Do I need a passport to go to Cotonou? Apply online for Benin e-Visa.

By Dominika

April 14, 2023

Do I Need a Passport to Go to Cotonou in Benin?

About Cotonou in Benin

Cotonou, the largest city in the Republic of Benin, offers visitors a chance to experience the culture of West Africa. Located in the southern part of the country on the Gulf of Guinea, it is the nation’s economic and administrative capital. The city is a major port, serving as the primary export hub for the shipment of goods such as coffee, cocoa, palm oil, and cotton.

The city of Cotonou is a vibrant, energetic destination. It is known as the commercial center of the country, as well as being a popular destination for many tourists. Whether it is bustling with merchants at the outdoor markets or providing a glimpse into the archaeological history held within museums, there is something exciting to discover around every corner.

Those who decide to visit Cotonou will find many attractions that are sure to keep them entertained. They can feel the real atmosphere of Benin, strolling through busy markets, beautiful beaches, and scenic parks. There is also plenty of colonial architecture to admire and traditional cuisine to sample.

A trip to Cotonou promises fun and adventure for all who come to experience its unique culture. However, before leaving for the journey, you should prepare your luggage, apply for essential travel permits, and purchase travel insurance.

Do I need a passport to go to Cotonou?

You cannot travel to Benin without a travel permit – to cross the border of the country, it is essential to have a passport or a visa.

A number of foreigners may enjoy traveling to Benin visa-free due to the agreement established in 1979. Since then, member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) promised freedom of movement for their nationals. Moreover, citizens of Indonesia, Macau, Hong Kong, and Singapore are also allowed to enter Benin only with a valid passport.

The countries eligible to visit Benin with a passport only:

  • Algeria
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cameroon
  • Cape Verde
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Comoros
  • Congo
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Guinea Bissau
  • Haiti
  • Hong Kong
  • Ivory Coast
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Swaziland
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Without a visa, the nationals mentioned above may spend up to 90 days in Benin and enjoy the freedom of movement. The only exception are the citizens of Hong Kong and Singapore, who are allowed short-term trips not extending 14 days. For longer journeys, it is essential to obtain a regular visa at the nearest Embassy.

Do not forget that overstaying is strictly forbidden, so make sure your passport will remain valid throughout your entire journey abroad.

Do I need a visa to go to Cotonou?

It is essential to have a valid travel document while planning a journey to Benin. Depending on your nationality, you may need not only a passport but also a visa. In that case, you should either schedule an appointment at the Embassy and apply for a regular visa or complete the online application from your home.

Nationals of the following countries may apply for a Benin eVisa:

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bhutan
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brazil
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cuba
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kiribati
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau
  • Macedonia
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Myanmar
  • Nauru
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • North Korea
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Palau
  • Palestinian Territory
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Romania
  • Russian Federation
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Suriname
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Syrian Arab Republic
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Thailand
  • Timor Leste
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkey
  • Turkmenistan
  • Tuvalu
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen

Benin eVisa application

Benin eVisa online application is a very convenient process. All you need to obtain your electronic visa is a working electronic device (laptop, tablet, smartphone) and a stable Internet connection. The entire procedure should not take more than 15 minutes.

To complete the application for your Tourist Visa online, follow these three steps:

  1. fill in the application form with relevant information
  2. check the form for any spelling mistakes and errors
  3. upload the required documentation in digital format
  4. cover the fee using the selected online payment method

Once your eVisa is approved, it will be sent to your e-mail address. It is important to print it out before the travel since digital documents are not accepted on arrival to the country.

Benin eVisa requirements

The only document that is required for the Benin eVisa application is a valid passport. The permit contains all the necessary data concerning the traveler, such as full name, gender, date of birth, city of birth, and nationality.

Remember that the passport validity period should be at least 6 months from the planned date of travel to Benin. If it expires early, your online visa will be considered invalid as well.

Avatar for Dominika

Dominika

Dominika takes care of all professional content published on Visafly.com. She simply loves creative work and writing texts has always been something she's been fond of. Nothing gives her more energy than working with people that match her vibe. In her free time, she enjoys good literature, vegan cuisine, and of course traveling ✈️🗺️😊

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