (22-28°C) with some dust, ideal for cultural events like the Ouidah Voodoo Festival and comfortable city explorations in Cotonou.
Transition to dry weather means optimal conditions for stilt village tours on Lake Ganvié; it's a shoulder season with balanced crowds and costs.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF). Pegged to the euro (1 EUR = 655.957 XOF). Cards accepted in cities but cash essential for rural areas; ATMs available in major towns.
- Language: French is official; local languages like Fon and Yoruba widely spoken. English is limited but growing in tourist spots; basic French phrases help.
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/E plugs (European two-pin round); power outages common, so bring a portable charger.
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire; also 17 for police and 18 for ambulance in major cities
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 5-10% at restaurants or 500-1,000 XOF for guides and drivers
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified water. Avoid ice in rural areas to prevent gastrointestinal issues.
- Pharmacies: Available in cities like Cotonou and Porto-Novo. Look for "Pharmacie" signs; stock basic meds but bring specifics for tropical illnesses.