Cotonou Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (valid for at least 6 months) and visa if required by their nationality. Children over 1 year old must have yellow fever vaccination certificate. If traveling with only one parent or with non-parents, carry notarized consent letter from absent parent(s) or legal guardian, birth certificate showing parental relationship, and custody documents if applicable. This is particularly important to prevent child abduction concerns. Some airlines and immigration officers strictly enforce this requirement. The consent letter should include: child's full name and passport details, parent/guardian details, travel dates and destinations, and be notarized with contact information for the absent parent(s).

Bringing pets into Benin requires advance planning. Required documents include: valid veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior), import permit from Benin veterinary services (apply in advance), and microchip identification is recommended. Dogs and cats are the most commonly imported pets. Birds and exotic animals face additional restrictions and may be prohibited. Upon arrival, pets may be inspected by veterinary officials at the airport. Airlines have specific requirements for pet transport - check with your carrier well in advance. Consider quarantine possibilities and ensure your accommodation accepts pets. Pet facilities and veterinary care in Cotonou are limited.

Tourist visas are typically issued for 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. Visit the Direction Générale de la Police Républicaine (Immigration Office) in Cotonou with your passport, current visa, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and reason for extension. Extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities. Apply at least one week before your visa expires. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans. For long-term stays (work, study, residence), you'll need to apply for the appropriate visa category through a Benin embassy before travel or convert your tourist visa to another category, which requires sponsorship and extensive documentation. Business visas may allow longer stays or multiple entries.

Business visitors should apply for a business e-visa (rather than tourist visa) which may allow longer stays or multiple entries. Required documentation includes invitation letter from Benin-based company or organization (on company letterhead with registration details), letter from your employer explaining the purpose of visit, proof of business registration of inviting company, and proof of accommodation. At immigration, you may be asked detailed questions about your business activities. Keep all business-related documents accessible. If you'll be working (not just attending meetings), you may need a work permit in addition to your visa. Consulting with the Benin embassy or a local sponsor before travel is advisable for business trips.

If you're transiting through Cotonou airport without leaving the international transit area and continuing on the same or next available flight (typically within 24 hours), you generally do not need a visa. However, if you want to leave the airport, enter Benin, or have a longer layover requiring overnight stay, you'll need a visa appropriate to your nationality. Some nationalities may be eligible for a transit visa. Confirm with your airline and Benin authorities before travel. Ensure your yellow fever vaccination is current even for short transits, as it may be checked.

If you hold citizenship in both Benin and another country, you should enter and exit Benin using your Benin passport. If you hold dual nationality with an ECOWAS member state, you can use either passport but must be consistent (enter and exit on the same passport). Dual nationals should check both countries' requirements, as some nations don't recognize dual citizenship. If entering on a non-Benin passport when you hold Benin citizenship, you may face complications. Consult with Benin authorities if you have questions about your specific situation.

Journalists, photographers, and film crews must obtain special authorization before traveling to Benin for professional purposes. This includes applying for a journalist visa and press accreditation through the Ministry of Communication. Required documents include letter from media organization, detailed description of your project, itinerary, and equipment list. Professional camera equipment may require temporary import permits. Filming in certain areas (government buildings, military installations, ports) is restricted and requires additional permissions. Apply well in advance as the process can take several weeks. Tourist visas do not permit professional journalism or commercial filming activities.