Benin

Getting a tourist visa for Benin is a straightforward online process. Iraqi citizens cannot get a visa directly at the airport without prior online approval.

Visa Options, Length, and Price

There are three types of tourist e-Visas you can choose from. The price depends on how long you want to stay and how many times you plan to enter the country.

Single Entry Up to 30 days €50
Multiple Entry Up to 30 days €75
Multiple Entry Up to 90 days €100

Note: It usually takes 24 to 48 hours to process the visa, but it is best to apply at least 7 days before your trip.

Requirements for the Online Application

To fill out the online form, you only need a few basic things ready on your phone or computer:

Valid Iraqi Passport: It must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you plan to arrive in Benin, and it must have at least one blank page.
Passport Scan: A clear, digital photo or PDF scan of your passport's information (bio) page. Make sure all text and numbers are easy to read.
Passport Photo: A recent, digital passport-sized photograph with a clear background.
Email Address: A working email address where they will send your approved visa.
Payment Method: A valid international credit or debit card to pay the fee online.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online

Go to the Official Website: Open your browser and go strictly to the official Benin government visa portal: evisa.bj (avoid third-party sites that charge extra service fees).
Fill out the Form: Enter your personal information, passport numbers, and exact travel dates. Make sure the spelling matches your passport perfectly.
Upload Documents: Attach the digital scan of your passport bio page and your passport photo.
Select Your Visa Type: Choose whether you want the 30-day single entry, 30-day multiple entry, or 90-day multiple entry visa.
Pay the Fee: Enter your card details and pay the visa fee securely online.
Download and Print: Once approved, the e-Visa will arrive in your email inbox as a PDF. You must print this document out. Do not rely only on showing it on your phone.

Process Upon Arrival at Cotonou Airport (Cadjehoun Airport)

When you land at Cotonou Airport, you will pass through immigration control. The officers will verify your identity and your pre-approved electronic documents.
Here is exactly what the immigration officers will ask to see:

Your Original Iraqi Passport.
The Printed Benin e-Visa Document: They will scan the barcode or check the reference code on your paper copy.
The Yellow Card (CRUCIAL): This is the official World Health Organization (WHO) Yellow Card showing proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. This is 100% mandatory for everyone entering Benin. If you do not have this card, you might be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport for a fee.

Additional Things They Might Ask to See:

While these are not uploaded during the online application, immigration officers at the airport can legally ask you to show them:

Return or Onward Flight Ticket: Proof that you are leaving Benin before your visa expires.
Proof of Accommodation: A hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter with a physical address in Benin.
Proof of Funds: Showing that you have enough money (cash or cards) to support yourself during your stay.

Summary of Requirements for Iraqi Citizens:

Passport: Valid for more than 6 months.
eVisa approval letter Cost: € 50-100
Vaccine: Yellow Fever (Mandatory). If you don’t have one, don’t worry; they can vaccinate you at the airport for a fee.
Entry Point: All land borders and airports

My Experience

I visited Benin in January 2026, right during Vodun Days. I applied for the e-Visa through the official website, and the requirements were very simple. After uploading my documents, I chose the 3-month multiple-entry visa. Right after paying the fee, I immediately received an email. At first, I thought there was a problem, but when I opened it, it turned out I got my approved e-Visa instantly! Hahaha, I was sooo excited!

While traveling in Ghana, I was originally supposed to travel overland to Benin through Togo. But unfortunately, I couldn't get a Togolese visa, as they recently made it super hard for Iraqi citizens. Anyway, my only option left was to fly there! There is a direct flight, but unfortunately, it wasn't operating on my specific travel date. Since I really wanted to be in Benin on time for the Vodun Days, I had to fly from Ghana to Benin with a transit in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Upon arrival at Cotonou Airport in Benin, a medical staff member first checked my Yellow Fever certificate (luckily, I got mine 10 years ago in South Africa, and it's valid for a lifetime!). Don't worry if you don't have one, they can vaccinate you right at the airport, but you will have to pay a fee.

At the immigration counter, the officer looked at my passport and my printed e-Visa. Then, he handed my passport to a military officer who was sitting right next to him! (Benin had a failed coup attempt recently, so that extra military presence was probably there for security.) Just as he was about to open my passport, I told him, "I am here for Vodun Days!" Once he heard that, he immediately handed my passport right back to the immigration officer, who stamped me in and said, "Welcome to Benin Vodun Days!"

At the airport, there are ATMs, a currency exchange, and a SIM card shop (MTN). Plus, there was a dedicated tourism stand welcoming visitors for Vodun Days. I stopped there and got the official schedules for all the festival events, and the staff were incredibly nice.

I spent over a week in Benin and visited the cities of Cotonou, Ouidah, Ganvié, and Abomey. Even though the official language is French and my French skills are very basic hahaha, bonjour! I absolutely loved my time there. The people were so amazing and my overall experience was great. I highly recommend visiting, especially during Vodun Days!

Thank you, Benin, for making your visa process so easy for Iraqi travelers, and thanks from the bottom of my heart to all the Beninese people!