Canadian representation in Benin
Canadian Embassy in Cotonou
Contact details, consular information, appointments and practical information for the Embassy of Canada to Benin in Cotonou.
Contact details
Contact the Canadian Embassy in Cotonou
The Embassy of Canada to Benin is located in the DIBOUSSE building on Boulevard de la Marina in Cotonou.
DIBOUSSE building, Ground floor, South-East side
Cotonou
Benin
Tri-Postal 04 (Cadjéhoun)
Cotonou
Benin
Before visiting: The embassy operates on an appointment basis. Confirm the service you require and the current arrangements before travelling to the office.
Location
Where is the Canadian Embassy in Cotonou?
The embassy is located in the DIBOUSSE building on Boulevard de la Marina in Cotonou.
About the embassy
About the Embassy of Canada to Benin
The Canadian Embassy in Cotonou is Canada’s resident diplomatic mission in Benin. It provides an official Canadian presence in the country and supports Canada’s diplomatic relationship with Benin.
The embassy also serves as a local point of contact for Canadians visiting or living in Benin. Some consular functions are coordinated with the Embassy of Canada to Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.
Canadians who need urgent consular assistance outside regular office hours can contact Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre, which provides emergency consular support 24 hours a day.
Consular services
Services for Canadians in Benin
Canadian government services in Benin are divided between the embassy in Cotonou and Canada’s regional consular arrangements in Ouagadougou.
General enquiries
The embassy in Cotonou provides a local point of contact for general enquiries concerning Canada’s presence in Benin.
Citizenship services
Canadians can apply online for a citizenship certificate. Paper applications may also be left at the embassy’s consular drop-box during published workday hours.
Passport services
Passport arrangements are being centralized in Ouagadougou. Check the current instructions before submitting an application, particularly if your application will be made on or after November 1, 2026.
Notarial services
Global Affairs Canada directs clients requiring notarial services to the Embassy of Canada to Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.
Emergency assistance
Canadians facing an emergency in Benin can obtain consular assistance during business hours and contact Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre at any time for urgent cases.
Visa and immigration
Applications to visit, study, work or immigrate to Canada are handled through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and its official application channels.
Appointments
Appointments at the Canadian Embassy in Cotonou
The embassy currently publishes appointment-based office hours from Monday to Friday.
Monday to Thursday
Published appointment hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
Published appointment hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The embassy is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Check before travelling: Office hours and service arrangements may change during emergencies or official closures. Confirm the latest information before your visit.
Important service change
Passport and citizenship applications from November 1, 2026
Global Affairs Canada has announced a change to passport and proof-of-citizenship services for Canadians in Benin. Starting November 1, 2026, these applications will be processed through the Embassy of Canada to Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.
Send directly to Ouagadougou
For faster processing, applicants will be able to send completed passport and proof-of-citizenship applications directly by courier to the Embassy of Canada to Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.
Drop-off in Cotonou
Completed applications may still be dropped off at the Embassy of Canada in Cotonou. The embassy states that applications deposited there will be forwarded to Ouagadougou once per week.
318 Av. Pr. Joseph KI-ZERBO
Ouagadougou 01
Burkina Faso
Before you visit
What to check before visiting the embassy
Confirm the correct office
Some consular procedures are handled through Ouagadougou rather than directly in Cotonou. Check the current instructions for your service before travelling.
Check the date of your application
Passport and citizenship procedures change on November 1, 2026. Follow the instructions that apply on the date you submit your application.
Prepare your documents
Review the official requirements and make sure your forms, identification, photographs and supporting documents are complete before submission.
Frequently asked questions
Canadian Embassy in Cotonou FAQ
Is there a Canadian Embassy in Benin?
Yes. Canada maintains a resident embassy in Cotonou, officially designated the Embassy of Canada to Benin, in Cotonou.
Where is the Canadian Embassy in Cotonou?
The embassy is located at 360 Rue, Boulevard de la Marina, DIBOUSSE building, Ground floor, South-East side, Cotonou, Benin.
What is the telephone number for the Canadian Embassy in Cotonou?
The embassy’s published telephone number is +229 20 22 55 60.
What is the email address for the Canadian Embassy in Cotonou?
General enquiries can be sent to ctonu-g@international.gc.ca.
Do I need an appointment to visit the embassy?
The embassy currently publishes appointment-based office hours. Confirm the appropriate service and appointment arrangements before visiting.
What are the embassy’s opening hours?
Published appointment hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Can I submit a Canadian passport application in Cotonou?
Passport service arrangements are changing. Starting November 1, 2026, passport applications will be processed in Ouagadougou. Completed applications may still be dropped off in Cotonou for weekly forwarding, although sending them directly to Ouagadougou is expected to be faster.
Where are notarial services handled?
Global Affairs Canada currently directs clients requiring notarial services to the Embassy of Canada to Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.
Is emergency consular assistance available?
Yes. Canadians can seek assistance during business hours, and Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre provides emergency consular assistance 24 hours a day.