Hello, traveler! Planning a trip from the mountains of Bhutan to the vibrant heart of West Africa is an incredible journey. Benin is a country rich with history, stunning culture, and welcoming people.

But before you can explore the markets of Cotonou or the history of Ouidah, you have to sort out the visa. If you've started searching, you probably have a lot of questions. Is it an e-Visa? Is there a visa on arrival? You've got questions, and this guide has the direct, genuine answers. This isn't marketing fluff; it's the practical, step-by-step plan to get your visa from Bhutan with zero stress.

Do Citizens of Bhutan Need a Visa for Benin?

Yes, 100%. Let's be very clear: citizens holding a Bhutanese passport must have a valid visa to enter Benin. There is no visa-free arrangement.

The good news is that Benin has a modern, fully electronic system. You don't need to visit an embassy or consulate. You must get this "Benin e-Visa online“before you fly.

Is There a "Visa on Arrival" in Benin?

No. Benin has phased out its old Visa on Arrival (VOA) system for almost all nationalities, including citizens of Bhutan.

The e-Visa is now the mandatory entry requirement. You cannot board your flight from (for example) Paro, Bangkok, or Delhi without proof of a valid Benin e-Visa. Do not try to fly without it, as you will be denied boarding by the airline.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Benin e-Visa?

The Document Requirement For Benin Visa application is refreshingly simple. Unlike many other visa processes, you don't need bank statements or letters of invitation for a standard tourist e-Visa.

All you need to have ready on your computer is:

1. A Clear Scan of Your Bhutanese Passport: This must be a scan of the main photo/biographical page. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Benin.
2. A Credit or Debit Card: A Visa or Mastercard is needed to pay the e-Visa fee on the secure online portal.

That's it. You do not typically need to upload a separate passport photo, flight bookings, or hotel reservations, although you will be asked to enter your intended address in Benin (just use the name and address of your first hotel).

How Do I Apply for the Benin eVisa from Bhutan ?

Here is the simple process from start to finish.

1. Start Your Application: Click "Apply for Benin e-visa" and fill in the form. You will enter your personal details (name, date of birth, etc.) and your passport information exactly as it appears on your Bhutanese passport.
2. Choose Your Visa: Select the visa you want (e.g., 30-day, single entry).
3. Upload Your Passport Scan: Upload the clear scan of your passport's photo page.
4. Pay the Fee: You will be directed to the payment page. Pay the fee with your credit or debit card.
5. Receive Your "e-Visa Certificate": After a short processing time, you will receive an email. This email will contain a link to download your approved e-Visa. This document is your "Attestation d’autorisation" (Authorization Certificate).
6. PRINT THE DOCUMENT: This is critical. You must print a physical copy of this e-Visa certificate. You will need to show this paper document to the airline at check-in and to the immigration officer in Benin.

How Long Does the Benin e-Visa Take to Process?

When you apply for a Benin e-Visa, applicants can select from three processing speeds based on their travel urgency and budget:

• Standard Processing:
  Ideal for travellers who plan ahead and have flexible travel dates.
  ⏱️ Processing time: 1 – 2 Days
  💰 No additional fees — the most cost-effective option.
• Urgent Processing:
  Perfect for last-minute travellers or those with upcoming departures.
  ⏱️ Processing time: 6 – 12 Hours
  💰 Additional service charges apply.
• Super Urgent Processing:
  Designed for emergency travel when immediate visa approval is needed.
  ⏱️ Processing time: 1 – 6 Hours
  💰 Highest extra charges due to premium priority service.

Note: Processing times may vary slightly depending on the accuracy of your application and the overall volume of requests.

Do I Need a Yellow Fever Vaccination for Benin?

YES! This is not optional.

Benin is in the "Yellow Fever belt" of Africa. You must have a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (the small yellow booklet) to enter the country.

You will be checked for this at the health desk in Cotonou (COO) airport, often before you even get to the immigration counter. If you do not have it, you risk being denied entry or forced to get a vaccination at the airport, which is not a situation you want to be in.

Get this vaccination in Bhutan or at a travel clinic in a layover country (like Bangkok or Delhi) well before your trip. The certificate is valid for life.

What is the Real Arrival Process at Cotonou (COO) Airport?

This is where your e-Visa makes everything smooth and easy.

1. Arrive at Cotonou (COO) Airport: You will deplane and walk into the arrivals hall.
2. Health Check (First Stop): You will first be directed to the health checkpoint. Here, you will show the health officer your Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. They will check it and may take your temperature.
3. Immigration (Second Stop): You will then proceed to the immigration counters. Go to the line marked "e-Visa".
4. Show Your Documents: Hand the immigration officer your:
• Bhutanese Passport
• Printed e-Visa Certificate (the "Attestation d’autorisation")
5. Get Your Stamp: The officer will scan your e-Visa paper, verify it in their system, and place an entry stamp in your passport. They do not put a large sticker in; your printed e-Visa is your proof.
6. Collect Your Bags: Welcome to Benin! You're officially in. You can now proceed to the baggage claim and customs.

What Are Common Problems or Mistakes to Avoid?

• Forgetting the Yellow Fever Card: This is the biggest mistake. Forgetting it is a more serious problem than forgetting your visa.
• Not Printing the e-Visa: Your phone screen is not enough. Airlines and immigration officers require the physical paper copy of your e-Visa authorization.
• Payment Failure: Sometimes, foreign bank cards (like those from Bhutan) can be temporarily blocked by the payment system. If your payment fails, don't panic. Try again a bit later, or use a different credit card if you have one.

What Happens if My Benin e-Visa Application is Refused?

This is a very rare event for tourist applications. If your e-Visa is refused, don't panic. It is almost certainly due to a simple technical error, such as:

• A blurry or unreadable passport scan.
• A typo in your name or passport number.
• A failed payment.

What to do: You cannot "appeal" a refusal. The solution is to find the error, fix it, and submit a new application. Carefully double-check every single letter and number, use a high-quality scan, and try again. A new, correct application is almost always approved quickly.

What Currency Should I Bring? Can I Use Euros or US Dollars?

The official currency of Benin is the West African CFA franc (XOF). This is the only currency you will be able to use for daily transactions like taxis, food, markets, and small hotels.

Do not plan on using Euros, US Dollars, or Bhutanese Ngultrum for your purchases. While a very large international hotel might (as a favor) change some Euros, the rate will be poor. You must use the local currency.

The best and safest currency to bring for exchange is Euros (€). US Dollars are also widely accepted at exchange counters, but Euros are often easier and preferred.

Where Can I Get Local Money (CFA Francs) at Cotonou Airport?

This is easy and safe. After you pass immigration and collect your luggage, you will enter the main arrivals hall (before you go outside). You have two excellent options:

1. ATMs: This is the easiest choice. You will see several reliable bank ATMs (like Ecobank or Bank of Africa). You can use your international Visa or Mastercard to withdraw CFA francs (XOF) directly.
2. Currency Exchange Counters: There are "Bureau de Change" windows where you can exchange your Euros or US Dollars for CFA francs.

Genuine Advice: Use the ATM at the airport to get enough cash to pay for your taxi and your first day's expenses. It's the most straightforward way to get the local currency immediately.

What Other Health Precautions Are Needed Besides Yellow Fever?

The Yellow Fever vaccine is the only one that is mandatory for entry. However, for your own health and safety, you must consider others.

• Malaria: This is critical. Benin is a high-risk malaria zone. You must speak to a travel doctor about getting antimalarial medication (prophylaxis) to take during your trip.
• Other Recommended Vaccines: Visit a travel clinic or your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss other recommended vaccines, such as:
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Tetanus (booster)
• Polio

Can I Extend My e-Visa Once I'm in Benin?

Yes, it is possible, but it is not a simple online process. You cannot extend your e-Visa on the website.

To extend your stay, you must go in person to the Immigration Office (Direction Générale de l'Immigration) in Cotonou before your current visa expires. This involves paperwork, new fees, and some waiting.

The Best Advice: Be realistic about your travel dates. If you think there's a chance you'll stay longer than 30 days, just apply for the 90-day, multiple-entry e-Visa from the beginning. It costs a little more, but it saves you a massive amount of bureaucratic hassle later.