What documents does a United States citizen need for a Benin visa?

- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages - Completed online application at evisa.gouv.bj - Digital passport-style photo uploaded during application - Scanned copy of passport bio page - Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) and return/onward ticket - Valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever (mandatory for entry into Benin) - Proof of sufficient funds may be requested

What types of visas can United States citizens get for Benin?

- Short-stay e-visa (tourism/business), single or multiple entry — valid 30 days from date of issue, maximum stay of 30 days, fee approx. XOF 50,000 (~USD 85) - Longer-stay or work visas must be arranged in advance through the Benin Embassy/Consulate rather than the e-visa portal

How do United States citizens apply for a Benin visa?

- Visit the official portal evisa.gouv.bj (no other site should be used) - Create an account and complete the application form with trip and passport details - Upload your photo, passport scan, yellow fever certificate, and accommodation proof - Pay the approx. USD 85 fee online by credit card - Processing typically takes about 72 hours (3 business days); you'll receive the e-visa by email as a PDF - Print the approval and present it with your passport and vaccination card on arrival

How much does a Benin visa cost for United States citizens?

- E-visa government fee: approx. XOF 50,000 (roughly USD 85), paid online - No separate agency fee if applied directly through evisa.gouv.bj - Standard processing: approximately 72 hours - No official expedited service is advertised — apply at least a week ahead to allow for delays - Total estimated cost: USD 85-95 including card processing fees

What should United States citizens know before traveling to Benin?

- Get your yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before travel — it's checked on arrival and missing it can mean denied boarding or quarantine - Double-check passport number and name entries match exactly before submitting, since errors are a top reason for rejection or delay - Apply well before travel; airport wait times for manual verification can be longer if your e-visa wasn't processed with enough lead time - Keep both a printed and digital copy of your e-visa approval and vaccination certificate - The nearest US diplomatic support is the US Embassy in Cotonou — register your trip through the State Department's STEP program

Benin Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

US citizens need an e-visa for Benin — apply online at evisa.gouv.bj; fee around XOF 50,000 (approx. USD 85), processing about 72 hours.

Guide last updated October 1, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages
Completed online application at evisa.gouv.bj
Digital passport-style photo uploaded during application
Scanned copy of passport bio page
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) and return/onward ticket
Valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever (mandatory for entry into Benin)
Proof of sufficient funds may be requested

Visa types

Short-stay e-visa (tourism/business), single or multiple entry — valid 30 days from date of issue, maximum stay of 30 days, fee approx. XOF 50,000 (~USD 85)
Longer-stay or work visas must be arranged in advance through the Benin Embassy/Consulate rather than the e-visa portal

How to apply online

Visit the official portal evisa.gouv.bj (no other site should be used)
Create an account and complete the application form with trip and passport details
Upload your photo, passport scan, yellow fever certificate, and accommodation proof
Pay the approx. USD 85 fee online by credit card
Processing typically takes about 72 hours (3 business days); you'll receive the e-visa by email as a PDF
Print the approval and present it with your passport and vaccination card on arrival

Fees & processing time

E-visa government fee: approx. XOF 50,000 (roughly USD 85), paid online
No separate agency fee if applied directly through evisa.gouv.bj
Standard processing: approximately 72 hours
No official expedited service is advertised — apply at least a week ahead to allow for delays
Total estimated cost: USD 85-95 including card processing fees

Tips for United States travelers

Get your yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before travel — it's checked on arrival and missing it can mean denied boarding or quarantine
Double-check passport number and name entries match exactly before submitting, since errors are a top reason for rejection or delay
Apply well before travel; airport wait times for manual verification can be longer if your e-visa wasn't processed with enough lead time
Keep both a printed and digital copy of your e-visa approval and vaccination certificate
The nearest US diplomatic support is the US Embassy in Cotonou — register your trip through the State Department's STEP program

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United States passport holders

United Kingdom France Germany Japan Australia Canada View all →

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.