Benin eVisa Types in 2026
The Benin government offers several eVisa types to accommodate different travel purposes. Whether you are visiting for leisure, conducting business, or transiting through Cotonou, there is an appropriate eVisa category for your needs. All types are applied for through the official portal at evisa.bj.
Tourist eVisa
The Benin Tourist eVisa is the most commonly issued type, designed for travelers visiting Benin for leisure, sightseeing, cultural exploration, or visiting family and friends. It is available in three sub-types:
- 30-day Single Entry – 50 EUR – For a single trip to Benin of up to one month
- 30-day Multiple Entry – 75 EUR – For multiple crossings within 30 days (e.g., day trips to Togo or Nigeria)
- 90-day Multiple Entry – 100 EUR – Best for longer stays or frequent short trips to Benin over a 3-month period
Business eVisa
The Benin Business eVisa is designed for travelers conducting commercial activities in Benin, including attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or establishing business relationships. The fee structure is the same as the tourist eVisa. Additional documents typically required include:
- Invitation letter from the host organization in Benin on official letterhead
- Business registration documents or company letter
- Details of planned business activities
Transit eVisa
The Benin Transit eVisa is for travelers passing through Benin to reach a third destination. It is typically issued for short periods (24-72 hours) and requires proof of onward travel to the final destination. Transit travelers connecting through Cotonou International Airport without leaving the international transit zone may not need a transit visa – check current rules at evisa.bj.
Which eVisa Type Is Right for Me?
| Travel Purpose | Recommended eVisa Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single trip tourism (1 month) | 30-day Single Entry Tourist | 50 EUR |
| Tourism with cross-border trips | 30-day Multiple Entry Tourist | 75 EUR |
| Extended stay or frequent visits | 90-day Multiple Entry Tourist | 100 EUR |
| Business meeting, conference | Business eVisa | 50/75/100 EUR |
| Passing through Cotonou | Transit eVisa | Varies |
Single Entry vs. Multiple Entry – What’s the Difference?
A single entry visa allows you to enter Benin once. Once you exit the country, the visa is void even if the validity period has not expired. A multiple entry visa allows you to enter and exit Benin as many times as you like within the validity period, provided each stay complies with the permitted duration.
If you plan to make day trips to neighboring Togo, Nigeria, or Burkina Faso and return to Benin, a multiple entry visa is essential. See our eVisa validity guide for more details.
Changing Your eVisa Type
You cannot change your eVisa type after submitting your application. If you selected the wrong type (e.g., single entry when you needed multiple), you would need to submit a new application with the correct type. This is why it is important to plan your itinerary carefully before applying. See our application guide and fee page for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of Benin visa do I need for tourism?
For tourism, choose the Tourist eVisa. If you are making a single trip, the 30-day single entry (50 EUR) is most cost-effective. If you plan multiple border crossings, choose the multiple entry option.
Is there a student visa for Benin?
The standard eVisa covers tourism and business. For long-term study in Benin, you would need to apply for a student visa through a Beninese embassy or consulate, not through the eVisa system.
Can I convert a tourist eVisa to a business eVisa?
No – you cannot change visa types after approval. If you need to conduct business on what started as a tourist trip, you should apply for a new business eVisa before your activities change in nature.
What is the longest stay allowed on a Benin eVisa?
The longest eVisa option is the 90-day multiple entry. For stays beyond 90 days, you would need to apply for a long-stay visa through a Beninese diplomatic mission.
Benin eVisa for Transit Passengers
If you are transiting through Cotonou International Airport (COO) to another destination and will be leaving the international transit zone, you need a transit eVisa. The transit visa is typically issued for short periods (24-72 hours). Travelers connecting through Cotonou without exiting the international zone may not need a visa, but should confirm requirements with their airline and at evisa.bj before travel. Transit travelers should also carry all standard documentation including a yellow fever certificate.
Combining eVisa Types for Multi-Country Travel
Many travelers visiting West Africa include Benin as part of a multi-country itinerary covering Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, or other regional destinations. For these travelers, the 30-day or 90-day multiple entry Benin eVisa is essential to allow re-entry into Benin after day trips or short excursions to neighboring countries. Plan your itinerary carefully to ensure you have the correct visa type for your travel pattern. See our validity guide for details on how multiple entry visas work.
Long-Stay and Work Visas for Benin
The eVisa system covers short-term tourism, business visits, and transit. For stays longer than 90 days or for purposes such as employment, study, or residency, travelers must apply for the appropriate long-stay visa through a Beninese embassy or consulate in their home country. Long-stay visas are not processed through the evisa.bj online portal. Contact the nearest Beninese diplomatic mission for guidance on long-stay applications, required documentation, and processing times.
