Benin entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chilean passport holders need an eVisa to enter Benin. The process is entirely online — you apply before you travel, and you'll get an approval document to show at the border. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| e-VisaYou must get an electronic visa before you travel; it is not available on arrival. Apply before travel | Chilean passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival in Benin. Apply online through the official Benin e-Visa portal. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport needs to be valid for half a year after you arrive. Minimum 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Benin. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a completely empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Benin helps prove you intend to leave within your allowed stay. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket upon arrival. While not explicitly required, it is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsBring evidence you can support yourself, like a bank statement or credit card. Financial means | You may be required to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. No specific amount is mandated, but carrying cash or a bank statement is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any special arrival form before or upon landing. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for entry into Benin. | Not required |
| Visa extensionYou cannot extend your visa once in Benin, so plan your trip accordingly. Not available | The e-Visa for Benin cannot be extended beyond the granted stay period. | Not required |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. No card, no entry — no exceptions. Get the shot at least 10 days before you fly.
eVisa is the only option for Chileans
There is no visa on arrival for Chilean passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you board your flight to Benin.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Benin eVisa website (evisa.gouv.bj/en). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be faster.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and again at immigration in Benin.
3
Arrive at Cotonou Airport
Most international flights land at Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. After deplaning, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — no additional forms needed.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick for tourists. Then you're free to leave the terminal.
Download Benin Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Requires invitation letter from Benin company.
Transit visa
Max stay3 days
ValiditySingle use
Cost$30
For onward travel within 72 hours.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Paid online during application. | $100 |
| eVisa (multiple entry, up to 90 days)For frequent travelers. | $150 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before expiry. | $50 |
| Exit fee (if overstay)Paid at border or immigration office. | $20 per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Invalid or expired passport25%
Unclear travel purpose or insufficient documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Benin
No transit visa needed
Chilean passport holders transiting through Benin for less than 24 hours and not leaving the airport do not need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a transit or tourist eVisa is required.
Transit hubsCadjehoun Airport (COO)
Health & vaccines for Benin
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for entry; must show certificate upon arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedMeningitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially rural areas.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and consider prophylactic medication.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cotonou
Direction Générale de la Police Nationale - Service des Étrangers
Boulevard de la Marina, Cotonou
Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00
Porto-Novo
Commissariat Central - Bureau des Étrangers
Avenue du Général de Gaulle, Porto-Novo
Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalPorto-Novo
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 574.19 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can be as fast as 24 hours. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The official fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Chilean passport holders, expect around 50–100 USD for a single-entry tourist eVisa. Check the official portal for the exact amount before paying.
The eVisa is not extendable for standard tourist visits. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and reapply or check with the immigration office in Cotonou for special circumstances.
Yes, Benin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You can reapply with corrected info. There's no appeal process — just submit a new application.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport or have a long layover, you'll need the eVisa.
Benin uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants in Cotonou, but cash is king everywhere else. Bring euros or US dollars to exchange, or withdraw from ATMs (they're common in cities).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.