The Benin eVisa is valid for 30 days (single-entry) or 90 days (multiple-entry), with validity beginning on the date of entry, not the date of issue. The maximum permitted stay is 30 days per entry. British passport holders must apply online before travelling.
At a glance: A Benin eVisa is valid for 30 days (single-entry) or 90 days (multiple-entry) from the date of entry, not from the date of issue. The maximum permitted stay is 30 days per entry. Validity begins when you clear border control in Benin and receive your passport stamp.
Benin eVisa Validity: Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Options
A single-entry Benin eVisa permits one entry within a 30-day validity window, while a multiple-entry eVisa allows several entries over 30 or 90 days. Single-entry: 30 days validity; multiple-entry: 30 or 90 days validity.
| Visa Type | Validity Period | Max Stay per Entry | Entries Allowed | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry eVisa | 30 days from date of entry | Up to 30 days | 1 (single entry only) | €50+ |
| Multiple-Entry eVisa | 30 days from date of entry | Up to 30 days per entry | Multiple entries | €75+ |
| Multiple-Entry eVisa | 90 days from date of entry | Up to 30 days per entry within the 90-day window | Multiple entries | €100+ |
Single-entry does not permit re-entry; you must obtain a new eVisa to return. Multiple-entry variants offer a broader window, but each entry is capped at 30 days. Fees exclude third-party surcharges; verify current rates at evisa.gouv.bj before applying in 2026.
When Does Benin eVisa Validity Start: Issue Date vs. Entry Date
Benin eVisa validity is 30 or 90 days from the entry date stated in the application, not from the approval date.
Validity begins when you clear border control and receive an entry stamp, not when the eVisa PDF arrives by email. If you arrive on a different date than stated, the visa activates on your actual arrival date. According to the Benin eVisa portal at evisa.gouv.bj, the validity period starts from the date of entry into Benin, not from the date of issuance.
The countdown starts when immigration officers stamp your passport at a port of entry such as Cadjèhoun International Airport (COO) in Cotonou. Verify current rules at evisa.gouv.bj before booking travel.
Maximum Duration of Stay Per Entry on a Benin eVisa
Both single-entry and multiple-entry eVisas allow a maximum stay of 30 days per entry, with each new entry on a multiple-entry visa resetting the 30-day allowance.
The 30-day cap applies per entry for both visa types. Available guidance does not clarify whether the limit is cumulative or per visit. Consider two interpretations:
- Cumulative: 15 days + 10 days + 5 days = 30 total days exhausted.
- Per-visit: Each entry grants a fresh 30-day window within the 90-day validity period.
The recommended interpretation is per-visit, where each arrival resets the 30-day clock. Because Benin eVisa validity rules contain this ambiguity, verify exact conditions at evisa.gouv.bj before planning multiple trips.
Passport and Entry Requirements to Maintain eVisa Validity
Your eVisa remains valid only if your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival and has at least 1 blank page for stamping.
The eVisa requires a valid passport at application and at border control. The FCDO requires validity for the duration of stay, but a 6-month margin is safer since Benin border officers may enforce it.
- Passport validity: At least 6 months beyond arrival date as a safe margin for British citizens.
- Blank pages: Minimum 1 blank page required for the entry stamp.
- Yellow fever certificate: Mandatory for all travellers entering Benin, regardless of origin country.
- Health Declaration Form: Mandatory for all passengers, submitted within 72 hours before travel.
- Printed eVisa copy: Mandatory at border control; digital-only presentation may be rejected.
- Return or onward ticket: Required for entry.
- Sufficient funds: Must demonstrate sufficient money to cover your stay.
Meeting these conditions ensures the Benin eVisa is recognized upon arrival at ports like Cadjèhoun International Airport (COO) or the authorized seaport of Port of Bohicon.
What Happens If You Overstay Your Benin eVisa?
Overstaying incurs daily financial penalties, risks deportation, and may result in a future entry ban. Benin grants no officially documented grace period.
Benin immigration authorities impose daily financial penalties for overstaying, though exact XOF rates are not published online. Extended overstays may also result in deportation. Contact the Directorate of Emigration and Immigration (Direction de l’Immigration et de l’Émigration) in Cotonou for the current fine schedule.
For pre-departure inquiries, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Benin in Washington, DC:
2124 Kalorama Road, NW Washington, DC 20008Phone: 202-232-2611
Email: [email protected]
Extending Your Stay in Benin: How, Where, and When to Apply
Benin eVisa holders can apply for an extension of up to 30 additional days at the Directorate of Emigration and Immigration in Cotonou.
To extend, apply at least 7 days before expiry. Follow these steps:
Apply at the Directorate
Apply at the Directorate of Emigration and Immigration in Cotonou at least 7 days before your current permitted stay expires.
Bring required documents
Bring your passport and a printed copy of your eVisa to the appointment.
Receive extension
The estimated maximum additional stay granted is up to 30 days, though outcomes may vary by case.
Visa runs (leaving and re-entering to reset the stay clock) are not a reliable strategy. The Benin-Togo land border is limited to “extreme necessity” crossings in liaison with bordering countries.
Applying and Arriving: Timing Your eVisa and Border Control Process
Apply 7 days before departure; present printed eVisa at border for stamp.
UK passport holders must submit the online form at evisa.gouv.bj, a process that takes less than 5 minutes. The Benin eVisa is delivered by email as a PDF within 24 to 48 hours, though peak periods may extend processing to 5 business days. The FCDO recommends applying at least 7 days before your arrival date.
Upon landing at Cadjèhoun International Airport (COO) in Cotonou, present a printed copy of your eVisa alongside your passport. Benin border control then collects biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, before stamping your passport with the entry date. Carry two printed copies of your eVisa: one for the border officer and one for your records during your stay.
Benin eVisa Validity vs. Neighbouring Countries
Benin’s 30-day and 90-day eVisas compare to Ghana’s and Togo’s separate visa systems, which cannot be obtained while in Benin.
| Country | eVisa Available | Validity | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benin | Yes | 30 or 90 days from entry date | 30 days per entry |
| Ghana | Yes | Separate system | Separate system |
| Togo | Yes (visa on arrival also available) | Separate system | Separate system |
UK travellers planning multi-country West Africa itineraries must obtain Ghana and Togo visas separately before departure, as these cannot be acquired while in Benin. The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Benin and against all but essential travel to other parts. Check gov.uk for current travel advisories before booking.
FAQ
How long is a Benin eVisa valid from the date of issue?
30 days (single-entry) or 90 days (multiple-entry), starting from the date of entry indicated in the application, not the approval date.
Does the Benin eVisa validity start on the issue date or on first entry?
Validity begins on the date of entry (stated in the application or actual arrival date at border control), not the issue date.
How many days can I stay in Benin with a multiple-entry eVisa?
Up to 30 days per individual entry, with the overall validity window lasting 90 days from the initial entry date.
Can I extend my stay beyond the allowed days?
Yes. Apply at the Directorate of Emigration and Immigration in Cotonou at least 7 days before your current stay expires.
What happens if I overstay my Benin eVisa?
Daily financial penalties, potential deportation, and possible future entry ban. No officially documented grace period.
Can I arrive earlier or later than the date stated on my eVisa?
The visa is activated at border control on your actual arrival date. Significant date changes should be confirmed with immigration authorities beforehand.
Do I need to print my eVisa or is a digital copy accepted?
A printed copy is mandatory. Digital-only presentation may be rejected at border control.
What is the Benin transit eVisa and how long can I stay?
Airside transit does not require a visa. If exiting the airport, a transit eVisa is needed. Confirm exact limits with Benin immigration.
How do I check remaining validity of my Benin eVisa?
Calculate from your entry stamp date: 30 days (single-entry) or 90 days (multiple-entry) from the date stamped in your passport.
Is there a grace period after expiry?
No. Benin does not officially grant a grace period. Depart before your validity expires to avoid penalties.
Last updated: September 2026. Visa rules can change without notice. Always verify on the Benin eVisa portal (evisa.gouv.bj) and the UK FCDO travel advice before booking your trip.
