Last updated: [05/2023]
The Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. This means starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic will no longer be in effect when the Presidential Proclamation Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic is revoked.
Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Entry and Exit Requirements
- Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? No
- U.S. citizens wishing to enter Benin, must apply for a Beninese eVisa. Visit the COVID-19 website of the Government of Benin for more information on travel restrictions to and within Benin.
U.S. citizens may extend their tourist eVisa to 180 days without charge by visiting the Embassy of Benin in Washington, D.C. or the Ministry of the Interior in Cotonou, Benin.
- U.S. citizens wishing to enter Benin, must apply for a Beninese eVisa. Visit the COVID-19 website of the Government of Benin for more information on travel restrictions to and within Benin.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? No
Quarantine Information
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
COVID-19 Testing
- COVID test is available at the official Beninese test centers through the Ministry of Health. Schedule an appointment and pay the testing fee on their appointment website and choosing the “Test Local PCR” option
- Test fees are 25,000 CFA for standard processing at the Palais des congrès.
- Test fees 50,000 CFA for expedited testing (labeled “VIP”), which can produce results in 4-6 hours (returning same day for tests done prior to 09:30). The VIP testing center is also located at the Palais des congrès.
- Payment can be made by mobile money and credit card.
- An electronic code will be provided to each registered person. This code will allow access to the test results. Travelers should print out these results prior to arrival at the airport.
- No prescription is required to obtain a pre-departure COVID-19 test. Tests for travelers under five years old are at no charge.
- The appointment website is in both French and English, however, staff at the testing centers may not speak English.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
- Are vaccines available in Cotonou for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes
- Information about Benin’s vaccination program can be found at Benin’s Ministry of Health’s website (in French). Vaccinations are available to anyone in Benin age 12 and older. There are over 100 vaccination centers in Benin, including most hospitals and town health centers. U.S. citizens should contact their local health center for more information about registering for the vaccine.
- All travelers who are fully vaccinated are invited to convert their yellow COVID-19 vaccination book into an electronic vaccination pass by going to the Covid Testing site at the Palais des Congrès open every day from 08:00 to 16:00. Travelers must bring their vaccination book, passport or ID card and title of transport (ticket).
- Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
Local Resources:
- U.S. Embassy Cotonou’s Most Recent Alerts
- Government of Benin COVID-19 webpage (in French)
- Benin’s Ministry of Health (in French)
- Benin’s Department of Emigration and Immigration (in French)
- Other links:
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Benin’s Country Information page at travel.state.gov
